The Demise of Lightning: The Arrival of USB-C in the iPhone 15 Series
As Apple gears up to unveil the iPhone 15 generation next week on September 12 (Tuesday), it's no secret that the company is making a significant shift from its proprietary Lightning port to the more universal USB-C standard. While Apple will likely highlight the advantages of USB-C during the event, it's unlikely they'll mention the EU, which is the driving force behind this change. The move is set to impact Apple's revenue from the MFi certification program, and according to Mark Gurman, there's concern that this shift may introduce cracks in Apple's walled garden, as their users will soon have accessories that are compatible with Android devices as well.
As Apple gears up to unveil the iPhone 15 generation next week on September 12 (Tuesday), it's no secret that the company is making a significant shift from its proprietary Lightning port to the more universal USB-C standard. While Apple will likely highlight the advantages of USB-C during the event, it's unlikely they'll mention the EU, which is the driving force behind this change. The move is set to impact Apple's revenue from the MFi certification program, and according to Mark Gurman, there's concern that this shift may introduce cracks in Apple's walled garden, as their users will soon have accessories that are compatible with Android devices as well.
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| Goodbye Lightning, hello USB-C |
Embracing USB-C: A Unified Connection Across Apple Devices
Apple is finally aligning its iPhones with the rest of its product ecosystem by adopting the versatile USB-C port. While this transition may pose some challenges for certain users, Apple will ease the process by including high-quality USB C-to-C cables in the retail package.
For the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models, these cables will support up to 60W (USB PD 3.0, 20V at 3A), even though the phones themselves will cap at 20W charging, similar to their predecessors. This versatility means the cable can also be used for charging laptops. Although the cables will be USB 2.0, this aligns with the industry standard, even among Android flagship devices. It's worth noting that the USB-C port on the iPhones will operate at USB 2.0 speeds, akin to the outgoing Lightning ports.
Bigger Battery Boost
Insiders have hinted at larger batteries across all models in the iPhone 15 series. While exact capacity details are still under wraps, expectations are that the 15 Pro Max and possibly the 15 Plus will come close to the 5,000mAh range (compared to the 4,323mAh batteries in the 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max). This enhanced battery capacity will complement the faster charging capabilities in the Pro model.
Dynamic Island for All
The era of Apple's extra-wide notch is drawing to a close, at least for the main series. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will join their siblings in adopting the Dynamic Island, Apple's term for the pill-shaped punch hole housing both the FaceTime camera and FaceID hardware.
Apple is finally aligning its iPhones with the rest of its product ecosystem by adopting the versatile USB-C port. While this transition may pose some challenges for certain users, Apple will ease the process by including high-quality USB C-to-C cables in the retail package.
For the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models, these cables will support up to 60W (USB PD 3.0, 20V at 3A), even though the phones themselves will cap at 20W charging, similar to their predecessors. This versatility means the cable can also be used for charging laptops. Although the cables will be USB 2.0, this aligns with the industry standard, even among Android flagship devices. It's worth noting that the USB-C port on the iPhones will operate at USB 2.0 speeds, akin to the outgoing Lightning ports.
Bigger Battery Boost
Insiders have hinted at larger batteries across all models in the iPhone 15 series. While exact capacity details are still under wraps, expectations are that the 15 Pro Max and possibly the 15 Plus will come close to the 5,000mAh range (compared to the 4,323mAh batteries in the 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max). This enhanced battery capacity will complement the faster charging capabilities in the Pro model.
Dynamic Island for All
The era of Apple's extra-wide notch is drawing to a close, at least for the main series. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will join their siblings in adopting the Dynamic Island, Apple's term for the pill-shaped punch hole housing both the FaceTime camera and FaceID hardware.
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| All iPhone 15 models will have a Dynamic Island |
The Display Frontier: Vanilla iPhones Stick to 60Hz Refresh Rate
In terms of display upgrades for the standard iPhone 15 models, it appears that the much-anticipated 120Hz ProMotion mode won't make its debut this year. Consequently, LTPO panels, known for their power-saving capabilities, especially at lower refresh rates, are also not on the horizon for these devices.
48MP Cameras Take Center Stage
Building on the 48MP sensor trend introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models, this year's iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will follow suit with a 48MP primary sensor boasting an f/1.6 lens. This upgrade is expected to deliver enhanced low-light performance, a significant improvement from previous iterations. While the ultra-wide camera will maintain a 12MP resolution, it's worth noting that there won't be a dedicated telephoto lens. Instead, the new primary camera is expected to offer improved zoom capabilities, providing a versatile imaging experience.
In terms of display upgrades for the standard iPhone 15 models, it appears that the much-anticipated 120Hz ProMotion mode won't make its debut this year. Consequently, LTPO panels, known for their power-saving capabilities, especially at lower refresh rates, are also not on the horizon for these devices.
48MP Cameras Take Center Stage
Building on the 48MP sensor trend introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models, this year's iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will follow suit with a 48MP primary sensor boasting an f/1.6 lens. This upgrade is expected to deliver enhanced low-light performance, a significant improvement from previous iterations. While the ultra-wide camera will maintain a 12MP resolution, it's worth noting that there won't be a dedicated telephoto lens. Instead, the new primary camera is expected to offer improved zoom capabilities, providing a versatile imaging experience.
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| The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will have stacked 48MP sensors |
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will maintain their camera specifications from the previous year, featuring the familiar 48MP sensors with the 1/1.28" Sony IMX803. Interestingly, it's the standard iPhone models that will take a leap forward in this department, incorporating stacked sensors, potentially offering superior camera performance. It's worth noting that the Pro models are expected to adopt stacked sensors in the following year.
In terms of materials, Apple has utilized stainless steel for the Pro series since the iPhone X. However, with the experience gained from the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra, the company is now ready to transition the iPhone Pro frames to titanium. This material change is expected to make the Pro models lighter, addressing concerns about the weight of previous iterations, such as the 2022 Pro Max which outweighed some foldable phones. On the other hand, the standard iPhone models will continue to use aluminum for their construction, so significant changes to their build aren't anticipated at this time.
In terms of materials, Apple has utilized stainless steel for the Pro series since the iPhone X. However, with the experience gained from the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra, the company is now ready to transition the iPhone Pro frames to titanium. This material change is expected to make the Pro models lighter, addressing concerns about the weight of previous iterations, such as the 2022 Pro Max which outweighed some foldable phones. On the other hand, the standard iPhone models will continue to use aluminum for their construction, so significant changes to their build aren't anticipated at this time.
Based on the dummy units, the color options for both the standard and Pro iPhone 15 series appear somewhat lackluster, lacking inspiration for the most part. However, a couple of standout options may catch the eye.
Anticipated Apple A16 Chipsets
Apple's plans for chipsets in the iPhone lineup reveal a strategic approach. It's reported that 90% of TSMC's 3nm capacity has been reserved by Apple this year. A significant portion of this allocation will be dedicated to producing Apple A17 Bionic chipsets. The A17 is expected to feature 6 CPU cores (2+4) and break mobile clock speed records, with performance cores potentially reaching speeds of up to 3.7GHz.
For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, Apple is likely to maintain a one-year lag behind the Pro models, equipping them with the 2022 A16 chipset (a reminder that last year's standard iPhones featured the A15 chip). RAM capacity is expected to remain at 6GB LPDDR5, consistent with the iPhone 14 models. There's a slim possibility of the Pro models receiving an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, but such an enhancement is unlikely for the 15 and 15 Plus models.
The Toggle Button Persists
While the two Pro models are set to adopt an Action button inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are expected to retain the toggle button. Similar to the Dynamic Island feature, this button upgrade may be reserved for next year's iteration of the standard iPhone models.
Market Outlook
Industry analysts anticipate that the inclusion of a periscope lens will make the iPhone 15 Pro Max the most sought-after model in the series, accounting for approximately 35-40% of total iPhone 15 orders. This increased demand is further boosted by the superior chipset expected in the Pro models.
However, Apple has reportedly encountered production challenges, potentially delaying the iPhone 15 Pro Max's launch until October due to Sony's struggles in manufacturing enough sensors for the periscope module. In contrast, the other three iPhone 15 models are expected to open for pre-orders almost immediately after their unveiling, with a possible delay of only a couple of days.
As the Pro models gain momentum, there's speculation that the demand for standard iPhone models may wane. Reports suggest that Apple has trimmed production from 83 million to 77 million units for the entire series, attributed in part to production issues and an expectation of lower demand.
Ultimately, the pricing for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is expected to remain stable, while the iPhone 15 Pro may see a $100 increase. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might experience a $100 to $200 price hike.
Anticipated Apple A16 Chipsets
Apple's plans for chipsets in the iPhone lineup reveal a strategic approach. It's reported that 90% of TSMC's 3nm capacity has been reserved by Apple this year. A significant portion of this allocation will be dedicated to producing Apple A17 Bionic chipsets. The A17 is expected to feature 6 CPU cores (2+4) and break mobile clock speed records, with performance cores potentially reaching speeds of up to 3.7GHz.
For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, Apple is likely to maintain a one-year lag behind the Pro models, equipping them with the 2022 A16 chipset (a reminder that last year's standard iPhones featured the A15 chip). RAM capacity is expected to remain at 6GB LPDDR5, consistent with the iPhone 14 models. There's a slim possibility of the Pro models receiving an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, but such an enhancement is unlikely for the 15 and 15 Plus models.
The Toggle Button Persists
While the two Pro models are set to adopt an Action button inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are expected to retain the toggle button. Similar to the Dynamic Island feature, this button upgrade may be reserved for next year's iteration of the standard iPhone models.
Market Outlook
Industry analysts anticipate that the inclusion of a periscope lens will make the iPhone 15 Pro Max the most sought-after model in the series, accounting for approximately 35-40% of total iPhone 15 orders. This increased demand is further boosted by the superior chipset expected in the Pro models.
However, Apple has reportedly encountered production challenges, potentially delaying the iPhone 15 Pro Max's launch until October due to Sony's struggles in manufacturing enough sensors for the periscope module. In contrast, the other three iPhone 15 models are expected to open for pre-orders almost immediately after their unveiling, with a possible delay of only a couple of days.
As the Pro models gain momentum, there's speculation that the demand for standard iPhone models may wane. Reports suggest that Apple has trimmed production from 83 million to 77 million units for the entire series, attributed in part to production issues and an expectation of lower demand.
Ultimately, the pricing for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is expected to remain stable, while the iPhone 15 Pro may see a $100 increase. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might experience a $100 to $200 price hike.
That's the latest update for now. Stay tuned, as we'll be back next week with comprehensive coverage of the highly anticipated iPhone 15 launch.
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