01/31 update below. This post was originally published on January 28th
Apple shocked iPhone fans last year with the extent of the differentiation between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. Now a new leak has revealed that the gap between them will only get wider with the iPhone 15 lineup.
Work with Apple Laker Unknown 21MacRumors has it open Multiple differences in specifications and design between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, including information derived from leaked internal Apple documents. Unknownz21 has a great track record, once getting an early version of iOS 14 months before release.
The early iPhone 15 Ultra concept shows flat edges instead of curved ones
The latest leaked information is unlikely to sit well with iPhone buyers on a budget. MacRumors states that the documents it obtained “confirm” that Apple’s new 3nm A17 chipset will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models, as well as the redesigned chassis with The power and volume buttons are in the solid state. Even the phones connectivity will be different, with Wi-Fi 6E dedicated to professionals — something Previous leaks did not discriminate.
As for this last point, due to its unprecedented nature (for example, all iPhone 14 models use Wi-Fi 6), Unknownz21 has released the documents publicly. This has also been dubbed “the tip of the iceberg,” with additional leaks, including full images, to follow the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase, which begins in March.
Given that many leaks have already told us that the iPhone 15 Pro models will once again feature superior cameras and exclusive ProMotion displays, there is almost nowhere the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be on par with their pricier siblings.
Update 01/30: More news has been revealed about Apple’s iPhone 2023 plans, or rather what is no longer happening. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revised his predictions that the foldable iPhone will arrive in 2023, Mentionsed that Apple has shifted its focus to prioritize the foldable iPad instead.
Kuo says that Apple is making a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand, which would make it lighter and more durable. He even revealed that Apple has a supplier for this part, Anje Technology. Kuo states that a 2024 release is more likely, but he is “positive” about that time frame and the device’s ability to “increase shipments and improve product mix.”
Mark Gorman, formerly of Bloomberg mentioned Apple is working on a clamshell iPad design where the bottom half of the foldable iPad doubles as a keyboard when typing. Gorman predicted that release wouldn’t be until 2026, putting two heavyweights in opposition. Apple fans hope Kuo is right.
Update 01/31: Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed more information about Apple’s future plans for the iPhone. famous analyst States That the iPhone 15 Pro Max (likely Ultra) will be the only iPhone 15 model to have a periscope camera, a function that enables higher levels of optical zoom.
This backs up his previous leaks, but the main news is that Kuo claims this won’t be part of a broader iPhone range transition to periscope cameras — at least for several years:
As previously expected, the new 2H23 iPhone 15 top-of-the-line model (15 Pro Max or 15 Ultra) will adopt the periscope camera. Markets expected the addition of periscope cameras to more iPhone models would drive demand for lens upgrades in 2023-2024. But my latest survey indicates that only one iPhone 16/top model in 2H24 will have a periscope camera, not the two models that the market expected.”
This will be a shock to iPhone fans, given the widespread adoption of Periscope cameras in competing flagship smartphones. Further, it indicates that Apple is seeking to extend feature differentiation even in the iPhone Pro models.
Yes, longer battery life has always been a benefit of the iPhone Pro Max, but that’s more down to physical size rather than Apple’s desire to make the iPhone Pro inferior. However, periscope cameras do not require a Pro Max sized body. Creating intentional feature differentiation (which is not a consequence of physical size) isn’t a line Apple has previously crossed with its iPad Pro and MacBook Pro ranges.
In fact, the last time Apple tried this was with the dual versus single rear camera setup of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus back in 2017. Although in this incarnation of the iPhone, the Plus was the equivalent of today’s Pro models.
Apple is traditionally the leader in product segmentation, but that’s a risk. Especially in conjunction with the global price hike, the company is expected to introduce the iPhone 15 lineup later this year.
The Apple iPhone 15 Ultra concept is based on early leaks
Apple is taking a big risk here. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus sales It was disappointing, where buyers choose to spread the higher cost of Pro models over carrier contracts for the obvious benefits they bring. So widening this gap is unlikely to increase sales of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
According to the leaks, Apple’s solution is the classic carrot and stick strategy. It is claimed that Apple will bring the Dynamic Island design to the standard models. stick iPhone 15 Pro price hike. Whether the gamble pays off, only time will tell.
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