Answers to frequently asked questions about the latest iPhones, including the iPhone 15.

On September 12, 2023, during its ‘Wonderlust’ product launch event, Apple revealed four new iPhone models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This article contains all the important information you need to know about the new phones. It covers the price, technical specifications, design changes, reported problems, and our recommendations for purchasing.

What are the names of the latest iPhone models?

Speculation circulated about Apple potentially introducing a new “Ultra” branding for their high-end products, but this turned out to be false. Instead, Apple continued with their approach from the previous year and used:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

It is possible that an iPhone 16 Ultra will be released in 2024. You can find out more about the iPhone 16 by reading “iPhone 16: Everything you need to know.”

What was the release date of the iPhone 15?

The latest iPhone models, the 15-series, were revealed at Apple’s Wonderlust event on September 12. Customers could begin placing orders on Apple’s website at 5 a.m. PDT, 8 a.m. EDT, and 1 p.m. in the U.K. on Friday, September 15. The phones officially went up for sale on September 22.

iPhone 15-series price

The following are the prices for Apple’s latest iPhone models. In the United States, an unlocked iPhone will cost more, while opting for a network-locked handset will also result in a higher price. In the United Kingdom, these prices are for unlocked iPhones.

In certain instances, these costs are more favorable than the 2022 counterparts. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will have higher prices in 2022, while the Pro and Pro Max prices have remained unchanged in the U.S., but have decreased in the U.K. and increased in Australia.

It is important to mention that the 15 Pro Max now has a minimum storage capacity of 256GB instead of 128GB, making it less costly than it appears.

Interested in purchasing a brand new iPhone 15? Avoid overspending by checking out our compiled list of the top deals for the iPhone 15-series in both the U.S. and U.K., which can be found in separate articles.

In 2022, the prices of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 are being compared.

iPhone	2023 iPhone 15-series price	2022 iPhone 14-series price
iPhone 15	128GB: $799 / £799 / AU$1,499 256GB: $899 / £899 / AU$1,699 512GB: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$2,049	128GB: $829 / £849 / AUD$1,399 256GB: $929 / £959 / AUD$1,579 512GB: $1,129 / £1,179 / AUD$1,899
iPhone 15 Plus	128GB: $899 / £899 / AU$1,649 256GB: $999 / £999 / AU$1,849 512GB: $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,199	128GB: $929 / £949 / AUD$1,579 256GB: $1,029 / £1,059 / AUD$1,749 512GB: $1,229 / £1,279 / AUD$2,099
iPhone 15 Pro	128GB: $999 / £999 / AU$1,849 256GB: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$2,049 512GB: $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,399 1TB: $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,749	128GB: $999 / £1,099 / AUD$1,699 256GB: $1,099 / £1,209 / AUD$1,869 512GB: $1,299 / £1,429 / AUD$2,219 1TB: $1,499 / £1,649 / AUD$2,569
iPhone 15 Pro Max	256GB: $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,199 512GB: $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,549 1TB: $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,899	128GB: $1,099 / £1,199 / AUD$1,899 256GB: $1,199 / £1,309 / AUD$2,099 512GB: $1,399 / £1,529 / AUD$2,419 1TB: $1,599 / £1,749 / AUD$2,769

Which iPhone model should I purchase: 15, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max?

The solution to this inquiry is influenced by several factors, such as your current phone, financial limitations, and desired smartphone features. We have multiple articles that aim to address this question and will provide the links below.

To assist in selecting the most suitable iPhone for your needs, please refer to our iPhone comparison chart for 2023, which offers a thorough comparison of all available iPhone models.

Curious about upgrading your current phone? Check out our article on the iPhone 15, where we discuss whether it’s worth upgrading from the iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, or older models.

Find out what we (and others) think of the 2023 iPhones:

• Review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

• Initial thoughts on the iPhone 15 Pro: Minor yet consistent improvements.

• Initial thoughts on the iPhone 15: It’s time to retire that outdated iPhone

We also make comparisons between older and newer handsets.

• Should you upgrade to the iPhone 15 from the iPhone 13?

There may be additional concerns about purchasing a new iPhone. Reports have surfaced about potential problems, such as the iPhone 15 overheating and being susceptible to damage.

The video on YouTube suggests that the glass on the back of the new iPhone is easily damaged. If this is accurate, we recommend getting a case to protect your new phone. Check out our list of top cases for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, as well as our guide for setting up a new iPhone.

Set-up problems: In Apple warns of potential iPhone 15 issues we discuss news that you should update to iOS 17.0.2 to address an issue with setting up the new iPhone using your old iPhone. Apple also notes that: “For iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the oil from your skin might temporarily alter the color of the outside band.

Possible rewording: According to reports, the iPhone 15 Pro is experiencing problems with overheating. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes this could be due to compromises in the thermal system design, such as a smaller heat dissipation area and the use of a lighter titanium frame, which can negatively affect thermal efficiency. Kuo predicts that Apple will address these issues through a software update.

However, there is also positive news:

Apple has reduced the price of repairs for the latest iPhone models, meaning that if your new iPhone 15 Pro gets damaged, it will be much more affordable to have it fixed compared to the previous iPhone 14.

The teardown conducted by iFixIt suggests that the repair process for the iPhone 15 Pro is simpler. However, this is only applicable if Apple is responsible for the repairs.

To access this feature, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Charging Optimization and select the 80% Limit option. This will prevent your iPhone from charging fully, preserving battery life.

Improve your battery’s longevity: The latest iPhones will come equipped with a new function designed to extend their battery life. By navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Charging Optimization and selecting the 80% Limit option, users can prevent their phones from charging past 80% capacity. Find out more here: The iPhone 15 will offer enhanced battery capabilities to prolong the life of your device. Simply go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Charging Optimization and choose the 80% Limit feature to limit charging and preserve battery health.

The iPhone 15 models include the Plus, Pro, and Max versions, which all feature USB-C compatibility.

If you’re curious about the implications of switching to a new iPhone with USB-C, you may find it helpful to read our articles on the topic: “USB-C and the iPhone 15” and “Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone 15’s USB-C Port.” These pieces explore the significance of the switch.

The 2023 iPhones come equipped with USB-C ports, while the previous models have not received this update. The Pro versions are the only ones capable of achieving faster data transfer speeds of 10Gbps. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have a limited speed of 480Mbps, similar to the Lightning port.

The package includes a USB-C cable, but you must purchase a 20W adapter plug if you do not already have one. Refer to the guide “Which power adapter is required for charging an iPhone?”

You might be curious about how to charge the latest iPhone 15 series with its USB-C port. The box no longer includes a plug (since 2020), but it does come with a USB-C cable that can enable fast charging if you have a 20w plug. Alternatively, you can also charge the phone wirelessly.

These resources can assist in locating the information you require.

• Top-rated USB-C charging cords for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

• Best iPhone chargers

• How to power up an iPhone 15 using a Lightning cable.

• Top MagSafe wireless chargers for iPhone in 2023

Changes to the design of the iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Max models.

Each of the four iPhone 15 models have undergone design alterations compared to the previous generation, though none of these changes are particularly drastic. One notable change is the slight curvature on the back edges, which is intended to enhance the user’s grip and comfort while holding the phone.

The latest models of iPhone, the 15 and 15 Plus, feature a unique back glass with a textured matte finish in a color not seen before in the industry. Additionally, these models now have the Dynamic Island feature, which was previously only available on the Pro version.

This is the appearance of the iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 is available in black, blue, green, yellow, and pink.

The Pro versions, as per usual, come with various physical enhancements. The most noticeable change is the replacement of the mute switch with a pressable Action button. This button will silence your phone by default, but can also be customized to perform different functions, such as opening the Camera app, activating Voice Memos, or triggering Accessibility features. When you press the Action button, you will receive haptic feedback and the Dynamic Island will provide additional visual indicators.

The 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are constructed with titanium, which is a new addition to the iPhone series. This material is expected to offer a better balance between strength and weight compared to stainless steel, resulting in reduced weight for both Pro models. For instance, the 15 Pro Max now weighs 221 grams, a decrease of 19 grams from the 14 Pro Max. This equates to a weight reduction of almost 8 percent. Similarly, the 15 Pro has gone down in weight by 9 percent.

What are the available color choices for the iPhone 15 Pro? According to Apple’s website, they include Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. Why don’t the Pro versions have more unique color options?

Similar to the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022, all U.S. versions have dual eSIM capabilities and do not have a physical SIM tray. Customers in the U.K. have access to a physical nano-SIM slot, but please be aware that if you have a SIM card inserted, you will only be able to use one eSIM.

The latest features of iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Max.

The latest phones have capabilities that the previous versions did not have. For example, having USB-C allows for a more convenient use of a single charger for multiple Apple products. The Dynamic Island is now available on all four models (previously only on the Pro devices) and has been enhanced. A particularly intriguing improvement is the ability to charge an Apple Watch or 2nd-gen AirPods Pro by connecting them to your phone.

The latest features of the more affordable iPhone 15 models are discussed in The Top Five Upgrades for the New iPhone 15.

In addition to various design enhancements, the new A17 Pro chip offers incredible speed, and the Pro versions also boast impressive photography capabilities. Check out our top picks for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max in the article “Top Features of iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max”.

Apple’s environmental efforts are noteworthy, particularly in regards to their claims about sustainability. The latest iPhone 15 models incorporate a higher percentage of recycled materials compared to previous versions. The basic models proudly feature 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery, 100 percent recycled copper in the main logic board, as well as recycled copper wire in the Taptic Engine and copper foil in the MagSafe inductive charger. The Pro models stand out with their use of 100 percent recycled aluminum substructure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery, marking significant achievements for Apple in terms of sustainable practices.

The company also asserts various successes in regards to conserving energy and eliminating or decreasing the use of plastic and harmful chemicals. They have also promised to completely phase out leather from any new Apple products. More information about this can be found on Apple’s environmental webpage.

Specifications for iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Max models

These are the main technical specifications for the latest iPhones. It is important to note that the 15 and 15 Plus models will have the same processors as last year’s iPhones (the A16 Bionic, which was also used in the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max), while the Pro models will have the new A17 Pro chip. This is Apple’s first chip to be manufactured using a 3nm process, making it the first of its kind in the industry. This allows for a higher density of transistors and improved power efficiency.

iPhone 15

• The A16 Bionic processor has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU.

• The display on this device measures 6.1 inches and has a resolution of 2556 by 1179 pixels with a pixel density of 460ppi, known as Super Retina XDR.

• The back camera has two lenses: a 48MP lens with an aperture of f/1.6 and a 12MP lens with an aperture of f/2.4 for ultra wide shots. It also has the capability to zoom optically up to 2X.

• Front camera with 12 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.9.

• Smart HDR 5
• 128/256/512GB storage

• The expected duration of the battery is about 20 hours when watching videos.

• Rapid charging: Achieve 50% battery level in just 30 minutes using a 20W adapter.

• “The latest wireless technology includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G connectivity.”

• Charging and data transfer through USB-C port

• This device has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

• The dimensions are 5.81 inches by 2.82 inches by 0.31 inches, or 147.6 millimeters by 71.6 millimeters by 7.8 millimeters.

• 6.02 ounces (171 grams)

iPhone 15 Plus

• The A16 Bionic chip has a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU.

• This device features a 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2796×1290 and a pixel density of 460ppi. It is called the Super Retina XDR display.

• The back camera has two lenses: a 48MP lens with an f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP lens with an f/2.4 aperture. It also has the ability to zoom up to 2 times using optical zoom technology.

• The front camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.9.

• Smart HDR 5
• 128/256/512GB storage

• Battery life expectancy: Up to 26 hours of video playback.

• The charging process is quick, with the ability to reach 50% charge in just 35 minutes when using a 20W adapter.

• “Wireless technology Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G network connectivity.”

• Connection for charging and data transfer using a USB-C port.

• The device is protected against dust and water with an IP68 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

• The dimensions are 6.33 inches in length, 3.06 inches in width, and 0.31 inches in thickness (or 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm).

• 7.09 ounces (201 grams)

iPhone 15 Pro

• The A17 Pro processor features a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU.

• The always-on display of the Super Retina XDR with ProMotion has a size of 6.1 inches and a resolution of 2556×1179 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 460ppi.

• The rear camera has three lenses: a main lens with 48 megapixels and an f/1.78 aperture, an ultra wide lens with 12 megapixels and an f/2.2 aperture, and a telephoto lens with 12 megapixels and an f/2.8 aperture. It also has the ability for up to 3 times optical zoom.

• The front camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.9.

• Smart HDR 5
• 128/256/512GB/1TB storage

• The approximate duration of battery usage: Can last for 23 hours while playing videos.

• Rapid charging: Achieve 50% battery level within 30 minutes using a 20W power adapter.

• Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, 5G

• Connection for charging and data transfer using USB-C (compatible with USB 3)

• This device has an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water, with the ability to withstand submersion up to a depth of 6m for a duration of 30 minutes.

• 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 inches (146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25mm)
• 6.60 ounces (187 grams)

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• The A17 Pro processor has a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU.

• The device features a 6.7-inch always-on Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2796×1290 and a pixel density of 460ppi, along with ProMotion technology.

• The back camera has three lenses: a 48MP main lens with f/1.78 aperture, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with f/2.2 aperture, and a 12MP telephoto lens with f/2.8 aperture. It also has the capability of up to 5X optical zoom.

• The front camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.9.

• Smart HDR 5
• 256/512GB/1TB storage

• The estimated battery life is up to 29 hours for video playback.

• “Rapidly charge your device with a 20W adapter and reach 50% battery in just 35 minutes.”

• The latest wireless technologies include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, and 5G.

• Connection for charging and transferring data using USB-C (compatible with USB 3)

• This device has a IP68 rating for protection against dust and water, allowing it to be submerged up to 6m for a maximum of 30 minutes.

• The dimensions of the object are 6.29 inches by 3.02 inches by 0.32 inches (159.9mm by 76.7mm by 8.25mm).

• 7.81 ounces (221 grams)

The transition from Lightning to USB-C as the port for charging and data transfer on all four models is a major change. Apple has promoted this as a positive move, and in many aspects it is, but the switch was required due to impending regulations. The Pro models will have faster data transfer speeds since they support the USB 3 standard.

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