01/31 Update below. This post was originally published on January 28
Apple shocked iPhone fans last year with the extent of differentiation between iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. Now a new leak has revealed that the gap between them will grow even wider with the iPhone 15 line-up.
Working with Apple leaker Unknownz21, MacRumors has revealed multiple specification and design differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, including information sourced from leaked internal Apple documents. Unknownz21 has a remarkable track record, once sourcing an early version of iOS 14 months ahead of release.
Early iPhone 15 Ultra concept shows flat rather than curved edges
The leaker’s latest information is unlikely to go down well with iPhone buyers on a budget. MacRumors states that documents he obtained “confirm” that Apple’s new 3nm A17 chipset will be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models, as will a redesigned chassis with solid state power and volume buttons. Even the phones’ connectivity will be different, with Wi-Fi 6E reserved for the Pros — something previous leaks had not distinguished.
For this latter point, given its unprecedented nature (for example, all iPhone 14 models used Wi-Fi 6), Unknownz21 publicly released the documentation. He also called this “the tip of the iceberg,” with additional leaks, including full images, to follow ahead of the range’s EVT (Engineering Validation Test) stage, which begins in March.
Considering that multiple leaks have already told us that iPhone 15 Pro models will again have superior cameras and exclusive ProMotion displays, there is almost nowhere the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will have parity with their more expensive siblings.
01/30 Update: further news has broken about Apple’s 2023 iPhone plans, or rather what will no longer happen. Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revised his prediction that a foldable iPhone will arrive in 2023, stating that Apple has shifted its focus to prioritize a folding iPad instead.
Kuo says that Apple is making a foldable iPad with carbon fiber kickstand, which makes it lighter and more durable. He even reveals that Apple has a supplier for this part, Anje Technology. Kuo explains that a 2024 release is more likely, but he is “positive” about this timeframe and the device’s ability to “boost shipments and improve the product mix.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple is working on a clamshell iPad design with the bottom half of the folding iPad working as a keyboard when typing. Gurman predicted a release would not be until 2026, which puts two heavyweights of the sector in opposition. Apple fans will hope Kuo is right.
01/31 Update: Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed further information about Apple’s future iPhone plans. The noted analyst states that the iPhone 15 Pro Max (potentially ‘Ultra’) will be the only iPhone 15 model to sport a periscope camera, functionality that enables higher levels of optical zoom.
This backs up previous his previous leaks, but the headline news is Kuo claims this will not be part of a wider transition for the iPhone range to periscope cameras — at least for several years:
“As previously predicted, the highest-end model of the 2H23 new iPhone 15 model (15 Pro Max or 15 Ultra) will adopt the periscope camera. The market expected that adding periscope cameras to more iPhone models would drive demand for lens upgrades in 2023-2024. But my latest survey indicates only one/highest-end new iPhone 16 model in 2H24 will have the periscope camera, not the two models the market expected.”
This will be a shock to iPhone fans, given the widespread adoption of periscope cameras in rival flagship smartphones. Moreover, it suggests that Apple is seeking to extend feature differentiation even in iPhone Pro models.
Yes, longer battery life has always been a benefit of the iPhone Pro Max, but that came down to physical size rather than a desire from Apple to make the iPhone Pro inferior. However, periscope cameras don’t require a Pro Max-size chassis. Creating a deliberate feature differentiation (which isn’t a result of physical size) is not a line Apple has previously crossed with iPad Pro and MacBook Pro ranges.
In fact, the last time Apple tried this was the dual versus single rear camera setup of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in 2017. Though in this incarnation of iPhone, the Plus was the equivalent of Pro models today.
Apple is traditionally the master of product segmentation, but this is a risk. Especially in conjunction with global price rises the company is expected to introduce with the iPhone 15 lineup later this year.
Apple iPhone 15 Ultra concept based on early leaks
Apple is taking a big risk here. Sales of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have been underwhelming, with buyers choosing to spread the higher cost of Pro models over carrier contracts for the clear benefits they bring. So widening that gap is unlikely to give the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus the sales boost.
According to leaks, Apple’s solution is a classic carrot and stick strategy. The carrot is Apple will allegedly bring the Dynamic Island design to standard models. The stick is higher iPhone 15 Pro prices. Whether the gamble pays off, only time will tell.
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