USB-C Ports and Faster Charging
New leaks for Apple’s iPhone 15 series have unveiled exciting updates, including images of their new USB-C ports, bezels, and a potential surprise upgrade for older iPhone models.
A pair of images showcasing the purported USB-C component that Apple will adopt across the iPhone 15 lineup have been released by reliable sources. Notably, credible insider Unknownz21 noted: “Upon closer inspection – key details match up perfectly, this looks to be the real deal.”
With upcoming international regulations driving this shift, the move to USB-C presents a significant benefit for iPhone users. It will allow owners to use a single cable to charge their iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks, and even share cables with Android users.
Moreover, this change opens the door for Apple to offer quicker data transfer and charging speeds for iPhones, which have lagged behind Android competitors. Early information suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro models may come equipped with Thunderbolt 4 performance (40,000 megabits/sec), a massive upgrade compared to the current USB 2.0 speeds (480 megabits/sec). Regardless, the potential for improved speeds is now within reach.
Super Thin Bezels and Engineering Achievement
Next, renowned insider Majin Bu has shared details about upcoming screen protectors for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, showcasing their incredibly thin bezels. These protectors are projected to measure a mere 1.5mm in thickness, setting a new record and surpassing the Xiaomi 13 (1.81mm). Notably, they are approximately 20% and 30% thinner than the bezels on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro, respectively.
Apple’s engineering feat in achieving such thin bezels is impressive and paves the way for larger displays in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models expected in 2024.
Confirmation of iPhone 15 Range and Model References
In an intriguing revelation, Apple seems to have verified the existence of its iPhone 15 range and hinted at new versions of the iPhone 14 in its tvOS 17 beta code.
Discovered by @aaronp613, the code refers to identifiers such as iPhone15,4, iPhone15,5, iPhone16,1, and iPhone16,2. These version numbers correspond to chip generations rather than model numbers. Specifically, iPhone15,x features the A16 chip (iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max), while iPhone16,x corresponds to the A17 chip (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max).
Possible Reasons for Refreshing iPhone 14 Models
Why would Apple consider updating the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max just a year after their launch? A credible theory suggests that Apple might introduce USB-C ports to this lineup, especially since these models are likely to be on sale during the EU sales ban. Notably, Apple has already adopted USB-C in its Pro-branded products, except for iPhones, for quite some time, indicating a potential consistency move.
In addition to these leaks, buyers of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can anticipate enhancements such as a titanium chassis, a new solid-state Action button, and upgraded UWB technology. Standard iPhone 15 models are expected to adopt the Dynamic Island design, while the entire range is poised to embrace smarter, cooler stacked battery technology.
Although significant price increases may give some buyers pause, limited stock availability at launch will likely drive eager upgraders to act swiftly.
Early iPhone 15 Pro Redesign Details
Update: Surprisingly, Apple’s plans for redesigning the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max seem to be influencing its entry-level model, the iPhone SE4, sooner than expected.
In a recent revelation by Unknownz21, the main design changes for the iPhone SE4 in 2024 have been unveiled:
- Design based on iPhone 14
- USB-C
- Face ID
- Action button
While the first two changes were anticipated, the inclusion of Face ID and an Action Button comes as a surprise. Face ID is notably more costly to produce than the Touch ID sensor found in current iPhone SE models. The addition of an Action Button to the budget-friendly iPhone SE4 while excluding it from the pricier iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models is an unexpected move.
Apple’s tradition of incorporating advanced technology into its more affordable models is well-known. However, the swift implementation of these changes is noteworthy, considering the departure from the iPhone SE’s iPhone 8-inspired design. Speculation suggests that the Action Button’s introduction to iPhone 15 Pro models could offer cost savings in comparison to the current physical mute switch, potentially enhancing durability and water resistance.
So why the select inclusion of the Action Button in Pros? The rationale likely lies in scale. Apple’s widespread iPhone sales introduce greater risk, making the implementation of a new feature across the entire iPhone 15 range a potential challenge. By initially introducing it to the Pros, Apple can manage potential issues and refine the feature before a broader rollout.
