In a surprising twist, a recent leak suggests that Apple will downgrade the manufacturing process for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, potentially leading to a more affordable production cost. The leak comes from a reliable source known as Cell Phone Chip Expert on Weibo, who has a track record of accurate chip production leaks.

According to the leaker, Apple plans to switch from the current N3B process to a cost-reducing N3E process for the A17 chipset used in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While the N3E process is still 3nm like its predecessor, it has a reduced logic density, which simplifies production and lowers costs. However, this change may result in a higher power draw and could potentially impact battery life.

What’s surprising about this leak is the timing. The transition to the N3E process is expected to happen in 2024, which falls within the midcycle of the iPhone 15 lineup. While it’s not uncommon for Apple to switch component manufacturers midcycle, it is highly unusual for the core chip to undergo a process change.

Despite the potential cost savings for Apple, it’s unlikely that these savings will be passed down to customers. Therefore, it is still expected that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will see price increases.

Looking ahead, some speculate that this chip switch might be in preparation for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, rather than being a midcycle replacement for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Apple has a pattern of using the previous year’s Pro technology in the next generation’s standard models. Thus, finding a cheaper way to produce the A17 chip in 2024 would make sense in the context of this pattern.

Regardless of the chip transition, customers can anticipate other upgrades in the iPhone 15 lineup. These include a super thin bezel design, improved cameras, and the adoption of USB-C across the entire range.

Opinions on the iPhone 15 range vary, with some leakers considering it a mediocre upgrade, while analysts expect record sales. The reaction from Apple’s dedicated fanbase remains to be seen.

In recent updates, new leaks have emerged showcasing the larger camera cutouts and the addition of a customizable Action Button for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The Action Button will use a solid-state pressure-sensitive sensor, similar to MacBook laptops, increasing durability and water resistance. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is rumored to feature a periscopic optical zoom lens, potentially surpassing rival devices in zoom camera performance.

As production for the iPhone 15 range ramps up, more leaks have revealed the smaller cutout for the new Action button and the larger cutout for the USB-C port. The loss of the mute switch has been replaced by the customizable Action button, providing quick launch options for various features. However, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models will retain the mute switch for another year. Furthermore, slight repositioning of the power and volume buttons has been observed in leaked case images, indicating Apple’s ongoing tweaks to button placement.

Apple continues to refine its devices, and more leaks are expected as the company plans to increase iPhone screen sizes in the future.