According to the media source from TechNews, as rumored, Apple has made significant changes to its iPhone 15 series this year to comply with EU regulations. All four models in the lineup now feature USB-C charging ports. However, the Pro version’s USB-C port will provide USB 3-level transfer speeds.
TrendForce: iPhone 15 Production is Projected to Reach 80M in 2023, still at Downward Revision Risk
According to TrendForce analysis published before the Apple event, Apple’s latest product launch largely aligns with TrendForce’s predictions. Although the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was increased by US$100, it also received upgrades in NAND capacity (256GB) and a periscope-style lens. This pricing seems reasonable given the current weak economy. Unfortunately, the strong US dollar might affect consumer enthusiasm due to the differences in currency exchange in overseas sales regions.
Furthermore, based on TrendForce’s research, the Chinese market has always been one of the main focal points for Apple, accounting for 20~25% of the brand’s sales. With Huawei’s recent flagship series launch, combined with the Chinese government’s restrictions on iPhone usage, there might be a shift in consumer demand away from the iPhone. TrendForce estimates that production of this year’s new models will be around 80 million units, with the Pro series potentially accounting for up to 60% of that. As for the annual forecast, there’s a projected 5% YoY decline, and further downward revisions have not been ruled out.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
The budget-friendly iPhone 15 has also ditched the notch and adopted a dynamic island design. The main camera has been upgraded to 48 million pixels, and it introduces a new 2x telephoto lens option, offering users a total of three levels of optical zoom. Both models also feature colored glass back panels with a stunning textured matte finish and a new curved-edge aluminum body.
Furthermore, the satellite rescue feature in the iPhone 15 series has received a minor upgrade, now offering “Satellite-Transmitted Roadside Assistance.” Leveraging Apple’s satellite infrastructure, this feature can help users contact the U.S. AAA roadside assistance unit in case of car breakdowns when there is no signal.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have upgraded to the A16 Bionic chip and come in display sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. The HDR peak brightness has been improved, now reaching up to 1,600 nits, making HDR photos and videos look better than ever before. On sunny days, the outdoor peak brightness can go up to 2,000 nits, which is double that of the previous generation.
Both models feature the second-generation ultra-wideband chip, extending the range for devices equipped with it up to three times the previous range. This allows users to locate each other using the “Precision Finding” feature, even in crowded places. “Precision Finding” maintains the same privacy protections as “Find” and has earned users’ trust.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The starting price for the iPhone 15 is 29,900 NT dollars, while the iPhone 15 Plus starts at 32,900 NT dollars. Pre-orders begin on September 15th at 8:00 PM, with deliveries starting on September 22nd.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
This year, the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro is the use of aerospace-grade titanium for its body, claiming to be the lightest Pro model ever while retaining high strength. The new design also includes curved edges and customizable “gesture” buttons, allowing users to personalize their iPhone experience.
The iPhone 15 Pro series has also switched to a USB-C charging port, but the Pro version offers USB 3-level super-fast speeds, up to 20 times faster than USB 2. Combined with a new video format, it enables powerful professional workflows previously unattainable.
As rumored, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a periscope lens with 5x optical zoom at 120mm. The Pro Max introduces an innovative four-element periscope prism design in its telephoto camera, along with optical image stabilization and an auto-focus 3D displacement sensor module. This creates Apple’s most advanced stabilization system to date, suitable for close-ups, wildlife photography, and capturing distant action perfectly.
Both models also introduce the “Satellite-Based Roadside Assistance” feature, allowing users to get assistance even without a signal when their vehicle encounters problems.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four stunning new finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. The products will be open for pre-order on September 15th, with deliveries starting on September 22nd. (Image credit: Apple)