Apple is facing significant production issues with the camera sensors and titanium chassis for the iPhone 15 models, which may impact availability, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is experiencing delays in manufacturing, potentially causing problems for early upgraders.
Apple's upcoming "Wonderlust" event is expected to introduce the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models with features including a titanium chassis, reduced bezels, improved battery life, increased memory, customizable Action button, enhanced cameras, and a new ultra-wideband chip.
Apple will be announcing the iPhone 15 series at an event on September 12, with features including a USB-C port, a titanium frame for the Pro models, and upgraded camera specifications.
The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to be lighter than its predecessor, with a new midframe made from Grade 5 Titanium, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 10%.
The upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra by Samsung is expected to feature a titanium build, following Apple's decision with the iPhone 15 Pro, potentially influencing other manufacturers to follow suit.
The iPhone 15 Pro's rounded titanium edges do not provide better drop test durability compared to the iPhone 14 Pro's flat stainless band, as impact is spread into the front and back glass, causing spiderwebbing cracks.
The titanium frame on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max may temporarily change color due to fingerprints, but Apple assures customers that this can be easily remedied by wiping the device with a cloth.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max feature titanium sides, which theoretically should make the phones more durable, although early reports suggest otherwise.
iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 15 Pro Max reveals a mixed bag of results: while the phone's dual-entry removable glass back cover is a win for consumers, the titanium shell scratches easily, and the parts pairing requirement severely hampers repairability, earning the device a low repairability score.
The iPhone 15 Pro is experiencing overheating issues believed to be caused by design compromises such as using a titanium frame, which affects thermal efficiency, according to prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max did not crack under pressure in Consumer Reports' scientific testing, contradicting previous findings by YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, which raised concerns about the new titanium frame's durability; Consumer Reports also confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max survived a drop test with no damage.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's titanium build did not offer significant real-world benefits in a drop test comparison with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, despite Apple's implementation of the material.
