The upcoming iPhone 15 series is rumored to feature a switch from Lightning to USB-C ports, a design with skinnier bezels and a Dynamic Island cutout, easier repairability, upgraded ultra wideband for integration with Apple's AR headset, 15-watt wireless charging, a periscope-style telephoto lens, solid-state buttons for the Pro models, increased RAM for the Pro models, and potential price increases, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max possibly receiving a $100 to $200 price hike.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have a smaller battery capacity than previously rumored, but the use of a 3nm fabrication process and stacked battery technology could still improve battery life by up to 20%.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to have a $100 price increase over the current models, according to analyst Dan Ives, but promotional activities and discounts from U.S. carriers are likely to drive sales and offset potential resistance.
Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 15, new smartwatches, and the latest AirPods at its upcoming event, with the iPhone 15 Pro line being the most significant new product, and the company is also expected to discuss upcoming software updates.
Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 with incremental improvements including a lighter design, better chip, battery life, camera, and a USB-C charging cable, but the smartphone market is slowing down as people hold on to their devices longer and there is less incentive to upgrade.
The iPhone 15 will come with a new feature that allows users to limit the maximum battery charge to preserve its health and improve longevity.
Apple has increased the prices of its latest iPhones in countries like China, Japan, and India, while keeping prices the same in the U.S., as it aims to target premium users and reinvigorate growth in key markets. Although the price hikes are mainly for higher storage options and the more expensive models, Apple has also implemented price cuts in certain regions to target budget-conscious consumers.
Apple has reduced the prices of its iPhone 14 series in China after the release of the iPhone 15 lineup.
Apple's newly launched iPhone 15 series does not come with improved battery life compared to the previous iPhone 14 series, suggesting that the battery capacities may have remained the same or potentially even decreased.
Popular third-party Apple accessory companies have introduced new accessories for the upcoming iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, including discounts on cases, charging accessories, and more.
Apple now sells three versions of EarPods, including ones with USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm connectors, alongside the update to AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case, available for $19 on Apple's online store for use with the new iPhone 15 models.
The Chinese regulatory database reveals that the iPhone 15 has a 3,349mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3,274mAh battery, and Apple's official battery life estimates for the iPhone 15 models are the same as the iPhone 14 models.
Apple has updated its repair fees for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, offering significantly lower fees for repairing back glass damage compared to the previous models.
Apple has made repairs easier and cheaper for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max by introducing a removable glass back, with back glass replacements costing $169 and $199 respectively, and those with AppleCare+ only paying $29, while the cost of battery replacements for Apple Watches has increased from $79 to $99.
Despite lukewarm reception and concerns around a Chinese ban, pre-orders for Apple's iPhone 15 are exceeding expectations, especially for the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max models, which are expected to boost Apple's average selling prices by approximately $100 over the past year.
Apple is expected to achieve year-over-year growth in Q4 thanks to better than expected iPhone revenue and profit, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus performing well, while the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro may face order cuts if their prices are not reduced, according to Ming-Chi Kuo's analysis based on supply chain sources.
### Summary
Apple's lineup of headphones has grown substantially, and the AirPods Pro are considered the ultimate option due to their high-quality features, including active noise cancellation and spatial audio. Refurbished models of the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are available with attractive deals.
The under-appreciated features of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro include the ability to charge accessories via USB-C, turning the phone into a gaming console, the ability to connect external storage and micro SD cards for professional video recording, cheaper repair costs for the rear glass, and significant weight reduction in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
During Amazon's October Prime Day sale, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are marked down to $189, the lowest price they have ever been, making it the perfect time to snag a pair of these highly rated and technologically advanced earbuds.
