The iPhone 15 series will feature upgraded camera systems, including a 48-megapixel main camera, periscope lens for the telephoto camera in the Pro Max model, and improved image quality and resolution for the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras.
The upcoming iPhone 16 Ultra is rumored to feature a camera system capable of capturing 3D spatial photos and videos, similar to the Apple Vision Pro headset, which could potentially become a popular feature and drive demand for the headset.
The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have 8GB RAM, providing a performance boost for simultaneous app usage and browsing with multiple tabs, while the base model iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will retain the 6GB RAM found in the previous models; and although there won't be a storage increase to 2TB as rumored, the Pro models will now start at 256GB and the iPhone 15 will support tethered shooting to a Mac and recording video directly to an external SSD, enhancing the capabilities for photographers and videographers.
Apple's iOS 17 Release Candidate build reveals that the new iPhone 15 Pro can record ProRes 2.8K at 60 fps to external storage, a significant improvement over previous models, but the external storage devices must be formatted to exFAT or APFS.
The iPhone 15 models support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring and output to an external display or TV, offering improved video capabilities compared to previous iPhone models.
The new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have the capability to capture depth data from photos with people or pets, allowing users to adjust the focus after the shot, a feature that Steve Jobs had envisioned for the iPhone camera system.
Apple's iPhone 15 Pro, powered by the A17 Pro chip, offers the fastest smartphone performance on the market, native versions of AAA games, and the ability to connect to 4K external displays for gaming, positioning it as a powerful mobile gaming console.
The iPhone 15 Pro has USB 3.0 support, which offers faster transfer speeds and the ability to record footage directly to an external hard drive, making it a great choice for videographers, but for most people, the regular iPhone 15 with USB 2.0 will suffice.
Apple has updated its video editing apps, including Final Cut Pro and iMovie, to support log-encoded video shot on iPhone 15 Pro models, allowing for higher dynamic range and more color grading flexibility in footage.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro have improved camera sensors that produce high-quality photos suitable for printing in large formats, making them a viable option for photography enthusiasts.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has excellent video performance, including stabilization and color, but its drawbacks, such as the gap in the field of view between the main sensor and telephoto lens, leave it in second place overall in DXOMARK's camera review.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in almost every aspect of its camera system, except for zoom and portrait photos.
The author compares the image quality of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Nikon Z8 cameras and concludes that while the Nikon Z8 is the better camera overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can still capture impressive images, especially in landscapes and portraits.
The iPhone 15 is praised for its impressive camera, sleek design, and the transition to a USB-C charger, making it one of the best smartphones available and an appealing choice for Android users wanting to switch to iOS.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's main camera with its larger sensor and improved exposure provides better fidelity, color, and contrast in photos compared to the iPhone 13 Pro, making it a significant upgrade for photography enthusiasts, especially in low-light scenarios.
The iPhone 15 Pro brings numerous improvements compared to previous models, including a lighter titanium build, an Action button for programming shortcuts, a USB-C port, and upgraded cameras, making it a more appealing option for those looking for faster performance and a better camera. However, it may not be necessary to upgrade if you already have an iPhone 14 Pro or newer, as the improvements may have niche uses and may not significantly impact the daily experience.
The iPhone 15 Pro is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with improvements in design, battery life, and cameras making it the best Pro iPhone yet, according to a reviewer.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have faced controversies such as overheating and case wear, but overall deliver impressive improvements in cameras, charging speeds, battery life, and performance.