The upcoming iPhone 15 series has been the subject of numerous leaks in recent weeks, with four variants expected to launch later this year. The series will include the base iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple has never revealed details about its future flagship smartphones, but a pair of new sources have provided some significant specifications for the Pro variants.
New Report Contradicts Previous Reports on iPhone 15 Pro’s Volume Button Design
Traditional Volume Controls to Replace Solid-State Ones
According to a report by 9to5Mac, the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models may not include the previously rumored solid-state volume buttons. Haitong Tech analyst Jeff Pu claims that Apple may retain the original volume button design on the iPhone 15 Pro models, as the new solution’s construction is significantly more complicated. Insiders familiar with Apple’s supply chain told Pu about the new development. Instead of introducing new solid-state buttons, Apple may push back their release to 2024 iPhone models, according to the analyst. This contradicts previous reports that suggested the new iPhone models would feature redesigned volume buttons.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reaffirmed Pu’s claims, stating that the iPhone 15 Pro is still in the EVT (Engineer Validation Test) stage. This means that Apple has time to tweak the final design. Kuo believes that replacing the solid-state buttons will “simplify the development and testing process” and will not compromise the iPhone 15 launch date.
Impact on Apple Suppliers
The decision to revert to the traditional volume controls will harm Cirrus Logic and AAC Technologies, two Apple suppliers that would have been providing parts for the new buttons. However, according to Kuo, the move will not affect the iPhone 15 launch. Instead, it may simplify the development process and enable Apple to focus on other hardware upgrades for the series.
Price Hike and Design Changes for iPhone 15 Pro Models
New Features for the iPhone 15 Pro
Previous reports suggested that Apple may increase the prices of the iPhone Pro models this year, given significant hardware upgrades. Reportedly, the iPhone 15 Pro will have a titanium casing with a rounder-edged design, narrow display bezels as thin as 1.55mm, and a larger camera bump than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The series will include the latest A-series chip, a 5G modem, and an advanced image signal processor for better camera performance.
Changes to Design and Casing
The iPhone 15 Pro is rumored to have a new design that features a titanium casing instead of the stainless steel one on the iPhone 12 Pro. The change in casing material may make the device more challenging to manufacture, but it will offer greater durability, according to reports. The iPhone 15 Pro will feature a smaller camera notch and may even remove it altogether in favor of a punch-hole design.
Price Hike for iPhone 15 Pro Models
Reports suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro models will come with a price hike due to the significant hardware and design upgrades. The price increase could range from $50 to $150, depending on the variant. However, Apple has not confirmed these reports, and the final cost of the devices may vary depending on the region and local taxes.
Conclusion
The iPhone 15 series is one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of the year, with four variants expected to hit the market later this year. While Apple has not disclosed any specifics about the upcoming devices, recent leaks suggest that the Pro models may not have the previously rumored solid-state volume buttons. The company may revert to traditional volume controls to simplify the development and testing process. The iPhone 15 Pro models are also expected to have a new titanium casing, narrow display bezels, and a larger camera bump, among other upgrades. However, the rumored hardware upgrades and design changes may result in a price increase for the devices.
