Apple iPhone 15: Rumors, Release Date, and Features

Apple’s most recent iPhone series, the iPhone 14, was launched in September 2022. While the iPhone 14 (and the 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 14 Plus) may not be the leap in the future of models past, it was nonetheless a worthwhile upgrade from the iPhone 13. If you’re thinking of purchasing it, we recommend checking out our iPhone 14 phone + plan deals.

Now we turn our attention to the upcoming Apple iPhone 15 series, which we expect will drop in mid-September 2023 and feature four models. Here’s a breakdown of the iPhone in order of release and what to expect for coming models.

Typically, iPhones are officially announced at Apple Events in September. Rumours suggest Apple announcing the iPhone 15 at a special event on September 13, with preorders on September 15 and the official launch on September 22. Any spinoff iPhone models that are announced at the event (e.g., iPhone XS and XR) are usually shipped about a month later. That said, there are a few dates you need to be aware of when it comes to getting your hands on the latest model:

List of iPhone release dates in order

iPhone 15: Spec rumours and launch date

The iPhone 14 series became available to pre-order on September 9, 2022 with online and in-store availability on September 16, 2022. Right now, rumours suggest the iPhone 15 will be announced at an Apple event on September 13, 2023.

Like the iPhone 14, we predict Apple will feature four phones: two base models and a pair of iPhone Pros. The iPhone and entry-level Pro should come with a 6.1-inch screen, while the iPhone 15 Plus and 15 Pro Max get a larger 6.7-inch display. Here’s what we think the iPhone 15 roster will look like and how much they’ll cost:

• iPhone 15 (6.1-inch screen): $1,448
• iPhone 15 Plus (6.7-inch screen): $1,645
• iPhone 15 Pro (6.1-inch screen): $1,843
• iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7-inch screen): $2,041

One of the biggest changes we’re expecting (and hoping for) is a switch from Lightning to USB-C. As 9to5Mac reports, regulation in the European Union (EU) has forced Apple’s hand into switching from its proprietary Lightning port to the universal USB-C standard. Because most modern devices including phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and monitors use USB-C for various purposes like charging, video output/input, and data transfer, USB-C on iPhones makes Apple phones more universally compatible. Just think you won’t have to lug around a separate charger and cable.

On the iPhone 14, Apple’s Dynamic Island was only available on the 15 Pro and Pro Max. However, rumors suggest that the Dynamic Island comes to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus as MacRumors reports. Presumably, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus get a bump to Apple’s A16 processor as found in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, while the flagship 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max get an upgrade to Apple’s bleeding-edge A17 chip. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may enjoy a periscope lens for improved telephoto camera capabilities.

iPhone 14 features

While the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus feature a notch, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are now notchless. Instead, there’s a “Dynamic Island” near the top of the display that can be resized for various applications like displaying app information or notifications.

Both iPhone 14 Pro variants sport 48MP cameras for even better picture quality than the iPhone 13 Pro models. This was predicted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who postulated that the iPhone 14 would feature a 48MP lens. That’s a pro-level upgrade that photography enthusiasts (and even amateur photographers) should appreciate.

Unfortunately, there’s still no USB-C on the iPhone 14. From a connectivity perspective, this would negate the need to carry around a smorgasbord of different dongles.

As we expected, Apple’s A16 processing chip graces the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Basically, every new iPhone generation comes with a new processing chip, and since we got the A15 with iPhone 13, it seemed that the A16 chip would be right around the corner. But as early rumors indicated, the vanilla iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 mini utilize the Bionic A15 (albeit the five-core version from the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max), while the Bionic A16 is reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro MAX.

Apple Special Event dates

Rumours suggest Apple will announce the iPhone 15 at a special event on September 13, 2023. Apple Special Events are held every year (sometimes multiple times a year) to announce new products and accessories. These dates are important to know because you’ll be able to see just what the new iPhone model will have. Although not everyone is invited to these events, since they’re usually for media only, they are always streamed live, so you can tune in from the comfort of your own home. Apple usually announces the new iPhones during a Special Event held in September each year unveiling:

• New features
• Pricing
• Release dates

Apple held an iPhone 14, Apple Watch, and AirPods unveiling on September 7, 2022.

iPhone preorder dates

Rumours suggest the iPhone 15 will be available for preorder on September 15, 2023. When do iPhones typically come out? The major carriers typically preorder sales within days of the official phone announcement in September. This is the best time to get the new iPhone as carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer special deals for early birds. The iPhone 14, for example, had both trade-in discounts and buy one, get one free deals available from the major carriers on its launch date. Preorder periods last about a week prior to the release date of the actual iPhones. The main iPhone models (i.e., iPhone 14, 13) are released shortly after the Special Event date, while any potential spinoff versions (i.e., iPhone 14 Plus/Pro Max) are usually made available within the following months.

iPhone 2023 preorder and shipping dates

The iPhone 15 is rumoured to be available for preorder on September 15, 2023. The iPhone 14 was announced in a September 7, 2022 event. Phones went up for pre-order on Friday, September 9, 2022 with handsets hitting shelves and online retailers on Friday, September 16, 2022.