Make Way for iPhone 15

| Words by Madeline Myers

The tech world is buzzing with anticipation as Apple's annual fall event draws closer. As we approach the much-awaited conference, let's dive into the realm of rumors and speculations to explore what we can expect come September.

Launch Date

First thing’s first: when’s it happening? While it’s hard to pin down an exact date, Apple almost always releases the new iPhone in the first two weeks of September. That brings us to Tuesday, September 5 at the earliest as that Monday, September 4, is a holiday in the United States. Other sources, including MacWorld, speculate that the event will take place the following week on Tuesday, September 12.

iPhone 15 Pro Max renders from an iThinkDifferent article by Rida Imran

Model & Size

According to an article by MacRumors, Apple is expected to release four new models: a standard iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Plus, and two Pro Models, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. As always, the best features will be reserved for the higher-end Pro models.

The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to come in at 6.1 inches, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be 6.7 inches, making them identical in size to their iPhone 14 counterparts. The same carryover sizing is expected for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

Dynamic Island For All

While substantial changes in size may not be on the horizon, significant design updates are eagerly anticipated.

Bloomberg’s tech reporter and Apple expert Mark Gurman is confident that Apple will introduce Dynamic Island to every iPhone model this year. This marks the abandonment of the longstanding notch design, which has been a consistent carryover feature since iPhone X. The Nomad team is stoked on this rumored update – Dynamic Island creates a less obtrusive and overall sleeker display experience.

Other Design Changes

Other speculation suggests that the Pro models will have thinner and more gently curved bezels to increase display size and create the illusion of a boundless screen. Apple is also expected to use a stronger titanium material for the chassis of both Pro models in place of the currently used stainless steel.

And finally, according to an article by 9to5Mac, the Pro models are rumored to feature a new "Action" button instead of the traditional mute switch. This button is anticipated to have various functions, including initiating Shortcuts, activating the camera, enabling the flashlight, and toggling silent mode. We’re all about ease of use, so we’re excited to familiarize ourselves with this new feature.

A leaked iPhone 15 Pro Max render showing the rumored "Action" button from @ShrimpApplePro

From Lightning to USB-C

Most sources agree that Apple will transition the latest iPhone from Lightning to USB-C. This transition not only aligns with new EU standards and industry trends, but enhances cable compatibility across a broader range of devices. One cable for the entire Apple ecosystem? We’d love to see it.

While all iPhone 15 models may pivot from Lightning to USB-C, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to feature an enhanced USB-C port boasting swifter USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 data transfer capabilities.

Our signature Lightning Cable, fortified with a double-braided Kevlar® outer sheath

Camera Upgrades

According to another article by MacRumors, Apple plans to introduce several changes to the iPhone 15 camera.

Rumored enhancements include the debut of periscope camera technology to iPhone 15 Pro Max. The periscope lens heralds enhanced zoom capabilities, offering 5x to 6x optical zoom, a notable upgrade from the previous 3x optical zoom on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Improvements in the rear-camera LiDAR Scanner, featuring Sony's energy-efficient VCSEL technology, are expected to either boost performance while maintaining power efficiency or deliver enhanced capabilities within current power consumption levels.

And finally, rumored refinements in camera aperture will result in superior low-light performance and sharper depth of field for striking images with more precisely blurred backgrounds.

A New Chip

Many publishers, including both MacRumors and 9to5Mac, agree that the Pro models will feature a refined 3-nanometer A17 chip while the standard Phone 15 models will continue utilizing the same A16 chip we saw in iPhone 14 models. The A17 chip's augmented performance and efficiency hold the promise of accelerated speeds and extended battery life.

The new A17 chip from 9to5Mac

Pricing

The good news is that the standard iPhone 15 models will likely be similar in price to their iPhone 14 counterparts, with the 6.1 inch iPhone 15 starting at $799 and the 6.7 inch iPhone 15 Plus starting at $899.

Some sources claim the iPhone 15 Pro could start at $1,099, up from $999 for the iPhone 14 Pro. A similar price hike is expected for the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max. Are the Pro models worth the extra cost? It’s always hard to say based on speculation, but one thing’s for sure – all the rumors have us very excited.

Here at Nomad

Apple’s fall event is always an exciting time of year here at Nomad. From cases to charging cables, our team is busy developing gear for the latest Apple has to offer. Stay tuned to our website and socials over the next two weeks for the latest updates.

Sport Case, Modern Leather Case, and Rugged Case for iPhone 14 Pro