iPhone 15 to reportedly hit shelves on September 22. Here are the features to expect
Looks like Apple loyalists won't have to wait long to get their hands on the next iPhone, as the new handset is reportedly rolling out in stores in mid-September this year.
According to Bloomberg's chief tech correspondent and reliable Apple analyst Mark Gunman, iPhone 15 is set to debut on Sept. 12 or 13, which is almost two weeks before it is expected to go on sale on Sep. 22.
Gunman was told of the news following Apple's post-earnings call last Thursday. His report echoes that of Filipe Espósito of 9to5Mac, who reported on Aug. 3 that the launch of iPhone 15 would likely be on Sept. 13 to be specific.
"Multiple sources" told the outlet that smartphone companies have been asking their staff not to take the day off on Sept. 13 "due to a major smartphone announcement."
Although there was no mention of Apple, the tech conglomerate has a known tradition of announcing its newest iPhone models in its Apple Special Event held in September of every year.
The iPhone 14 series, for one, was unveiled by Apple on Sept. 7, 2022, while its predecessor, the iPhone 13 series, was announced on Sept. 14, 2021. The iPhone 12 was introduced at a later time—Oct. 13, 2020—but the preceding iPhone 11 was unboxed on Sept. 10, 2019.
As for its availability in stores, the iPhone 15 series is expected for an earlier rollout than its predecessors. This is despite the "smartphone slowdown" Apple admitted to experiencing during its post-earnings conference call last Thursday.
The slump, according to Gunman's report, is reflected in the company's declining sales in the last three quarters. It was due to the decreasing demand for smartphones and other gadgets in the US that has been affecting the entire industry.
Despite this, the clamor for Apple's iPhone 15 has been strong, with leaks and concept photos going viral in recent months. Below are some of the features you can expect from the upcoming smartphone, according to Bloomberg and 9to5Mac.
What to expect from Apple's iPhone 15 series
While everyone has yet to see the features of the iPhone 15 until Apple makes its big reveal, Gunman said that this year's release will reportedly be the biggest update the handset is having in three years.
For starters, the iPhone 15 series is getting a boost in its design, with slightly thinner bezels and rounder edges. There's also a slight curvature on the front and back glasses that altogether makes the phone easier to hold and carry.
In addition to these, the Pro models are likely to come with a titanium frame more premium than the iPhone's current stainless-steel body.
This year might also be the time Apple is finally saying goodbye to the iPhone's side buttons and mute switch. According to information obtained by 9to5Mac, the buttons and switch will be replaced by two new modules that use haptic technology simulating the feeling of pressing buttons.
As for the cameras, an image leaked by a Weibo user suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro will have a larger bump than the Pro Max model, with the latter coming with a periscope camera that has optical zoom capabilities.
Meanwhile, all models in the iPhone 15 series will likely feature Dynamic Island, which is only present in iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. Charging is also expected to be easier, with Apple reportedly ditching the Lightning port for a USB-C.
While Apple has yet to confirm the launch date and specs of its upcoming iPhone, fans of the famed smartphone can still save up before it lands in stores soon.