Apple enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and thanks to two recent reports, some major changes have been brought to light. One of the most significant revelations comes straight from Apple itself, as its latest iOS 17 beta release contained code related to the rumored ‘Action button’ on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
The iOS 17 beta 4 code reveals that the Action button will offer nine different functions: Accessibility, Shortcuts, Silent Mode, Camera, Flashlight, Focus, Magnifier, Translate, and Voice Memos. What’s surprising is the sheer number of functions that this button will support. Previous leaks suggested that the Action button might only have two or three options at launch, but the current list indicates a much more versatile feature. It remains to be seen how many functions can be accessed simultaneously, possibly through a combination of presses, swipes, or gestures. Additionally, third-party support for the Action button is likely to be introduced in the future.
However, the introduction of the Action button has sparked polarized opinions among Apple fans. Some are frustrated to see the mute switch being replaced, and the absence of a mute function for the button is unlikely to appease them. While it’s possible that the mute function could be added later, Apple has a history of ‘leaking’ upcoming features through iOS updates, so this current list may indeed be the final one.
In addition to the Action button, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) has provided insights into the rest of the iPhone 15’s feature set. According to DSCC, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will feature slightly larger displays, thanks to slimmer bezels and an A16 chipset with Dynamic Island design. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, on the other hand, will sport a 3nm A17 chip, “ultra-thin bezels,” a titanium chassis, stacked battery technology, WiFi 6E, and more RAM. Notably, all models will shift to USB-C instead of the traditional Lightning port.
The inclusion of stacked battery technology is a particularly intriguing upgrade. It was initially dismissed by a source, but DSCC’s mention confirms its legitimacy. Stacked batteries offer improved space efficiency, around 10% more capacity, better cooling while charging, and longer-lasting performance.
Some other anticipated upgrades not mentioned by DSCC include improved Ultra-Wideband (UWB) capabilities to work with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro, and Apple’s first periscopic zoom lens, which is set to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, there is one potential downside to all these exciting features: higher-than-expected price rises for the iPhone 15 Pro Max models. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, it’s no surprise that advanced features and upgrades may come with a premium price tag.
In conclusion, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are shaping up to be impressive devices with several notable enhancements and innovations. The introduction of the Action button and the adoption of stacked battery technology are particularly exciting changes that are sure to generate both excitement and debate among Apple fans. As the official release date approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these new features and upgrades are received by consumers and how they contribute to the overall user experience of the latest iPhone models.