Apple has recently revealed its latest high-end iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, boasting that they are the most potent smartphones Apple has ever produced. These premium devices are crafted from titanium, equipped with Action Button, and powered by the A17 Pro chip, promising unprecedented performance levels that could even rival some top-tier PCs. Starting at $999 for the 15 Pro with 128GB storage and $1,199 for the Pro Max with 256GB storage, both models will be available for preorder soon and officially on sale by September 22nd.
The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch screen, while the Pro Max comes with a 6.7-inch display, identical to the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. Both models are fueled by the A17 Pro chip, which, according to Apple, delivers the fastest performance available in any smartphone, potentially transforming mobile gaming experiences. Although Apple has previously hyped up high-end gaming capabilities, the results have not always met expectations. However, with a revamped GPU, Apple is optimistic that these devices will redefine mobile gaming.
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have replaced the traditional Lightning port with a USB-C port, enhancing more than just charging capabilities. Apple claims that the 15 Pro is the first phone to offer 10Gbps transfer speeds, significantly simplifying the process of transferring large files, photos, and videos from your phone.
The robust power of these devices is encased in a new, stronger enclosure that Apple asserts is among the toughest materials used in any smartphone in the industry. Although the design does not appear drastically different in the promotional videos, it is a significant change. The devices are available in white, black, blue, and “natural” colors, showcasing Apple’s intricate engineering process.
A noteworthy addition is the Action Button, which has replaced the ringer switch on the left side of the iPhone Pro. This customizable button can be programmed to activate shortcuts, accessibility features, open the camera, turn on the flashlight, and more, making it a versatile and handy feature. Although the default setting is still a ringer switch, users will likely find more innovative uses for it.
Both Pro models are equipped with Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion, supporting the always-on display and the new StandBy mode in iOS 17.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s marketing chief, has assured that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with Apple’s most advanced camera systems to date, equivalent to seven distinct lenses. This includes an upgraded 48-megapixel camera that is designed to capture better low-light photos, reduce lens flare, and utilize Apple’s AI systems to take full-resolution HEIF photos. Users can now switch default lenses and shoot at multiple focal lengths—24mm, 28mm, and 35mm—within the main camera. Additionally, up to 5x optical zoom, the highest Apple has ever offered, is available up to a 120mm focal length. While fans of Samsung’s latest cameras may not be impressed by these specifications, they represent a significant upgrade for iPhone users.
On the video front, the devices allow shooting 4K60 ProRes video or even directly capturing content to an external drive via the USB-C port, provided the appropriate cable is used. The 15 Pro can also record “spatial video,” a type of 3D content similar to what is seen in the Vision Pro, although this feature will be released later in the year. Apple envisions the iPhone 15 Pro as not only a consumer device but also a genuine professional tool for creators and filmmakers worldwide.
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the new devices at the Apple Wonderlust event held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Although the rumor mill was active, as usual, some of the most significant changes this year are found in iOS 17. The new StandBy mode could alter how you use your phone when it’s off, interactive widgets could redesign many homescreens, and features like Live Voicemail and Contact Posters could encourage more phone calls.
Apple has followed a similar pattern for recent iPhone launches, where base models receive features from the previous year’s Pro models, like the Dynamic Island and some camera tech, even the A16 Bionic chip. The Pros, however, serve as test subjects for Apple’s innovative ideas.
This year, although Apple did not focus much on the USB-C port, its inclusion seems to have inspired new ways to capture data on the Pro phones and utilize it elsewhere. While 48-megapixel photos are not necessary for Instagram, it is now much easier to use those large images in other applications. Joswiak labeled the new Pro lineup as “our best and most Pro iPhone ever,” and he might be right. While the iPhone 15 models enhance the everyday iPhone experience, the new Pro seems to be venturing into entirely new territory.
© Photos: Apple
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