iPhone 15 Ultra: More exclusive features, potentially higher price and more; Here’s everything you need to know

In addition to possibly choosing a different name for the successor to the iPhone 14 Pro Max next year, Apple could also add more exclusive upgrades to the iPhone 15 Ultra than it has incorporated into its top models. range this year. In 2023, we could be greeted with a flagship that forgoes the ‘Pro Max’ moniker and replaces it with something befitting of its potential stature. Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 15 Ultra.

Apple is likely to keep the same iPhone 14 Pro Max design for the iPhone 15 Ultra

Since Apple has stuck with the notch for five iPhone generations while only slightly reducing its size on the iPhone 13, the dynamic island is expected to remain on the iPhone 15 Ultra and future models. In fact, the pill-shaped cutout that transforms during any intuitive function would arrive for all iPhone 15 models in 2023. At least in this area, customers would have less incentive to choose the more expensive models unless ‘Apple decides to give more features to Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra.

Minor display changes

Every year, Apple makes improvements to the iPhone screen. This year, DisplayMate gave the iPhone 14 Pro Max display more performance awards than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and for those unaware, the latter was the former reigning leader. in the DisplayMate ranking for having the best smartphone screen.

A mix of Samsung and LG LTPO OLED displays could be made for the iPhone 15 Ultra, with Samsung taking the bulk of the orders as it has on several occasions. Features like switching the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz and always-on display will most likely make a return.

Currently, we haven’t heard of any other advanced display technologies or components being prepared for the iPhone 15 Ultra, so we’ll let our readers know if any future reports mention these advancements.

State-of-the-art 3nm SoC for the iPhone 15 Ultra and more

Alongside the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Ultra could be the first from Apple to feature the company’s first 3nm SoC. TSMC is expected to receive orders, with mass production likely beginning in the second half of 2023. The chipset could be called A17 Bionic and, like the M3 for future Macs, it could be made on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm architecture. , bringing better fuel efficiency and performance to the table.

The disappointing news from this reveal is that the A17 Bionic could be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra, with the cheaper models being rumored to be treated to the A16 Bionic. We haven’t received word if the “Ultra” variant will feature more RAM, but given that all iPhone 14 models launched this year feature 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM, we should be greeted with a version of 8. GB of RAM next year.

After all, as Apple continues to add more features to iOS, iOS 17 will require more memory to run optimally, so one way to justify buying the iPhone 15 Ultra is to give more memory to the flagship product. The only question is whether Apple will adopt the LPDDR5X standard like some Android phone makers. As we ponder Apple’s choice of specs, we must also remind our readers to wait patiently for the tech giant’s custom 5G modem, as that plan has hit a temporary snag and won’t debut with launch. of the iPhone 15.

An earlier teardown of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max revealed that Apple’s entire line includes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X65 5G modem. This modem, along with a slew of other components, is what allows all iPhone 14 models to communicate with select satellites, with users eventually using Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite in November. For 2023, the iPhone 15 Ultra will likely use the Snapdragon X70 5G modem, and adding this component could bring more exclusive satellite communication features.

As for Apple’s in-house 5G modem, experts say we won’t see it until 2025. Other specification details for next year’s flagship are currently unknown to us, so let’s get to the camera.

New camera features

There are many reasons to buy an iPhone, and its diverse camera array is one of them. We believe the iPhone 15 Ultra will arrive with a feature that no other model for this year will get, and it will be the first in iPhone launch history; a periscope zoom. Some of you have been clamoring for Apple to add extended zoom capabilities to the iPhone, and after generating more patience than you can muster, it may only take next year to wait for you see the feature in action.

Currently, iPhone zoom capabilities are limited to 3x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, with the remaining 6x optical zoom range and up to 15x digital zoom being achieved using a software and hardware working in unison. With periscope zoom, which Apple would have already secured a supplier for, we could get 5x optical zoom out of the box, meaning Apple would have greater flexibility in incorporating higher digital zoom level options.

If we’re lucky, Apple might implement 10x optical zoom. When it comes to the main sensor, we could be looking at the same 48MP camera found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, with Apple throwing in some extra software magic to improve image quality. We’ll learn more about these cameras and more as time goes on.

Potentially increased price structure

The fact that Apple is reportedly bringing more exclusive features to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra to boost margins and achieve a higher average selling price (ASP) means the higher-end model will likely cost more. . Since the A16 Bionic running in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max cost more than twice to manufacture compared to the A15 Bionic, a 3nm A17 Bionic could be an expensive chip to procure. and to use.

Not only that, but the addition of periscope zoom, coupled with an uncertain economic future that also has Apple’s sole chip supplier, TSMC, raising wafer prices by up to 6%, the iPhone 15 Ultra could see a price hike of $100. Of course, don’t take our word for it, as Apple has reportedly done the same for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max several times, and every report has been proven wrong. This year’s “Pro” models are still $999 while offering more upgrades than last year’s iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Since the new beginning has not started, major changes in rumors and reports will be observed, and we may have a completely different view of the iPhone 15 Ultra, so let’s keep our cross for more updates and expect other surprises that Apple has planned for 2023.