Apple launched the iPhone 15 sequence in September 2023, which was already 9 months in the past. How time flies!
Earlier this month, Apple held WWDC 2024, its annual developer convention, the place the corporate showcases the following spherical of software program updates — together with iOS 18. Whereas the quantity of suitable iPhones for iOS 18 is loads, solely two will reap the complete advantages of the AI-heavy software program replace: the iPhone 15 Professional and the iPhone 15 Professional Max.
That’s proper — even the most recent iPhone 15, which got here out not even a full 12 months in the past, gained’t be getting the complete iOS 18 expertise this fall. That is Apple fragmentation at its best, so it begs the query: Is the iPhone 15 nonetheless adequate at this level in 2024?
I haven’t picked up the iPhone 15 since I initially reviewed it again in October 2023. After WWDC, I made a decision to select it up once more to look at it with a recent perspective.
What I nonetheless like concerning the iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 this 12 months underwent some fairly large upgrades in comparison with its predecessor, the iPhone 14. Fortunately, these modifications nonetheless maintain up fairly properly.
Apple modified the again glass to a matte end fairly than shiny like earlier than. Personally, I really like this matte glass as a result of in case you’re utilizing it bare, the matte end means fewer fingerprints and smudges throughout. This is because of Apple utilizing a “color-infused” glass again, although except for the pink one, they don’t look too colourful.
I additionally actually love how light-weight the iPhone 15 is. Although my every day driver is the iPhone 15 Professional, which is lighter than its predecessor as a result of it makes use of titanium as a substitute of stainless-steel, I at all times felt that aluminum feels higher to carry over prolonged quantities of time. And with the extra curved edges this time round, it’s undoubtedly extra snug within the hand.
The digicam enhancements on the iPhone 15 have been additionally stunning when Apple revealed it. It’s fairly on par with what I get on my iPhone 15 Professional. So, in case you don’t essentially want a devoted telephoto lens, then you could possibly most likely get by with simply the iPhone 15.
Apple additionally gave the iPhone 15 the brand new Auto Portrait mode, which mechanically captures depth information even in regular images when an individual or pet is detected, permitting you to transform it right into a Portrait picture after the very fact. That is one in all my favourite options of the lineup, making it doable to show any fast snapshot of my daughter into one thing that appears even higher.
The show on the iPhone 15 appears to be like fairly good too. Colours are shiny and vibrant, and textual content is crisp and sharp. Nonetheless, since I primarily use my iPhone 15 Professional, I do discover the 60Hz refresh charge on the iPhone 15 greater than I’d prefer to. Most individuals might not discover it, and it’s not one thing that impacts every day use, however it may be a bit jarring to return to 60Hz in case you’re used to 90-120Hz shows.
The iPhone 15 will quickly be outdated
When Apple revealed iOS 18 at its WWDC 2024 keynote, it was very clear that Apple was going all-in on Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI instruments throughout all platforms. With iOS 18, your iPhone now has some cool new options, together with smarter Siri, new writing instruments, picture technology instruments, higher general search in Pictures, the Clear Up device, and extra.
However there’s one large catch: Apple Intelligence can solely run on iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max. Sure, though the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus got here out on the identical time, these two fashions gained’t be getting any Apple Intelligence options. Principally, Apple’s year-old cellphone gained’t even get the most recent software program options come this fall.
In fact, there’s nonetheless a whole lot of new stuff coming in iOS 18 that doesn’t want Apple Intelligence. For instance, Messages could have RCS help and the flexibility to schedule messages to be despatched later. The house display screen can be extra customizable by permitting apps and widgets to be positioned wherever, and the icons and widgets could have new appears to be like. Management Heart is getting its greatest revamp in years, permitting customers to totally customise the format and even swap out the lock display screen shortcuts.
Nonetheless, there’s no denying {that a} very giant a part of iOS 18 is dependent upon Apple Intelligence. An instance is Siri — in case you’re utilizing an iPhone that will get iOS 18 however doesn’t get Apple Intelligence, will Siri stay, properly, dumb? As a result of it appears to be like like with AI, Siri will lastly turn into usable, however it should nonetheless be the identical outdated Siri for everybody who doesn’t have an iPhone 15 Professional or iPhone 15 Professional Max.
I believe the iPhone 15 has set the file for the latest iPhone that’s the quickest to be outdated. Positive, it’ll work wonderful, however you’re principally going to be lacking half the options of the latest software program replace. And at that time, is it even price utilizing?
A brief life for the iPhone 15
Earlier than Apple had its WWDC 2024 convention, I’d have mentioned that the iPhone 15 is an efficient iPhone for most individuals. In any case, Apple gave it some large upgrades just like the 48MP principal digicam, USB-C, and even the Dynamic Island. And for probably the most half, the A16 Bionic is an efficient chip for primary duties that folks would use the iPhone 15 for.
However then WWDC occurred, and the A16 Bionic is clearly not adequate anymore — at the very least not adequate to run Apple Intelligence (together with the shortage of vital RAM). Contemplating that the iPhone 15 begins at $800 and can solely have half the options of iOS 18 when it comes out within the fall, it’s simply not price it anymore in 2024.
Although it’s disappointing that Apple is making a year-old cellphone outdated already, it’s not precisely new. Apple has been leaving options off older iPhones repeatedly. iOS 17 launched new FaceTime gestures that may set off 3D results in video calls, and solely the iPhone 12 and later bought this characteristic. Standby Mode was additionally just for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Professional fashions.
Nonetheless, Apple Intelligence is a big a part of iOS 18, and it’s not a small characteristic. It’s undoubtedly a transfer that can go away a bitter style within the mouths of many iPhone 15 and earlier customers.
So, for now, if you have already got an iPhone 15, you may take pleasure in its full functionality till September. For those who’re contemplating shopping for one now, it’s most likely greatest to attend for the iPhone 16 or at the very least get an iPhone 15 Professional or iPhone 15 Professional Max if you wish to use Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.
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