iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Release Problems Hit Apple’s New iPhones
Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max renders based on leaks
09/06 Update below. This post was originally published on September 4
With the iPhone 15 launch just one week away, a new leak has revealed significant ongoing problems, as well as production issues that are likely to impact the availability of Apple’s new flagship model.
In a blog post, influential analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that Apple is experiencing significant issues with producing camera sensors for standard iPhone 15 models and the titanium chassis of the Pros, plus delays in manufacturing the flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Perhaps the biggest shock is the new stacked CIS primary camera for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Kuo states that Apple tried to resolve its production issues by increasing volume, but up to 15% of regular models are still affected.
Compounding this are two issues with Pro models. Kuo says that their new titanium frame will reduce the weight of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but their production has been impacted by “high processing difficulty and significant design changes during development.” Moreover, the “Pro Max project was the last to kick off, so mass production schedule lags behind other models.”
Render of Apple’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro designs and color options based on leaks
The latter is likely to cause problems for upgraders, given that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to account for up to 40% of all early iPhone 15 orders. Its exclusive new periscopic zoom camera being the big selling point.
In addition, Kuo reveals that Apple has also suffered production issues with the iPhone 15 range’s displays and batteries, with the latter “expanding when exposed to heat” — a concerning problem that the analyst believes has now been solved.
It is a shock to see such an extensive array of challenges this late in the iPhone’s production schedule, and some cautious upgraders may prefer to wait to ensure they don’t run into any hardware issues with the first iPhone 15 models off the line. That said, if you want an iPhone 15 Pro Max, it looks like you’ll have to move early or face a long wait — and with Pro Max prices tipped to increase by as much as $200, this only adds to the dilemma.
09/06 Update: Long-time leaker Sonny Dickson has exposed one of Apple’s most anticipated/controversial iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max upgrades in a new video (below). The new Action button:
Speaking to me, Dickson confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the video is a dummy model but that the design is spot on. Dickson has a long and consistently accurate track record, so anyone still attached to the physical mute button now needs to come to terms with its inevitable removal or buy an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, where it will last one more generation.
Replacing the mute switch, which has featured in every previous iPhone, the button will be exclusive to Pro models. It is solid-state, meaning it won’t physically move, instead sending vibration feedback (similar to a MacBook trackpad). This should increase durability and water resistance.
The button will also be programmable, with code in iOS 17 beta releases revealing an array of options: Accessibility, Shortcuts, Silent Mode, Camera, Flashlight, Focus, Magnifier, Translate and Voice Memos. It’s currently unclear whether it will support more than one function through multiple presses or gestures.
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