iPhone 15 Pro Max renders based on multiple leaks
Leaks surrounding Apple’s iPhone 15 range are still throwing up surprises, and now potential buyers have been dealt another curve ball just as the first official listing for the new range has appeared.
First, a new report from Apple analyst Jeff Pu (seen by 9to5Mac) reveals that supply chain issues mean significantly fewer iPhone 15 models than expected will be available at release.
Pu states that Apple will now build 77 million iPhone 15 units by the end of the year, down from 83M, due to multiple ongoing manufacturing issues. These problems include yields for a new Sony-made primary camera module on all iPhone 15 models and the production of a new display (with super slim bezels) and titanium chassis for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
“The build plan cut before launch isn’t a positive signal,” says the analyst, noting that “the potential price hike for iPhone 15 Pro Max could also dampen the end-demand.” Earlier this month, Apple reported a drop in iPhone sales revenue, and, if correct, Pu’s report suggests there is little sign of this situation changing in the near future.
iPhone 15 Pro leaked screen protector shows super thin bezels
Either way, Apple fans are unlikely to have to wait much longer to get their hands on the iPhone 15 range, after an all-new iPhone was registered in India's official regulatory database.
Discovered by MySmartPrice, the “A3094” sits above the iPhone 14 lineup, which carries the model numbers A2649, A2881, A2882, A2883 and A2884. And this follows a pattern. Last year, the same database logged the A2882 just weeks before the iPhone 14 launch. It turned out to be the iPhone 14 base model. This means the A3094 is highly likely to be the iPhone 15.
India’s regulatory database requires the registration of all upcoming electronic devices for sale in the country, making it impossible for Apple to hide the existence of its upcoming devices. That said, the company always keeps the registration late, which aligns with multiple reports that the range will be unveiled in just a few weeks.
All of which leaves potential iPhone 15 buyers with a dilemma. Do you upgrade early because Apple can’t build enough due to production problems and wait times may be long, or do you hold off because reduced production is the side effect of lower demand and increased availability, allowing you to sidestep the inevitable early bugs that will be present when iOS 17 launches?
Personally speaking, I would be tempted to go with the latter if you are considering an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus. The standard models will receive more moderate upgrades, adopting the Dynamic Island design, 48MP primary camera and A16 chip used by the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
In contrast, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models will get record-breaking thin bezels, a next-gen 3nm A17 chipset, upgraded UWB and a programmable solid-state Action button. Availability of the iPhone 15 Pro Max has also been questioned previously due to issues with its exclusive optical zoom camera. This means you may need to move fast.
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