This September we expect Apple to announce its latest set of four flagship phones, the iPhone 15 series. Of course, thanks to all kinds of leaks and rumors we tend to learn a lot about highly anticipated phones such as the iPhone 15 even before they come out, but the way they look usually attracts more attention than anything else.
On that note, we want to share with you our interpretations of the iPhone 15's design via renders that are based on all of the information the rumor mill has spilled out so far. Just don't forget that these are just concept images, and like the leaks they are inspired by, they cannot serve as any real representation of what the iPhone 15 models would actually look like once they come out.
Thinner bezels
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with the thinnest-ever bezels on a phone.
Phone manufacturers have all been chasing the idea of maximizing the screen real estate on their phones while minimizing the thickness of all four bezels. Well, one of the biggest changes we expect to see on the iPhone 15 series, especially the Pro models, are thinner bezels.
Now, none of the new iPhone models are said to come with a larger display than their predecessors, but the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are said to have bezels as slim as 1.5mm. This would make Apple's latest premium flagships as the two phones with the thinnest bezels ever.
The regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus might also be getting thinner bezels (although not as thin on the Pro models), but the possibility of this change in design with these two models is much lower.
Rounded edges and new frames
There are those who love the super-curved pebble-like look and feel of the iPhone 11, and those that prefer the super-sharp edges that started with the iPhone 12 until so far. Well, word on the street is Apple will attempt to combine the best of both worlds with the iPhone 15 series.
More precisely, the side frame would be more curved towards the back instead of being flat, while keeping the sharp edge where the screen is. Another way of looking at it is like the letter "J", with the top part being where the display is and the bottom part being the back panel.
Supposedly, this would be an effort to make the iPhone 15 series (all four models) easier to hold for prolonged periods of time (like when you are in a loop of endless TikTok scrolling) while still keeping the rather modern rectangular look.
Additionally, some leaks point at Apple upgrading the frames for all of the iPhone 15 models, giving titanium ones to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and stainless steel ones for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
Everyone gets a Dynamic Island
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus get the Dynamic Island.
The Dynamic Island was one of the main selling points for the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max last year, but this year there is a good chance it won't be exclusive to them. Yes, this means the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus should both get the Dynamic Island and all of the software quirks and features it comes with.
Essentially, this means we will finally witness the death of the iconic notch that first appeared with the iPhone X back in 2017.
Mark the day, iPhones have USB-C
iPhone 15 series USB-C port.
Yes, no matter the reason why we are finally getting an iPhone with USB-C, the fact is that there is a pretty good chance the iPhone 15 series will be the first one to mark the occasion. Now, this is not a visual change that would be too visible at first, but a closer inspection by an enthusiast's keen eye should be enough to reveal it.
For the Pro models, the transition to USB-C might also mean faster charging and transfer speeds. This upgrade, however, is said to be excluded for the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models, where the USB-C port would likely just contribute to a slightly different look.
Bye Mute Switch, hello Action Button
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with the new Action Button above the volume controls.
Adding up to the practical design changes that only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max might get, is the new Action Button which is said to work similarly that on the Apple Watch Ultra. This new button would serve as a replacement for the Mute Switch we know and love on Apple's iPhones.
As you might suspect, that means no more satisfying clicks while flicking the switch up and down, and no more red line when you have muted your phone. In return, however, you get the ability to set up this new Action Button to do something completely different, enabling more ways to customize how you use your iPhone than before.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, on the other hand, are said to keep the Mute Switch for now.
Also, as a bit of a side-note, while our renders show the iPhone 15 with the volume up and volume down keys combined into one, much like on some Android phones, there is a chance that might not end up being the case. Some of the latest rumors hint Apple will stick to two separate volume buttons instead.
Larger camera bump on the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max to the left, and iPhone 15 Pro to the right. Notice the difference between the lens near the right edge of the camera bump.
The leaks say that this year we will finally see Apple add a periscope telephoto camera to its largest and most expensive model, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. At first you might think that means there will be now four cameras on the phone's back, but the leaks so far show us that the new periscope telephoto camera will simply be replacing the 3X zoom camera from the previous generation.
This means two things as far as design is considered: a larger camera bump and a rectangular shape inside the telephoto lens, instead of a circular one.
New colors
Colors are probably the simplest way to make a phone feel new and fresh, but weirdly effective at the same time. We already have a dedicated iPhone 15 colors article you can check for all the rumored hues, but here is the gist of it.
Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: