Last year, Apple caused a significant shift in the iPhone market by introducing a new device and naming convention to the iPhone 14 range with the iPhone 14 Plus. Initially, it was thought to be called the ‘iPhone 14 Max,’ intended to complement the sizable iPhone 14 Pro Max with a simpler chip, display, and camera system. The introduction of the 14 Plus demonstrated that Apple was willing to modify its product names to enhance clarity.
According to rumors, the company may take a similar approach to its top-tier iPhone 15 lineup in 2023. Instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it appears that an ‘iPhone 15 Ultra’ may be introduced, positioned above the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple’s latest smartwatch release, the Apple Watch Ultra, is consistent with the company’s naming conventions. It is loaded with features and could indicate the possibility of an Apple iPhone 15 Ultra in the future. Renaming the phone could help justify any significant differences between the two top-tier 2023 iPhones. The 15 Ultra is likely to offer more than just a larger screen and battery, unlike the current iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.
However, there is no guarantee that an iPhone 15 Ultra will be released. According to one source, we may have to wait until the iPhone 16 for an Ultra model, which could sit above the Pro Max instead of replacing it. Leaks and rumors about both possible phones can be found below.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The biggest and baddest of Apple’s expected 2023 iPhones
- When is it out? Likely either September 2023 or September 2024
- How much will it cost? Probably even more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Ultra release date predictions
Apple has a history of hosting events during the first or second week of September, typically making their announcements on a Tuesday or Wednesday and beginning pre-sales on the same Friday. Generally, the phone is available in stores on the following Friday.
The iPhone 14 event took place on September 7, which was earlier than anticipated. Three of the four phones were available for purchase over a week later, on September 16. The iPhone 14 Plus was released on October 7.
For the year 2023, the probable dates for the event are September 5 or 12, both of which fall on Tuesdays, though September 6 and 13 are also possibilities. The phone may be in stores as early as September 15.
These predictions are based on the assumption that there will be an iPhone 15 Ultra. However, there is a leak suggesting that the first Ultra model will not be available until 2024, with a likely launch in September of that year as the iPhone 16 Ultra.
iPhone 15 Ultra price leaks
According to initial reports, there is some information available about the potential pricing of the iPhone 15 Ultra by Apple. It is speculated that the Ultra model may have a starting price of $1,199, placing it in the same price range as Samsung’s current “Ultra” device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which begins at $1,199.99 / £1,249 / AU$1,949.
On the other hand, a newer leak indicates that its cost could be higher, amounting to $1,299, which is likely to correspond to £1,429 / AU$2,249 in other geographical locations.
The price of the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max is $1,099 / £1,199 / AU$1,899, which is more expensive than the previous year’s model, particularly in markets outside the US. We anticipate that if Apple replaces the ‘Pro Max’ with ‘Ultra’ or introduces an ‘Ultra’ version above the Pro Max, it may increase the price by $100 or $200 in the US, with corresponding increases in other regions.
It is probable that there will be a price increase of some degree, as indicated by Apple’s own suggestion that customers may be willing to pay more, regardless of the circumstances.
It is hoped that the rise in price will be accompanied by additional incentives to make a purchase. At present, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers only a larger screen and battery compared to the standard 14 Pro, which is a significant advantage for an additional $100. However, if Apple intends to further increase the price, it must provide additional features and hardware to justify the cost.
It’s fortunate that according to a source, the initial storage capacity of the upcoming model will be 256GB, which is twice the starting size of the current versions. This increase in storage capacity could partially rationalize the price.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: $1,099 / £1,199 / AU$1,899
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: $1,199.99 / £1,149 / AU$1,849
- iPhone 15 Ultra (expected): $1,199 / £1,309 / AU$2,099 – $1,299 / £1,429 / AU$2,249
iPhone 15 Ultra news, rumors and leaks
There has been considerable talk surrounding the upcoming iPhone 15, with speculation dating back to before the release of the iPhone 14 series. However, it is only recently that reports of a premium version, the Apple iPhone 15 Ultra, have surfaced. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first mentioned the Ultra soon after the launch of the iPhone 14 line, and this was the first indication we had of this potential new naming convention.
Subsequently, we received additional validation from other sources leaking information about the iPhone 15. One of the leakers suggested that, apart from a larger screen and battery, the iPhone 15 Ultra might feature an enhanced camera setup compared to its counterpart, the iPhone 15 Pro.
The leaked details were somewhat imprecise, as the source mentioned that Apple was experimenting with an eagerly anticipated 8K video recording function for its upcoming iPhone. However, it was uncertain whether this feature would be available on the iPhone 15 Pro or exclusively on the more high-end iPhone 15 Ultra. As a result, conjecture began that the Ultra model might offer improved camera capabilities in contrast to the Pro version.
Regarding this matter, we have received information that suggests the iPhone 15 Ultra may possess superior image processing capabilities compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Online, unofficial renders of the iPhone 15 Ultra/iPhone 15 Pro Max have surfaced, revealing minimal changes from the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The renders depict the presence of a USB-C port and a camera bump that appears slightly shallower. Additionally, the chassis edges seem to have a slightly more curved design.
According to recent video leaks, screen glass for three of the iPhone 15 models has been revealed. The biggest model, purportedly the Ultra, showcases a Dynamic Island and features slim, slightly curved bezels.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra by Samsung surpasses the Galaxy S22 Plus and the base model Galaxy S22 by featuring a periscope-style telephoto zoom lens. This is a notable upgrade, and rumors suggest that Apple may also incorporate a similar periscope zoom lens in their upcoming Ultra device. However, due to the size requirements of such a lens, it would make more sense for it to be included in the larger phone, as opposed to the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, which is anticipated to be released next fall.
A potential camera improvement may be on the horizon with a new Sony sensor. This sensor is said to be capable of capturing more light and performing better in challenging scenarios, where the foreground lighting is markedly different from the background. It also has the ability to avoid overexposing or underexposing shots, surpassing the capabilities of current smartphone cameras.
According to the same source, there are rumors that the Ultra could feature a front-facing camera with dual lenses and be available exclusively in silver, matching the color of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Another trustworthy source has reported that the Pro models of the iPhone 15 series, which may include the iPhone 15 Ultra, will feature a USB-C port that can handle data transfer rates of either 20Gbps or 40Gbps, a significant upgrade from the current iPhone’s maximum of 480Mbps. Several sources have made similar statements. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6E support is anticipated for this phone.
Certainly, it’s highly likely to possess significant potency. Anticipate the implementation of an A17 Bionic chipset, according to a source who claims it could be significantly more effective than the A16 Bionic utilized in the iPhone 14 Pro series. This, in turn, may result in improved battery life.
One source suggests that the iPhone 15 Ultra’s chipset could be more potent than that of the iPhone 15 Pro, as the software might not restrict its performance as much. This restriction is typically in place to prevent overheating, implying that the iPhone 15 Ultra could have a more advanced cooling system.
Furthermore, there are rumors suggesting that the iPhone 15 Ultra could feature a titanium exterior, which is known for its strength and lightweight properties, unlike the stainless steel material used in the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This information was shared in a tweet by a leaker named LeaksApplePro, who may not be the most prominent leaker but has a track record of being accurate.
A corroborating source has come forward, lending further credibility to the claim. Additionally, this new source has provided additional details, suggesting that the edges of the phone will curve towards the rear rather than forming a right angle. This lends further support to the possibility that the original claim may indeed be accurate.
Further proof of this can be seen in the picture displayed above, allegedly depicting an iPhone 15 Pro with brushed metal sides, presumably made of titanium, and featuring smoother edges than the current models. Although this phone model differs, it’s possible that the iPhone 15 Ultra could also adopt the same design modifications.
The presence of a USB-C port in this image further supports the assertion that upcoming iPhones will feature this type of port.
An additional rumor has indicated that the forthcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra will feature slimmer bezels compared to their predecessors, and that all the models in the series will sport curved edges.
The phone’s design may undergo a further modification by introducing solid-state power and volume buttons that remain level with the phone’s body and have no physical movement. Additionally, a new design for the volume and mute buttons is purportedly in the works.