Best Buy is offering rare discounts on several iPhone models for Black Friday 2024, including $50 off the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 13. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which support Apple Intelligence, remain at full price at Best Buy, though Amazon offers a slight discount on these models. The iPhone 16 is also not discounted. Consumers are advised to monitor prices as they fluctuate frequently.
In 2024, Apple's iPhone 15 is expected to introduce significant changes, including the shift from proprietary Lightning connectors to the more universal USB-C ports, following an EU directive for a common charging standard. This move will allow consumers to use cheaper, third-party cables and unify charging solutions across different device ecosystems. Additionally, Apple plans to support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, which will improve multimedia messaging between iPhones and Android devices, although iMessage will remain distinct. The RCS update is anticipated to be part of an iPhone software update in 2024.
Barclays analysts have downgraded Apple's stock to "Underweight" and reduced the price target slightly to $160, citing negative checks on volumes and mix for the upcoming iPhone 15 and a lack of compelling features for the iPhone 16. Despite a minimal price target change, the market reacted significantly, reflecting broader concerns about Apple's valuation and the sustainability of its stock performance amidst weakening demand for its flagship product.
Apple has patented a new type of product display stand, titled “Product Display Stand With Reduced Movement,” which is designed to stabilize products like the iPhone 15 series in Apple Stores. The stand features a damping chamber to minimize movement and oscillations when consumers interact with the products. This innovation is already in use in Apple Stores and reflects the company's attention to detail in enhancing the customer experience.
A tech reviewer, traditionally an Android user, switched to an iPhone 15 for a week and found that while the iPhone offers a premium user experience with great battery life and performance, it lacks the flexibility and customization of Android. The reviewer appreciated the iPhone's design and the switch to USB-C but encountered inconveniences with app permissions and transferring data, particularly WhatsApp chats, between platforms. Despite the iPhone's slick experience, the reviewer noted that iOS could benefit from more innovation, especially in AI features where Android excels. Ultimately, the reviewer returned to their Pixel 8 Pro, suggesting that while the iPhone is reliable, Android's flexibility and problem-solving capabilities are more aligned with their preferences.
Thomas Roth, known as Ghidraninja, initially developed a debugging tool for Apple's Lightning port, only to have to start over when Apple switched to USB-C for their new phones. Investigating the USB-C port on the iPhone 15, he discovered that it uses vendor-defined messages (VDM) for various features, similar to those on Mac notebooks. Although JTAG access is currently locked on production devices, Roth managed to get a serial port and JTAG running, and also identified System Power Management Interface (SPMI) signals. He is preparing to release an open-source SPMI plugin on GitHub and has adapted his Lightning hardware tool for USB-C, providing a foundation for further exploration of the new iPhone's capabilities.
Thomas Roth, known as Ghidraninja, who previously developed a debugging tool for Apple's Lightning port, has shifted his focus to USB-C after Apple's transition to the connector for their new phones. He discovered that the iPhone 15 uses vendor-defined messages (VDM) in USB-PD for various features and managed to enable a serial port and JTAG, although JTAG is currently locked on production devices. Roth also identified signals for the System Power Management Interface (SPMI) and is working on an open-source SPMI plugin. His work represents the early stages of hacking into the new iPhone's capabilities via USB-C.
The iPhone 15 has transitioned from Apple's proprietary Lightning port to USB-C, allowing for more universal charging options. To fast charge the iPhone 15, users should opt for a higher wattage USB-C power adapter, ideally around 20 watts, which can charge the phone to 50% in about 30 minutes. While older 5-watt chargers are compatible, they are much slower. Users are not limited to Apple-branded chargers; third-party options like Anker's dual USB-C charger or a MacBook power adapter can also be used to achieve fast charging speeds.
Apple will introduce a next-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip in all iPhone 15 models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The new chip will jump from a 16nm to 7nm production process, allowing for improved performance or reduced power consumption for nearby interactions. The upgrade is likely due to the upcoming release of the Apple Vision Pro, which requires a higher level of spatial awareness. The UWB chip will also be integrated into other Apple products, including the Apple Watch, HomePod, and AirPods Pro charging case. The new chip may contribute to growing rumors of iPhone 15 price increases, but it is another sign of Apple preparing for a future beyond smartphones as it moves towards an AR/VR future.
Unbox Therapy has revealed an Apple iPhone 15 Ultra mockup in a video featuring host Lewis Hilsenteger. The mockup confirms rumors of a narrower and thicker design, a different glass backing, matte finish titanium frame, USB type-C charging port, ring/silent button, and volume rocker. However, it does not feature the rumored solid-state buttons. Other changes include a shorter camera element and thinner display bezels with a smaller Dynamic Island screen cut-out.
Leaked information about the upcoming iPhone 15 series suggests that the phones will have a more curved design, Dynamic Island, and a USB Type-C port. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will feature a single capacitive key for volume control. The phones will be one millimeter longer than their predecessors, and their cases will not be compatible with previous models due to the alignment of keys and the camera module. Apple enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see what new improvements the company will bring to the photographic section of the phone.
