A slew of iPhone 15 rumors has been floating around in recent weeks, including updated designs with thinner bezels and eye-catching color options. One of the more intriguing rumors centers on the device’s A17 Bionic chip.
A new Weibo leak shows that the chip would allegedly perform well in Geekbench tests, boasting single- iphone 15 and multi-core performance jumps of 20%.
Enhanced Siri
As Apple focuses on AI and Siri this year, the iPhone 15 might offer significant performance improvements. A 20% boost could significantly shorten the time it takes to complete tasks, allowing for faster replies and notifications that can be acted on.
One of the major Siri updates Apple previewed this year is a new speech processing method that takes advantage of the Neural Engine to allow for on-device processing of requests without the need to send information to digital servers. This allows for things like setting timers, making calls, sending messages, requesting audio playback or launching apps even when the iPhone is in airplane mode.
It also adds support for hands-free calling through AirPods or Siri-enabled Beats headphones and an ability to announce incoming notifications, a feature that previously worked only when using Hey Siri. Finally, the feature can now automatically call emergency services if the user is in an accident and can’t speak.
The iOS 14.5 update also introduced four different Siri voices, which can be selected in Settings Siri & Search by tapping on the “Siri Voice” option and choosing a voice. It also finally syncs up with the Shazam app and Control Center’s Music Recognition control when you ask Siri to identify a song playing.
Wireless Charging
All iPhone 15 models will support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, allowing up to 7.5W wireless charging with third-party accessories. Previous iPhones only supported MagSafe charging with Apple-approved MFi (Made for iPod or Made for iPhone) wireless chargers. This is a welcome upgrade for users who want to use non-Apple wireless chargers or need a faster charging option.
The new iPhone 15 models will also support a reversible USB-C port, which will align with EU requirements for 2023. This change will allow users to charge their phone while it’s plugged in and prevent accidental disconnections from the Lightning port.
According to the TSMC rumors, the A17 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 15 will have better thermals than past Apple CPUs, meaning it won’t get as hot while running demanding apps or games. This is a good sign, as overheating can limit battery life and performance.
Interestingly, a Weibo post suggests that the iPhone 15 will be able to support 15W wireless charging speeds on third-party chargers. This is a big move, as it would eliminate the need for Apple to approve wireless chargers. This reversal of policy could help lower the cost and encourage more options for wireless charging. Apple is reportedly contributing to a new open wireless charging standard that works similar to MagSafe.
iPhone 15 Pro Variant
If Apple is hoping to convince iPhone users on older hardware to upgrade, its new models will need to offer substantial upgrades. Some of the most significant improvements are expected to be a bump in RAM to 8GB on Pro models and improved battery life. Apparently, the A17 Bionic chip’s display driver will be more energy efficient, reducing power consumption by up to 35%.
The A-series chip will also be the first to use TSMC’s next-generation 3nm process. This could boost processing performance by 10% to 15% and improve power efficiency by up to 35%. This increase in speed and efficiency should help the iPhone 15 offer better overall performance than the previous generation, as shown by alleged Geekbench benchmarks.
Other updates are expected to include a switch to USB-C and the Dynamic Island notch. However, these changes are likely to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. Deeper curves on the edges and a titanium frame are expected to be reserved for the Pro models, too. Based on CAD renders, there might also be a customizable action button on the back that doubles as a mute key. A Weibo post suggested that this button would be available in burgundy, dark pink, and light blue, although it’s not clear if these colors will make the cut.
