The tech community often refers to September as ‘Techtember,’ the time of the year when Apple releases its new iPhones and Apple Watches. With September approaching, the anticipation around the new iPhone 15 models is growing.
This year, the launch event is expected to take place on September 12, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a good track record of predicting Apple’s plans. As we get closer to the release date, many people are wondering whether they should buy the iPhone 14 Pro now or wait for the iPhone 15 Pro.
For tech enthusiasts, waiting until next month to get the latest iPhone is a no-brainer. But for the average consumer, buying the current available iPhone, which is the iPhone 14 Pro, might be the simplest option. The iPhone 14 Pro is a reliable device that can serve you well for years to come. However, if you can wait a bit longer, let’s explore whether it’s worth it.
Price Hike Rumored
Before we dive into the features, let’s talk about pricing. This year, several analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have predicted that the prices of the Pro models may increase. The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to start at $1,099, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to start at $1,199. If this turns out to be true, it will be the first time since the release of the iPhone X in 2017 that the Pro models see a $100 price bump. The pricing of the Pro iPhones has remained the same in the US since then.
If you’re not happy about the potential price increase and prefer a cheaper option, even if it’s just $100 less, you may want to consider buying the iPhone 14 Pro now. Apple has a history of discontinuing the Pro models shortly after new releases, likely to avoid cannibalizing sales of the newer models.
While it’s not confirmed that the price of the iPhone 15 Pro models will rise, it’s certainly possible considering the expected features and hardware upgrades.
iPhone 15 Series: New Features, Hardware Upgrades Expected
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to have several changes compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. These include the shift to USB-C and the introduction of a new ‘Action Button.’ The use of USB-C on the new iPhones would be a departure from Apple’s outdated Lightning connector, which has been used since the iPhone 5 in 2012. USB-C not only makes charging easier but also more convenient for users who own other recent Apple products like MacBooks and iPads, which have already switched to USB-C.
Moreover, code snippets discovered in the iOS 17 developer beta suggest the existence of a new ‘Action Button’ and how it may be used on the iPhone 15 Pro models. This button could support nine different options that users can personalize and assign to different actions, such as Accessibility, Shortcuts, Silent Mode, Camera, Flashlight, Focus, Magnifier, Translate, and Voice Memos.
In terms of design, the new iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to sport a brushed titanium frame instead of a stainless steel one. This change, reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, would also result in thinner bezels and a reduced size of the black border by about a third.
Notably, the Apple Watch Ultra already offers a titanium case option, so it’s possible that Apple will introduce titanium finishes for the new iPhone models in September. Titanium is a stronger and more durable material than stainless steel, which could contribute to the devices’ safety if this rumor proves true.
On the specifications front, the iPhone Pro models will feature Apple’s next-generation A17 Bionic chipset. Leaks suggest that the chipset could have a clock speed of 3.70 GHz and be based on a new 3nm process, compared to the 4nm process used in the A16 Bionic chipset. The A17 Bionic is also expected to be paired with 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
iPhone 15 Pro: Should You Wait?
If I were you, I’d wait. However, if you can’t wait for a month, buying the iPhone 14 Pro is still a reliable choice.
For those planning to buy the iPhone 14 models, it’s advisable to hold off as well. Apple may bring the Dynamic Island feature to all models. If the upgrade doesn’t meet your expectations, Apple is rumored to relaunch the iPhone 14 models with USB-C, replacing the Lightning connector. In the past, Apple has kept the vanilla models in the lineup at lower prices, so a discount plus the potential switch to USB-C could make the vanilla iPhone 14 an even better deal. But remember, only if you wait.
At the end of the day, the choice between buying the iPhone 14 Pro now or waiting for the iPhone 15 Pro depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the rumored price increase, upcoming features, and hardware upgrades to make an informed decision.
Unique Perspective: It’s always tempting to have the latest and greatest technology at our fingertips. However, sometimes it’s worth considering whether the incremental upgrades between models are worth the additional cost. Remember, a reliable and capable phone like the iPhone 14 Pro can still serve you well for years to come. Take your time, weigh the options, and choose the device that best suits your needs.
