iPhone 15 Pro Max renders based on multiple leaks
07/19 Update below. This post was originally published on July 16
Apple’s biggest iPhone 15 design changes have already leaked, but the company still had one surprise up its sleeve. Until now…
Reliable Apple insider ShrimpApplePro has endorsed a leak from Chinese social media site Weibo (a frequent source of Apple information), revealing that the iPhone 15 will come in three new colors: green, light yellow and pink. The full range of colors is as follows:
The new colors are italicized, and it is worth noting that light yellow is distinct from the existing strong yellow finish on the iPhone 14 lineup. If correct, the leak would mean that Apple is dropping blue, purple, and the deeper yellow finishes this year.
While opinions about Apple’s choice of colors will be subjective, the real surprise here is the extent of the changes. Apple tends to change one or two colors each year, but not three. Moreover, the decisions here are eye-opening because a market report in March claimed that blue and purple were the most popular color choices for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus buyers.
On the flip side, pink has been the most requested iPhone color for years, and rumors of a bubblegum pink finish first leaked in March though that report also claimed a new brighter blue color would be introduced. Apple has also shown its willingness to bend to customer demand this year by releasing a 15-inch MacBook Air.
A bubblegum pink finis was previously rumored for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus alongside bright … [+]
The finishes of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models have been subject to similar speculation, with conflicting reports that Apple will release a new hero color in dark red or deep blue.
Uncertainty also surrounds the price of the new iPhone 15 range, with leaks claiming prices for Pro models may increase by as much as $200. A new titanium chassis may be a factor in that.
More certain are the core upgrades for both models, with iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models getting a next-gen 3nm A17 chipset, super thin bezels, upgraded UWB and a solid-state Action button that replaces the mute switch. iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are expected to copy the iPhone 14 Pro design and use their A16 chip, while every iPhone 15 model will transition from Lightning to USB-C.
Whether these upgrades will be deemed “too mediocre of an upgrade” remains to be seen.
07/18 Update: Speaking to sources, I am also hearing that Apple is “almost certain” to release the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in pink. The term ‘Bubblegum pink’ was not mentioned, but it is believed to be bright and “eye catching.” If correct, I would bet good money on this being by far the most popular color for standard iPhone 15 models.
On the flip side, the same sources had not heard of a bright blue finish replacing the standard blue of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Given the leak of a brighter yellow for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, this makes sense as Apple is unlikely to fall back on brighter versions of existing colors in the same release cycle.
Interestingly, my sources were split over the hero color for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with support for both the dark red finish, first leaked several months ago, and deep blue, only revealed for the first time by Unknownz21 last week.
Whether Apple would release both a deep read iPhone 15 Pro while also stocking a bright red (Product)Red iPhone 15 remains to be seen. That said, the two red shades are very different and would be my personal preference.
07/19 Update: Speaking to me popular leaker Unknownz21 has added an intriguing twist to the iPhone 15 color leaks. Discussing the Weibo leak, the insider told me the list “is incomplete, that much I can say.” Unknownz21 said they will release the full color list, but declined to give a timeframe.
The information is interesting for several reasons. First, any additional colors would mean Apple is widening the iPhone color range, which rarely happens. Second, it would continue the trend of the company bending to its customers wishes — something it has rarely done in the past.
This was no more evident than with the 15-inch MacBook Air, a model fans have wanted for more than a decade, which launched last month. The company has also been famously reserved with iPhone color options, sticking to 5/6 colors for standard models with more muted colors for the Pros.
Whether this potential expansion for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus means we can also expect more iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max options, remains to be seen. After all, with leakers arguing over whether the new iPhone 15 Pro color will be deep red or blue, perhaps the real surprise is Apple will launch both?
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