Apple
Every year, Apple fans await the next wave of iPhones. In 2023, rumors pointed to big shifts in design and features, capped by a premium flagship called the iPhone 15 Ultra. Those predictions carried into late 2024 as Apple prepared refreshed hardware and new user experiences while keeping a strong focus on durability and performance. The anticipated lineup expanded to four models, with the Ultra signaling a continued gap between base and flagship tiers.
One transformative change discussed for the iPhone 15 family was the switch from Apple’s Lightning port to USB-C. The move aligned with global efforts toward a universal charger standard, particularly in the European Union. Yet, experts noted that a USB-C transition would not automatically boost data transfer speeds across all models, as the base variants would still ship with more modest transfer capabilities while Pro and Ultra models leveraged higher-speed connections.
Reports suggested that true high-speed Type-C connections would appear on the iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra, while the entry models would offer slower data transfers. The broader timeline for adopting USB-C extended into 2024, according to various insiders.
In total, conversations about the iPhone 15 series encompassed four devices: the standard iPhone 15, the larger 15 Plus, the Pro, and the Ultra. The Ultra was repeatedly described as having a titanium chassis, a periscope camera, and a next‑generation Apple silicon built on a 3 nm process. Some chatter even speculated about touch-sensitive controls replacing physical buttons, though those changes remained uncertain at the time of discussion.
A central theme for Apple fans and investors alike was pricing. Multiple sources projected a higher base price across the lineup, with the iPhone 15 Ultra starting around $1,300 in minimal config—roughly $200 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Across the series, price increases of about $100 per model were frequently cited as a possibility. The debut window for the iPhone 15 family was widely pegged to September 2023, with market watchers watching closely for any shifts in supply and demand dynamics. Meanwhile, speculation about a spring 2023 release for a new budget iPhone SE variant circulated, suggesting a 6.1-inch display and a design echoing earlier iPhone Xr models, powered by an A15 or A16 class chip. Some analysts argued the new SE could slip into 2024 if sales of the 14 Plus and 13 mini remained soft, though others believed a spring timeline was unlikely.
SAMSUNG
Rumors pointed to a February 1 launch for Samsung’s Galaxy S23 family, with the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra showcased at a Galaxy Unpacked event. In terms of design, the lineup was expected to maintain familiar silhouettes, though the back cameras moved to a flush configuration on some models, echoing solutions seen in prior generations. The S23 Ultra, in particular, was framed as continuing Samsung’s emphasis on imaging prowess.
On the hardware front, insiders anticipated a move away from Exynos in favor of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 across all S23 variants. A special edition with a factory overclock to 3.36 GHz surfaced in rumors, signaling a push for peak performance. The S23 Ultra drew attention for potential camera upgrades, with claims of a 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 or a 108 MP main sensor as possibilities. The S23 and S23+ were expected to retain earlier telephoto capabilities, including a 10 MP lens from the previous generation. Front-facing sensing was rumored to be a 12 MP setup on the Ultra, emphasizing sensor quality over sheer pixel count. Overall, reports suggested only modest exterior changes, while the internal hardware and imaging systems aimed for meaningful gains.
Insiders highlighted that most remaining features would align closely with the 2022 lineup, signaling a steady evolution rather than a dramatic redesign.
Xiaomi
Late in 2022, Xiaomi unveiled the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, but global availability lagged behind the company’s Chinese release. With MIUI 14 on the horizon, differences between the China and global software builds were expected to be significant, potentially affecting feature sets and localization. Hardware familiarities suggested only frequency band adjustments for 4G connectivity rather than broader network changes.
In 2023, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra generated substantial anticipation as the brand’s premier offering outside China, building on the success of the 12S Ultra co-created with Leica. The 13 Ultra was rumored to reuse the Sony IMX989 as its main sensor, paired with a high-end LTPO QHD display, robust water and dust resistance, and flagship-tier chips such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 8+ Gen 2. The camera system, particularly in collaboration with Leica, remained a focal point in the chatter about Xiaomi’s 2023/2024 flagship ambitions. Announcements for the 13 Ultra were expected in the summer, with global release plans hinging on market reception and regulatory approvals.
With the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro already on shelves, attention soon shifted to the Pixel 8 family. The codenames Shiba (for the base model) and Husky (for the Pro) were bandied about, alongside expectations that the Tensor G3 chipset, codenamed Zuma, would power the lineup. Rumors suggested RAM configurations in the vicinity of 8 GB for the standard model and up to 12 GB for the Pro, while display sizes were expected to cluster around 6.3 inches for the standard and 6.7 inches for the Pro, using OLED panels with refresh rates up to 90 Hz on the standard and 120 Hz on the Pro.
Cameras were a talking point, with Progressive HDR slated as a new capability for the Pixel 8 family. The Pixel Fold was also anticipated to be a major part of Google’s 2023/2024 strategy, featuring large internal and external displays and mirroring design cues from the non-folding models. Google I/O was expected to reveal strategic changes and new features in the early summer window, setting the stage for fall device launches.
OnePlus
OnePlus 11 rolled out in early 2023 for the Chinese market and arrived globally in February. The global version was expected to carry OxygenOS as a defining feature, while the hardware aimed to remain in the flagship tier. A 6.7-inch display with a resolution around 3216 by 1440, built on AMOLED LTPO 3.0 technology capable of 1–120 Hz, was anticipated to deliver a smooth visual experience.
Performance was anchored by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, plus LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.0 storage. The Hasselblad-tuned camera setup featured a 50 MP main sensor (Sony IMX890) with optical stabilization, a 48 MP ultra-wide, and a 32 MP telephoto lens offering powerful zoom. A 16 MP front camera completed the package. Notably, wireless charging remained unavailable, with a 5000 mAh battery charging via USB-C up to 100 watts. Other features included IP54 splash resistance, stereo speakers, and a prominent vibration motor that emphasized tactile feedback.