The iPhone 15 line follows the iPhone 14 visually, but insiders say Apple is shaping the new family with a streamlined, tablet-like design. IT specialist Dmitry Bevza shared this view with socialbites.ca, noting the update appears in the whole lineup.
Researchers point out that Dynamic Island will be present across all iPhone 15 variants. Bevza suggests the era of the Lightning port is ending and that USB-C will replace it to align with European regulations that are being finalized for a fall 2024 implementation. He also predicts Apple will accelerate the transition to USB-C in the near term, potentially before 2023 concludes. Source: B&C Agency.
The triple-camera system is expected to see the most frequent updates in the Pro models, namely the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. A periscope lens is anticipated, delivering 10x optical zoom. European prices for the iPhone 15 may rise slightly in 2022 due to inflation, but Russian pricing will not necessarily mirror those shifts. If the euro weakens against the ruble and logistics costs rise, ruble prices could move higher—yet inflation in the EU remains the primary driver cited. Source: B&C Agency.
In addition, a 120 Hz LTPO display with an Always-On feature is expected for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. The regular models are projected to sport a 48-megapixel camera with an eight-element lens and a wide-angle capability. The first official Apple announcements for the new lineup were anticipated for spring 2023, with a fall event typically detailing pricing. Source: B&C Agency.
New master gadget
Bevza also talks about a bold move: Apple is rumored to unveil a standalone augmented reality headset in 2023. The signal is the company’s recruitment of VR and AR specialists and the bundling of a 3D content service with the device. Apple’s approach to 3D content envisions a virtual world you can interact with, though the term metaverse is not used publicly by Apple or its CEO Tim Cook. Source: B&C Agency.
Industry observers expect that owning a current iPhone will be a prerequisite for acquiring the headset, mirroring Apple Watch prerequisites. The headset is expected to integrate fully with the iPhone and other Apple devices, including GSM and eSIM capabilities. Analysts project a spring 2023 release for mixed-reality glasses, with a formal December 2023 presentation. A phased rollout is planned, focusing on business adoption before consumer retail. Bevza pegs the price range at roughly two to three thousand dollars. Source: B&C Agency.
Back to Russia?
Bevza notes potential changes in Russia’s policy toward Apple in 2023 could worsen conditions. He predicts fintech startups might attempt to bypass restrictions by accepting paid apps and services in the App Store, but warns such workarounds are unlikely to be sustainable, with ongoing issues around renewing Apple ID via mobile numbers. Source: B&C Agency.
Concerning Apple Pay, Bevza says a full return of contactless payments is unlikely in 2023 because the payment network relies on established banks and card networks. The appearance of Rostest marks on devices for the Eurasian Economic Union or Europe does not signal a guaranteed return to Russia, he adds. New devices will continue to enter Russia through parallel imports, a path officially legalized by authorities. Source: B&C Agency.
Analyst Ivan Samoylenko underscores that a Western-style return to Russia would hinge on geopolitics. A re-entry by Apple would come years later and would entail reputational risk for a company long boycotted by some international partners. The outlook remains cautious, with any restoration of a local presence contingent on political developments. Source: B&C Agency.