TL; DR
- Leaked CAD-based renders of the iPhone 15 Pro confirm some rumored design details.
- The volume buttons seem to be fixed for now, but the mute switch may change to an Action Button.
- The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models will likely not lose the mute switch.
We’ve seen a few different rumors regarding the designs of the iPhone 15 series. Notably, all the rumors seem to indicate that Apple is further differentiating between Pro and non-Pro models. One rumor was that the pro-level iPhones could get a new hard volume and lose the mute switch, with a mute button taking its place.
A new set of leaked CAD-based renders of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max suggests that these rumors are partially true (via 9to5Mac). The renders indicate that Apple has reversed its decision to revamp the volume buttons. In other words, the two volume buttons should look, feel, and function the same way they do on current iPhones.
However, Apple seems to be holding out for removing the mute switch. It’s possible that this switch — which has appeared on every iPhone since the original release in 2007 — could be turned into a button. Interestingly, this button looks similar to the action button we see on the Apple Watch Ultra.
While this is all speculation, it is assumed that the Action Button (it’s not likely what Apple calls it) will allow users to do more than just mute their phones. On the Apple Watch Ultra, this button can activate Shortcuts, which are programmable actions. It’s possible (and maybe also) that Apple will port this feature to its pro-level iPhones. This means being able to quickly perform certain tasks with this button. In theory, it will also still act as a mute alternative, though the details of this are unclear at the moment.
Do note that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus should not see these changes. The mute switch should continue to function as normal on those models.
Other changes in the design of the iPhone 15 Pro
Outside of the buttons, these new leaked renders suggest a few other minor changes and reconfirm a few others. The renders show an overall curved design, the presence of a USB-C port (see you later, Lightning), and the continuation of the Dynamic Island. The bezels are also slimmer, which is always nice to see.
Notably, the camera module is slightly different in these renderings than we’ve seen previously. The camera bump doesn’t appear to be as massive as what we’ve seen in previous leaks, for example. Also, we see that the iPhone 15 Pro Max (or iPhone 15 Ultra, if Apple changes things up) has a slightly larger unit. This lends credence to the rumors that the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 model may feature a periscope zoom lens. Although high-end Android phones have had this feature for years, this will be the first time that an iPhone has this feature.
We expect the iPhone 15 Pro to arrive in September this year.