The Apple iPhone 15 is a 6.1-inch flagship phone that Apple announced on September 12, 2023. It went on sale on September 22, 2023, starting at $799 in the US. Apple stopped selling it in September 2025, when the iPhone 17 lineup arrived. The iPhone 16 is its direct successor.
Design and display
The iPhone 15 has an aluminum frame with a contoured edge and a color-infused matte glass back. A Ceramic Shield cover protects the front. The phone measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 171 grams. It carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel has a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 ppi. Unlike the iPhone 14, it uses the Dynamic Island instead of a notch. Peak brightness reaches 1600 nits for HDR content and 2000 nits outdoors. However, the refresh rate stays at 60Hz, and there is no always-on display.
Performance
The phone runs on the Apple A16 Bionic, the chip Apple first used in the iPhone 14 Pro. It has a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores. A 5-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine complete the chip. The phone has 6 GB of RAM. Storage options are 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB, and there is no microSD slot.
Cameras
The rear has two cameras. The 48 MP main camera has an f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift optical stabilization. By default, it saves 24 MP photos. It also offers a 2x telephoto option that uses the center of the sensor. The second camera is a 12 MP ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view.
The rear cameras record 4K video at up to 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR. The 12 MP front camera has autofocus and also records 4K at 60 fps. In addition, the phone captures depth data automatically, so users can turn photos into portraits later.
Battery and charging
Apple does not list the battery size, but a regulatory filing shows a 3,349 mAh cell. Apple rates the phone for up to 20 hours of video playback. The iPhone 15 switched from Lightning to USB-C, yet the port runs at USB 2 speeds. With a 20W adapter, it charges to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging. No charger comes in the box.
Software and updates
The iPhone 15 shipped with iOS 17. Apple does not promise a fixed number of years of updates. US models use eSIM only, while models sold in other countries keep a nano-SIM tray. Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance and Messages via satellite are supported. Face ID handles secure unlocking.
Should you buy the iPhone 15?
The iPhone 15 is no longer produced, and Apple no longer sells it. New units may still appear at some carriers and retailers. It suits buyers who want the Dynamic Island, USB-C and a 48 MP camera in a compact body. Buyers who want a 120Hz screen or faster charging should look at newer models. The iPhone 16 is the direct successor.
