The iPhone 16 launch is approaching quick, and a few folks might be excited on the prospect of shopping for cheaper iPhones come September. As at all times, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 fashions will every be $100 cheaper. However I feel you’d be higher served not getting both mannequin, particularly an iPhone 15 taste, whether or not the bottom mannequin or the Plus.
I had no downside recommending the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus final yr. They’re basically beefed-up iPhone 14 Professional and 14 Professional Max variants. They’re nice units that may final for a number of years. On the time, nevertheless, I couldn’t anticipate the Apple Intelligence revolution coming to the iPhone.
Apple Intelligence is the one greatest improve coming to the iPhone. It should impression Apple’s fall iPhone lineup like no different software program characteristic. Older iPhones usually assist most novelties that debut in new iOS releases. Sadly, Apple Intelligence requires both an iPhone 15 Professional/Max mannequin or one of many upcoming iPhone 16 variants.
The iPhone 15 software program will get upgraded to iOS 18, certain. However in order for you entry to Apple’s AI options, together with built-in ChatGPT assist in Siri, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will not be highly effective sufficient for Apple Intelligence.
You would possibly suppose you don’t want generative AI options in your life. You may not even use ChatGPT and different AI chatbots proper now. However I’m sure you’ll finally need a few of the options Apple Intelligence has to supply.
The extra superior Siri expertise is only one instance of AI use on cellular that you simply would possibly need to reap the benefits of. The iPhone 15 can’t run it, and the iPhone 14 gained’t run Apple Intelligence both. So why am I so targeted on the iPhone 15 fashions?
The iPhone 15 at present begins at $799 ($829 with out provider provides). When the iPhone 16 launches, the beginning value will drop to $699 (or $729). That looks like an amazing deal for a brand new iPhone that has a number of years of life left in it. However the deal now not appears that good once you issue within the lack of Apple Intelligence assist.
Apple will discontinue the iPhone 13, which at present prices $599 ($629). The iPhone 14 will get that value level after a $100 low cost from the present $699 ($729).
A $599 iPhone 14 remains to be a tool that may’t run Apple Intelligence. It’ll by no means get it. However that value level is significantly better. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus may very well be nice units for particular classes of patrons. Older adults who can’t be bothered with AI proper now may do effectively with an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus.
In the meantime, the iPhone 16 will seemingly begin at $799 ($829), similar to its predecessor. It’ll have 8GB of RAM and an A18 collection chip with a Neural Engine that may deal with on-device Apple Intelligence options.
In case you want a brand new iPhone however can’t justify spending a minimum of $799, there’s a significantly better different. Anticipate the iPhone SE 4, which ought to launch as quickly as early subsequent yr. It’ll value between $499 and $599, but it surely ought to characteristic iPhone 16-like parts inside an iPhone 14 physique.
The iPhone SE 4 will assist Apple Intelligence for years to come back, which is what makes the $699 iPhone 15 such a nasty deal.
Lastly, should you already personal an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus and need Apple Intelligence, you must contemplate buying and selling in your mannequin for one of many 4 iPhone 16 variants. One other improve path may be considered one of final yr’s Professionals. However Apple will discontinue the iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max as soon as the iPhone 16 arrives. You’ll have to have a look at carriers and different electronics retailers for iPhone 15 Professional offers.
