Hands-On With the New iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Models

Following today's keynote event that saw Apple introducing the new iPhone 15, ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus, ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro, and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro Max, Apple allowed members of the media in attendance to spend some hands-on time with the new devices. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera was at Apple Park for the event, so he's able to give us an early look at the ‌iPhone‌ 15 lineup, as well as his first thoughts.


The ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro models are made from titanium, and they are noticeably lighter than the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro models. There are contoured edges that improve the feel of the ‌iPhone‌ in the hand, and the Pro models are overall much more comfortable to hold. Apple also cut down on bezel size for even more display than ever, and the Action Button that replaces the Mute Switch is super convenient.

Apple added a 5x zoom lens to the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro Max and at its 120mm focal length, you can get great portrait shots. There are options on both Pro models to change the focal length of the Main camera, which you can do just by tapping. It can be set to 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm, and the ability to change focal length is useful for pro photographers.

As for the standard ‌iPhone‌ 15 models, they're more Pro-like than ever with the addition of the Dynamic Island and the new matte glass back. Apple say it is using back glass that has color infused throughout the material, and it's a nice look, especially with the pastel color options.

For more on what Dan thought of the ‌iPhone‌ 15 models, make sure to check out his full video, and for more of our coverage, visit our 2023 Apple Event hub.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26 on Three iPhones

iOS 26's Liquid Glass Design Draws Criticism From Users

Wednesday September 17, 2025 2:56 pm PDT by
It's been two days since iOS 26 was released, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design is even more divisive than expected. Any major design change can create controversy as people get used to the new look, but the MacRumors forums, Reddit, Apple Support Communities, and social media sites seem to feature more criticism than praise as people discuss the update. Complaints There are a long...
iPhone 17 Pro and Air Feature

Two iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air Colors Appear to Scratch More Easily

Friday September 19, 2025 10:02 am PDT by
As reported by Bloomberg today, some of the new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models on display at Apple Stores today are already scratched and scuffed. French blog Consomac also reported on this topic. The scratches appear to be most prominent on models with darker finishes, including the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in Deep Blue, and the iPhone Air in Space Black. Images Credit: Consoma ...
iOS 26

iOS 26.0.1 Coming Soon, Likely With iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Fix

Thursday September 18, 2025 9:17 am PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.0.1, according to a private account on X with a proven track record of sharing information about future iOS versions. The update will have a build number of 23A350, or similar, the account said. It is likely that iOS 26.0.1 will fix a camera-related bug on the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models. In his iPhone Air review, CNN Underscored's Henry T. ...
M6 MacBook Pro Feature 1

Apple's Rumored MacBook Pro Redesign: 6 New Features Anticipated

Wednesday September 17, 2025 4:26 am PDT by
Apple in October 2024 overhauled its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, adding M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, Thunderbolt 5 ports on higher-end models, display changes, and more. That's quite a lot of updates in one go, but if you think this means a further major refresh for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is now several years away, think again. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said he expects only a small ...
iOS 26

iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4: Here Are 5 New Features to Expect on Your iPhone

Tuesday September 16, 2025 11:17 am PDT by
iOS 26 was finally released on Monday, but the software train never stops, and the first developer beta of iOS 26.1 will likely be released soon. iOS 18.1 was an anomaly, as the first developer beta of that version was released in late July last year, to allow for early testing of Apple Intelligence features. The first betas of iOS 15.1, iOS 16.1, and iOS 17.1 were all released in the second ...
Tim Cook Rainbow

Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch These 10 Products in 'Coming Months'

Sunday September 14, 2025 8:45 am PDT by
Apple's annual September event is now in the rearview mirror, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 set to launch this Friday, September 19. As always, there is more to come. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple plans to release many products in the...

Top Rated Comments

Born Again Avatar
27 months ago
most people won’t be feeling that titanium once it’s in the case.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rijc99 Avatar
27 months ago
They should make the action button single press, double press or long hold.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RLRabb Avatar
27 months ago
Dan is wrong about the data transfer speeds on the Pro model. He indicated that only the Pro Max gets USB-3 speeds, but the standard Pro model gets that speed also. Only the non-Pro 15 models are limited to USB-2.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
27 months ago
Really disappointed with the Action Button, if it, indeed, is only capable of one configurable action.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsplusmacs Avatar
27 months ago

They should make the action button single press, double press or long hold.
Me: Triple click -> shortcut -> mood lighting -> fake fireplace turns on -> Barry White music starts playing....


Ah yeah......
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Denzo Avatar
27 months ago
I’m just so disappointed.
I remember with the 6, then 6s, 7 then 8.. I’m like, this is the same shape for way too many years in succession.
Then they started repeating the use of the head processor, recycling last years, increase prices and the innovation this year is a button and more zoom. It’s just ridiculous - take the charger, take the memory card and audio jack - make cable back ups a nightmare to force iCloud I’m just so wanting a legitimate innovation.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)