Apple has scheduled the release of the iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro for this fall, and they are updating multiple features, with the display being one of the key areas of focus.
Over time, Apple has been steadily incorporating a plethora of features into the screens of its iPhones. Among the recent additions are the always-on display and the Dynamic Island, which replaces the traditional notch. It appears that further improvements are on the horizon, particularly concerning screen brightness, bezels, and related functionalities. However, it is worth noting that some of the most exceptional enhancements may be exclusive to higher-end iPhones.
If you have an interest in the swirling rumours about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can discover detailed information in their respective hubs. Nevertheless, here’s a concise summary of the main display-related rumours:
iPhone 15 Main Display-related Rumours
Display Size, Type and Resolution
Amidst all the potential changes that the iPhone 15 might bring to its displays, size appears to remain unchanged. According to the rumours, Apple will stick to its familiar pattern, offering two sizes as seen in previous models: the 6.1-inch vanilla and Pro version, and the larger 6.7-inch Plus and Pro Max model.
Apple is expected to maintain OLED technology for the screens of the iPhone 15, just like in the previous three generations of iPhones. This is because the next-generation microLED technology from Apple is not yet ready for deployment. Consequently, the anticipated resolutions for the iPhone 15 are 1170 x 2532, for the iPhone 15 Plus 1284 x 2778, for the iPhone 15 Pro 1179 x 2556, and for the iPhone 15 Pro Max 1290 x 2796.
Based on design leaks, it appears that the display of the iPhone 15 will continue to be flat, following the trend set by the iPhone 12 series. However, there might be a slight change in the phone’s overall design, with the edges potentially becoming more curved. This adjustment could contribute to a more comfortable grip.
Refresh Rate and always-on Display
In 2021, Apple introduced the “ProMotion” 120Hz refresh rate to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. They also inherited this feature in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max last year. Many people hoped for an increased refresh rate in the standard versions of the iPhone 15. However, people anticipate that Apple will continue to keep the 120Hz refresh rate exclusively for the Pro models. As a result, the standard iPhone 15 models are expected to maintain the 60Hz refresh rate, just like previous iterations.
With the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple introduced its inaugural always-on display for iPhones, enabling specific elements of the lock screen to remain visible continuously. We will likely see this feature return with the iPhone 15 Pro as well. However, because a variable refresh rate is necessary to support the always-on display, there is an expectation that the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models might omit this feature.
Certain sources predict that basic iPhones might not include 120Hz displays until 2025. This would mean a significant time gap after many Android phones had already adopted 120Hz or higher refresh rates.
Bezels
The borders surrounding the screens of the iPhone 15 are anticipated to become thinner, and notably, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have remarkably slim 1.55mm bezels. This would make them even slimmer than any other smartphone currently available in the market.
Exactly, the implementation of thinner bezels on the iPhone 15 could lead to two potential benefits. First, it might allow for slightly more display area within the same-sized phone or it could result in a slightly smaller overall frame while retaining the current display size, making the phone more compact and easier to handle.
Brightness
The iPhone 14, especially the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, already boast some of the brightest displays among smartphones. However, rumours suggest that the iPhone 15 series will push the boundaries further by enhancing the display brightness even more. There are speculations that the brightness levels could potentially reach up to 2,500 nits on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Despite the potential extra brightness that the iPhone 15 series may offer, the display is expected to operate more efficiently, thanks to the incorporation of a new driver chip. This new chip would play a crucial role in optimizing the utilization of the increased brightness, ensuring that the display can deliver its full potential without excessively draining the battery.
Dynamic Island
Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max last year, the Dynamic Island served as an innovative replacement for Apple’s traditional Face ID notch. The latest rumours suggest that this feature will not be exclusive to the Pro models this time around. Instead, it is expected to be incorporated into all iPhone 15 models, including the standard editions. This would result in a slight increase in display space at the top of the screen, allowing for size-changing widgets in certain applications that can expand and shrink based on demand.
As of now, there have been no reports or information regarding any changes to the behaviour or capabilities of Dynamic Island. Even the latest iOS 17 update does not include any modifications for this feature. Unless new rumours surface between now and the fall, we will have to wait until the official launch event to learn if there are any additional differences concerning the Dynamic Island, apart from which iPhone models will support it.
External Display Support
For the majority of users, the built-in display of the iPhone is more than sufficient. However, for those seeking additional screen space, the iPhone 15 Pro Display might fulfil their wishes by supporting external displays.
Furthermore, we anticipate that the Pro models will feature Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, which will add an additional layer of functionality to these devices.
Rumours suggest that the entire iPhone 15 series will incorporate USB-C ports, signifying a significant departure from previous iPhone models. Furthermore, we anticipate that the Pro models will feature Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, which will add an additional layer of functionality to these devices. This capability would enable users to connect their iPhone 15 Pro to external monitors or TVs, allowing for the output of content on a larger display. This feature would be especially useful when the phone screen isn’t sufficient to showcase photos or videos adequately, or when users wish to enjoy higher-resolution content without relying on casting or AirPlay options.
