iPhone 15 alleged real-life images reveal two big changes

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Leaked iPhone 15 photos show off new look

iPhone 14
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Real-life iPhone 15 images have been shared by leaker Unknownz21 (URedditor) and MacRumors, showing off what the source claims are shots of an early model of the standard iPhone 15.

In the first image, showing the alleged iPhone's display, we see a Dynamic Island-style cutout at the top. The Dynamic Island is currently exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, but rumors say it should be appearing on all iPhone 15 models, marking the true end of the Face ID notch era that began with the iPhone X.

iPhone 15 photo

(Image credit: Unknownz21))

The Dynamic Island is designed to deliver real-time animations, alerts and live activities as you use your iPhone, and Apple has opened up this functionality to developers. For example, you can track your food delivery status or sports scores in the Dynamic Island without having to dive into an app. Seeing this functionality migrate beyond the Pros to the regular iPhones should get more developers on board in leveraging the Dynamic Island.

Some have called the Dynamic Island a gimmick, but it does make it easier to do everyday tasks, like keep track of timers, get turn-by-turn directions and control music playback. 

iPhone 14 Pro Max dynamic island animation

(Image credit: Apple)

The second image is of the phone's USB-C charging port, a feature Apple seems to be introducing ahead of legislation to enforce the port's use on all mobile devices sold in Europe. After a decade of Lightning connectors, it's going to be a big change, although one that Apple's already heralded by slowly introducing more and more USB-C iPads.

An alleged photo of an iPhone 15, showing its USB-C port

(Image credit: Unknownz21)

However, keep in mind that there have been reports that Apple may offer slower USB-C speeds on the regular iPhone 15, reserving faster transfer speeds for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It's not clear whether there would be a divide in charging speeds as well. 

Aside from these two alterations, this iPhone 15 looks a lot like the iPhone 14. Rumors of big new features like curved backs and sides or solid-state power and volume buttons have been circulating, but those could be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Likewise, the claims of a redesigned camera bump can't be checked against these two photos, since neither show the phone's back.

Changes could still come to the design, as Unknownz21 does specify this is an early sample. But considering other renders match the details we see here, it's likely that this new, gently modified look is what we'll get when the iPhone 15 launches, which will likely be in September as usual.

We expect plenty more leaks for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro before they both launch, so keep an eye on our rumor hubs for the latest updates.

Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.