The iPhone 15: Apple’s Fastest ‘Outdated’ Model Yet?

Apple is set to launch its iPhone 16 lineup in September, including the usual four models. Rumors also suggest that the company will soon introduce the iPhone SE 4 at a subsequent spring event.

Traditionally, Apple continues to sell older iPhone models at lower prices. However, with the revelations about the upcoming iPhones, the outlook for the iPhone 15 is less promising, especially since the model won’t be able to utilize the Apple Intelligence feature set, which is exclusive to the higher-end models due to RAM constraints.

iPhone 15 Won’t Support iOS 18’s Newest Features

When Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence in June, one notable aspect was the limited list of compatible devices, especially for iPhones. Specifically, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus don’t qualify to use this AI feature set.

While the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max do support Apple Intelligence, the standard versions miss out. This is a significant drawback for the future of the iPhone 15, particularly with the upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone SE 4 releases.

All Four iPhone 16 Models Will Support Apple Intelligence

With the iPhone 16 series launch, all models are expected to support Apple Intelligence. Featuring the powerful A18 chip and a minimum of 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 devices will offer the full suite of AI capabilities on iOS 18.1, regardless of whether users opt for the Pro version or not.

However, the real threat to the iPhone 15 isn’t the iPhone 16, but the iPhone SE 4, a budget-friendly model that promises to offer what the iPhone 15 lacks.

iPhone SE 4: A Threat to iPhone 15

Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 is predicted to be an appealing option for cost-conscious consumers. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple will release a new iPhone SE in early 2025 with design upgrades, an OLED display, and, of course, support for Apple Intelligence.

If this comes to fruition, the iPhone SE 4 could be the most performance-for-price-attractive iPhone SE that Apple has ever released. The device is expected to feature a design similar to the iPhone 16, the A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, and an OLED display.

What’s notable is the pricing of the SE 4 and iPhone 15. Typically, Apple reduces the price of older iPhones by around $100 when new models are released, which would mean the iPhone 15 would start at approximately $699. Meanwhile, if Apple prices the iPhone SE 4 at $499, consumers will have a choice between the iPhone 15 with the A16 chip and no Apple Intelligence, or the iPhone SE 4 with the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and a similar design.

What’s Next for the iPhone 15?

With significant advancements like Apple Intelligence, Action Button, a dedicated camera button, and camera upgrades on the iPhone 16, along with the introduction of the iPhone SE 4, it doesn’t make sense for consumers to spend more on the iPhone 15.

Apple is known for maintaining the usefulness and updatability of its devices for years after their release. However, with the iPhone 15, this trend may not continue, largely due to the absence of Apple Intelligence, an AI feature that everyone wants to experience.

Given the choice, would you opt for the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16, or the more affordable iPhone SE 4?