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Pepperfection

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 13, 2017
162
84
On my last topic about if anyone would upgrade if iPhone 16 is in fact getting a new design, some people here said they consider 15 a new design already.

That it will be 15-16-17, especially based on the past that each design lasts 3 years.

Do you agree? Because of the rounded sides and titanium back. Or do you still consider it same as 12, 13, 14?
 

JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,497
26,122
Material change isn't a new design. We had a new design with Dynamic Island on iPhone 14.

iPhone 16 is a new form factor - that's a new design.
 
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kht410

macrumors regular
Sep 4, 2016
120
112
I would say yes. There seems to be a 3-year design cycle since 2014. And since 2017, alongside the flagship models, Apple have been releasing a “cheaper” tier model with Aluminium sides and a similar design language as the flagship.

2014-2016
6, 6s, 7: aluminium rounded sides

2017-2019
X, Xs, 11 pro: stainless steel rounded sides
8, XR, 11: aluminium rounded sides

2020-2022
12 pro, 13 pro, 14 pro: stainless steel flat sides
12, 13, 14: aluminium flat sides

2023-2025(?)
15 pro, so on: titanium flat sides with rounded edges
15, so on: aluminium flat sides with rounded edges
 
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JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,497
26,122
Most people refer to form factor when they refer to design. Otherwise, iPhone 6S with 7000 series aluminum would be considered a design change compared to iPhone 6. People wouldn't have groaned when they saw iPhone 8 - it had a glass back, so it's a "new" design, right? Apple Watch in stainless steel and aluminum would be "different" designs. Obviously not.

2014-2017: 4.7 and 5.5-inch, rounded edges

2017-2019: 5.8, 6.1, 6.5-inch, full screen, rounded edges

2020-2023: 5.4, 6.1, and 6.7-inch, full screen, flat edges

2024-?: 6.3 and 6.9-inch
 

boltjames

macrumors 601
May 2, 2010
4,876
2,852
No, my 15 feels just like my 12. Which pleases me to no end as I thought the 12 was the best form of iPhone, ever.
 

whitby

Contributor
Dec 13, 2007
390
397
Austin, TX
No. This is the same design they have used since the 12 Pro. I have the 15 Pro Max and keep an 11 Pro Max as a backup. They are two different designs and in some ways the 11 Pro Max is a much nicer looking phone to me and more premium in appearance. The matt titanium finish on the 15 Pro Max makes the phone look cheaper and less premium, again in my opinion. The polished stainless steel on the 11 Pro Max looks better but has the disadvantage of being heavier. All a matter of opinion of course, but the 15 Pro Max is just a minor change to a basic design used since the 12 Pro.
 
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Al Rukh

macrumors 65816
Nov 15, 2017
1,148
1,283
The ones at the back? If so, not really important, IMO, as we do not even see them while using our phones.

Yes, it may bring some ergonomic benefits; some may feel the camera module too low in the regular Pro models. Arranging them like the recent Pixel phones should eliminate the ‘issue’ of a rocking phone on a flat surfaces.
 

sviato

macrumors 68020
Oct 27, 2010
2,432
430
HR 9038 A
i consider it the same design since the 12 pro - very surprised Apple has really milked this form factor
 

Surfsalot

Suspended
Mar 18, 2023
2,049
2,027
Yes, it may bring some ergonomic benefits; some may feel the camera module too low in the regular Pro models. Arranging them like the recent Pixel phones should eliminate the ‘issue’ of a rocking phone on a flat surfaces.
get the right case solves that
 
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Al Rukh

macrumors 65816
Nov 15, 2017
1,148
1,283
then you can't put it down anyway unless you carry a hanky with you lol, will be mighty scratched up

I’ve got a 15 with no case. So far there’s no scratches. Even if there are, it’s not the end of the world. I’m not sure why the idea of having a case for your phone is a must.
 
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Surfsalot

Suspended
Mar 18, 2023
2,049
2,027
I’ve got a 15 with no case. So far there’s no scratches. Even if there are, it’s not the end of the world. I’m not sure why the idea of having a case for your phone is a must.
do you work on a building site?
 
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