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StrollerEd

macrumors 65816
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Aug 13, 2011
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Reviewing posts on the iPhone 16 models and the forthcoming 17 models, I can't but think that the 15 Pro has its all, including capabilities in iOS 26 and AI - but what am I missing?
 
Reviewing posts on the iPhone 16 models and the forthcoming 17 models, I can't but think that the 15 Pro has its all, including capabilities in iOS 26 and AI - but what am I missing?
there is this rumor about a significantly improved tele camera, but, as with all rumors, who knows?

I have a 13PM and I will wait and see the 17PM specs and then make my decision
 
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Reviewing posts on the iPhone 16 models and the forthcoming 17 models, I can't but think that the 15 Pro has its all, including capabilities in iOS 26 and AI - but what am I missing?
Nothing. I have a 14Pro and haven't seen anything that would drive an "upgrade" from it. One of the great things about it is that it DOESN'T support Apple Intelligence, so it won't be trying to install that. Siri will just stay disabled.
 
Same boat. I was killing time in an Apple Store and messing around with a 16 Pro and it seemed identical to my 15 Pro, but slightly larger which I actually do not want.
 
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I think 5 years is a good upgrade cycle these days. I went from an 8 Plus to a 14, and I don’t intend to upgrade until the 19, when I might consider a Pro Max, should the product lineup not change too drastically, and if I can afford one.

If your 15 Pro has no faults, there’s no reason to even start considering upgrades, unless something launches with some killer features that you must have.
 
The 17 Pro should also have an anti reflective screen according to Max Tech. But yeah im gonna either replace battery on my 15 Pro or get 17 Pro through FOMO.
 
you aren't.
iPhone 15 pro is great.
The only way they can make it better in any tangible way is the battery life.

Agreed.

Not only am I not looking to upgrade, my take is that this 15 Pro has set the bar.

It represented a significant upgrade on my 12 Pro which served me well. As stated, nothing in the 16 series nor the leaked info on the upcoming 17 series comes across as anything as meaningful.


Many thanks for other feedback, including that from @1rottenapple [sic] that I should rely on ChatGBT rather than engage here.

BTW, ChatGBT replied with

"You're absolutely right to ask this now—iPhone 15 Pro is a high-performing phone, and iOS 18 (formerly referred to as iOS 26 in some speculative circles or naming confusion) adds a serious boost with Apple Intelligence."

& advised:

Upgrade to 16 Pro if:
  • You want the best possible Apple Intelligence performance. [not fussed]
  • You plan to use Vision Pro extensively (especially spatial video). [not applicable]
  • You value battery gains, display size, and ergonomic upgrades like the Capture button. [am content with present]
Wait for iPhone 17 if:
  • You care about long-term value and possibly a true design revamp with more AI-focused architecture. [possibly, but]
"If you're on the 15 Pro, you’re not missing much—yet. But Apple is clearly betting big on AI as the next frontier, and that’s where the newer models will increasingly shine."
 
iPhone 15 Pro is still fine, however, don't expect that all the iOS 26 features available for iPhone 17 series and iPhone 16 series will be made available for iPhone 15 Pro.
 
My 15 Pro is still going strong, and the only major difference with later models is the camera button, which I don't have use for anyway. I plan on keeping 15 Pro for a few more years. AI exclusivity to newer models is not worth the price for an otherwise similar phone with a slightly "better" camera.
 
I upgraded from 15 Pro to 16 Pro and it was the weakest upgrade in years. I also had the 14 Pro and all previous Pro versions, going back a decade.

USB-C was a nice upgrade of the 15 Pro for me. I like Lightning but USB-C means more charging options or essentially only one cord needed.

The camera upgrade of 16 Pro are a mixed bag. The 5X zoom is occasionally of good use, but I do miss the 3X for getting great portrait shots from mid-distances.

The camera control button is useless, for me.
 
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