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Apple iPhone 15 Rumor Roundup: Goodbye Pro Max, hello Ultra

Plus Under-display Face ID on the iPhone 16?
Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

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Another year, another rumor roundup! Even before the iPhone 14 announcement last September 2022, there were already leaks about the iPhone 15 (and even the iPhone 16).

Like with any other rumors, take these with a grain of salt. Everything you see here are just leaked and unconfirmed information and nothing has been confirmed yet.

iPhone 15 series

Bye bye Pro Max! Hello Ultra

Not that it’s shorter to pronounce (same two syllable counting as the Pro Max) but this bold move is for consistency.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Apple first introduced the “Ultra” naming scheme through their in-house M1 Ultra chip. It was then followed by the Apple Watch Ultra announced last October 2022.

It makes sense for Apple to drop the “Pro Max” branding. This is in favor of a more streamlined product through the iPhone 15 Ultra. It even directly rivals its Android counterparts such as Samsung and Xiaomi.

Dynamic Island for all

In the last iPhone 14 rumor roundup, Apple putting a pill-shaped punch-hole cutout instead of a notch was introduced. But the catch was no one expected it to be immersive. They gave birth to the “Dynamic Island” feature that put Android punch-hole cameras to shame.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While it didn’t blow everyone’s minds, it still is one of the hottest features of the latest iPhone 14 Pro series — even app developers mimicked the same feature into the Android ecosystem — and we even made a tutorial on that one.

@gadgetmatch

When the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a Dynamic Island 🤪 #dynamicisland #android #smartphone #samsung #samsunggalaxy

♬ GASLIGHT – INJI

As Apple finally had the grasp on how to implement this new type of technology among their displays, it comes to no surprise that even the basic iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models could sport the Dynamic Island — albeit still stuck at 60Hz.

Meanwhile, the Pro and Ultra models will still rock the 120Hz ProMotion displays. That further separates the higher-end models from the regular ones.

UPDATE: The new iPhone 15 Pro series are set to feature thinner-than-ever bezels at 1.81mm compared to the already thin bezels found on the existing iPhone 14 Pro series (2.17mm).

USB-C…aveat

Leaked as early as May 2022, the next iPhone will finally feature USB-C ports instead of the Lightning connector that has been there for years. What took so long? Well, EU has passed a new law that mandates companies (even Apple) to supply their devices with USB-C as the only port for charging. This further eliminates the amount of e-waste caused by a lot of faulty cables and chargers.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra is expected to have at least the USB-C 3.0 standard. The caveat? Regular iPhone 15 models will only be limited to a slower USB-C 2.0 standard. This means slower charging and data connection. But hey, at least you’re helping in reducing global e-waste problems.

Solid-state button comeback?

Remember the “portless iPhone” that started in our iPhone 12 rumor list? Well, we think it’s still what Apple is starting to envision next.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Not to confuse with Solid-State Drives (SSDs), solid-state buttons are the types of buttons that rely on capacitive touches and haptic feedback instead of physical buttons with clicking mechanisms. That’s what Apple did as early as the solid-state Touch ID on the iPhone 7 series.

On this year’s iPhones, Apple might do the same not by putting back the Touch ID, but making a similar technology on its volume and power buttons. This is one step closer in making the portless iPhone possible.

 

UPDATE 1: According to the long-time Apple leakser Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has decided to scrap out the inclusion of the additional solid-state buttons due to component issues.

UPDATE 2: Based from the iPhone 15 Ultra dummy unit sent to Unbox Therapy, the old volume buttons will be replaced by a single/unified volume button. There’s even a new configurable button, making an end to the long history of iPhone’s signature mute switch.

Titanium frame

Shoot it down, but it won’t fall! The next iPhone is titanium — well at least the iPhone 15 Ultra.

Back in August 2021, it was already rumored that the 2022 iPhone 14 will have a titanium chassis instead of the usual stainless steel ones. It was even mentioned in last year’s iPhone 14 rumor roundup but unsurprisingly, the iPhone 14 Pro series still had stainless steel frames. However, we might actually see titanium-touting iPhones first this year.

Titanium is a wiser choice considering it’s stronger and more durable, yet lighter. This is why it’s a rare (and expensive) model when buying an Apple Watch before, specifically the Watch Series 5.

First ever periscope lens on an iPhone

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

With the recent news confirmation of Apple using Sony sensors for over a decade now, it might be possible for them to introduce a new generation of periscope lens on the next iPhone — at least on the Ultra variant.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Apple is planning to put a periscope lens with a 6x optical zoom capability on the new Ultra model. An upgrade from the usual 3x telephoto zoom lens found on the existing Pro models of the iPhone 13 and 14. This further segregates the iPhone 15 Pro from the higher-end Ultra variant.

Performance and power gain

Just like the iPhone 14 and 14 series, higher-end iPhone 15 models could come with an even more efficient 3nm (nanometer) A17 Bionic chipset. Meanwhile. the base models will use last year’s A16 Bionic chipset — which is still a high-performing chipset.

There’s still no word regarding storage configuration bump-ups. It’s most likely that the basic iPhone 15 series will be stuck to a max 512GB + 4GB configuration. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra will still come with a maxed-out 1TB internal storage and 6GB RAM.

UPDATE 1: Qi2 wireless charging standard + 15W wireless charging under the use of third-party chargers are said to be available to the upcoming iPhones.

UPDATE 2: With the recent announcement of the Apple Vision Pro, it is also rumored that the new iPhone 15 models will feature the next-gen U2 Ultra-Wide Band chip. This is particularly for an improved performance and better efficiency when using the mixed-reality headset.

UPDATE 3: The new iPhone 15 series are all set to feature bigger batteries compared to their predecessors:

  • iPhone 15 = 3877mAh (vs iPhone 14’s 3279mAh)
  • iPhone 15 Plus = 4912mAh (vs iPhone 15 Plus’ 4323mAh)
  • iPhone 15 Pro = 3650mAh (vs iPhone 14 Pro’s 3200mAh)
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max / Ultra = 4852mAh (vs iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 4323mAh)

Still on the waitlist

A blast from the past

If you haven’t noticed, Apple has been slowly bringing back its past designs. From the inspiration of the iPhone 12/13/14’s flat-edge design with the likes of the iPhone 5/5s and the first-gen iPhone SE, all the way to the 2021 iMac M1 that’s reminiscent of the iMac G3 from 2003. Like it or not, the next-gen iPhone won’t be any different.

Concept By Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As Jon Prosser stated in his latest report, the upcoming iPhone will most likely borrow the design of the iPhone 4 from a decade ago. Instead of that protruding camera bump, Apple might actually make the phone thicker for the cameras to get flushed.

The lack of camera cutout might look like it was inspired by Samsung’s Galaxy S22 and S23 Ultra but the iPhone 15 will still be different.

Unlike those protruding camera lenses, its thicker chassis makes it possible to remove the camera bump and protruding lenses. The cameras, LiDAR scanner, and LED flash are flushed beneath the iPhone’s glass layer. It’s just like the good ol’ iPhone 4. This makes it look cleaner and uniformed.

Under-display Face ID

Apple is thinking ahead of by making Under-display Face IDs instead of Touch IDs — a la under-display fingerprint scanners found in a plethora of Android smartphones today.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

But hey Apple! Could you at least equip a Touch ID sensor on the solid-state power button? Like what you did on the new generations of the iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air?

Portless iPhone

While the 2020 iPhone rumors suggested a “portless iPhone” is coming very soon, it might not be as soon as we all thought.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The introduction of MagSafe on the iPhone 12 was just a head start, and the rumored USB-C standardization on the upcoming iPhone 15 series comes next. MagSafe is a great feature that Apple introduced to wireless charge iPhones. However, it’s still far from being a complete solution to ditch wired charging. Not only is it slower than other wireless charging standards, but it’s also unconventional (at least for now).

iFold

If portless iPhones are not in Apple’s priorities now, what more with foldable iPhones?

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Even with early Apple patents submitted such as the folding iPad with Apple Pencil support, dual screen with hinge system, or even a clamshell iPhone such as the Galaxy Z Flip3 and motorola razr, it’s still a blurry sight if Apple will really pursue foldables in the near future. For now, we can only look at patent illustrations.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Farewell, iPhone SE 4

From the news of being launched last April 2021 was scrapped, reports of delay until Q1 2022, and 2023 rumors of it being postponed or canceled altogether, the iPhone SE 4 might actually never see the light at all.

Concept by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The iPhone SE was the most-searched iPhone during the start of the pandemic. It gave birth to new users who want the most of an iPhone by spending less of their hard-earned fortune. But with the consumers’ shift of demand to the newest iPhone 14 and 14 Pro series, Apple has reportedly reduced production for the 2022 iPhone SE 3 and even the iPhone 14 Plus.

A 2021 rumor suggested that it will take cues from the ‘Plus’ versions of the iPhone 6/6s/7/8 with a 5.5-inch Retina Display. A follow-up 2022 report then said it will be a direct copy of the iPhone XR with a singular wide lens and a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina Display. But with the recent news telling us that the iPhone SE 4 might be gone for good due to poor demand, we don’t have anything to see anymore.

This article will be updated regularly. Updates will include new leaks and/or rumors on the Apple iPhone 15 and 16 series.

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HONOR X9d 5G launches in the Philippines: Price, preorder, availability

‘World’s toughest phone’ comes with performance, durability upgrades

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January 9, 2026

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The HONOR X9d 5G is now in the Philippines. Touted as the “World’s Toughest Phone”, HONOR’s latest midrange smartphone is available starting at PhP 17,999.

Customers can avail of this discounted price during the preorder period from January 9 to 23. They can also get a JisuLife Fan 5 and gift box as part of the preorder freebie package.

Do note that the handheld fan will only be part of the package when the phone is claimed on January 24.

In addition, those who preorder can join the raffle giveaway for a chance to win a Tesla Cybertruck.

Meanwhile, from January 24 onwards, customers can get the device for PhP 18,999. Available colors are Reddish Brown, Sunrise Gold, and Midnight Black.

Moreover, the phone is offered through Globe and Smart postpaid plans for flexible payments, as well as through Home Credit.

Tough, durable

Building on the X series’ previous entries which are known for their durability, the latest entry to the popular line features a 2.5-meter drop resistance rating, and an improved IP66, IP68, and IP69K dust and water resistance.

It also has a significantly larger battery capacity at 8,300mAh, with support for 66W charging. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 platform, users can also expect a leap when it comes to performance.

The lone configuration in the Philippines comes with 12GB RAM (plus 12GB expansion) and 256GB of internal storage.

For its camera, the HONOR X9d still has a 108MP main camera and a 16MP front camera. Users can leverage HONOR’s full suite of AI-powered editing features, including AI Eraser.

In front, there is a 6.79-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and up to 6,000 nits brightness. This panel is reinforced by Aluminosilicate glass.

The HONOR X9d comes with MagicOS 9 out of the box, along with Google Gemini, and more handy features.

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Enterprise

realme is reportedly going back to being an OPPO sub-brand

All scheduled phones will still launch on time, though.

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January 9, 2026

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A popular story among Chinese smartphone brands is whenever a sub-brand spinning off into its own independent entity. A less common one is when an independent entity suddenly merges back into the main entity. And yet, that’s the story we have today. realme is reportedly going back to being a sub-brand of OPPO.

If you don’t remember realme’s time as a sub-brand, then it’s hardly your fault. It’s been a long while since realme was considered a sub-brand. In 2018, the brand spun off on its own to form one of the most popular names in the Chinese smartphone space.

Today, via Leiphone, realme will return to OPPO as a sub-brand. Current realme CEO Sky Li will still retain his responsibilities heading the brand. Plus, all products on the current release schedule will still come out as planned.

However, starting this year, realme will start reintegrating back into OPPO, particularly through the latter’s after-sales programs. OnePlus will also follow the same structure going forward.

Currently, realme has not officially announced the move. That said, we also don’t know how the brand will address the reported change. It’s possible that the shift is just internal and has no effect on how the brand faces the public. For now, only time will tell.

SEE ALSO: realme C85 with 7000mAh battery, 5G connectivity officially launches

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Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting its first Joy-Con color variant

It’s not as showy as the first Switch’s Joy-Cons.

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January 9, 2026

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When the Nintendo Switch 2 and its almost-all-black Joy-Cons launched, you might have wondered about how the dual controllers will rock other colors. After all, the original Switch’s ecosystem constantly tempted users with quirky color options. Because the Switch 2 uses a black shell, will future Joy-Cons look just as tempting? Now, we have our answer.

Today, Nintendo has announced its first color variant for the Switch 2 Joy-Con. We should have seen this coming, but the new variant will not have a completely redesigned shell. Instead, the controller will change the colors of the inner rails and the rings around the joysticks. This pair will rock light purple for the left Joy-Con and light green for the right one.

It’s a tad bit disappointing, especially when you’re comparing it to the previous model. It’s practically impossible to rep the new colors out in public because the inner rails are hidden by the Switch 2. It also doesn’t help that the console itself will still have its red and blue colors, clashing with the new variant.

That said, the Joy-Cons still look pretty cool when separated from the console. But it all depends on when the console gets more games that use only a single Joy-Con.

Thankfully, that’s coming soon. The color variant will launch alongside the upcoming Mario Tennis Fever, the perfect game for single Joy-Cons. Both will come out on February 12.

The new colors will sell for an eye-watering US$ 99.99.

SEE ALSO: Yes, someone made a fries holder for your Nintendo Switch 2

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