Each year, with each iteration, Apple’s iPhone Pro series represents a technological leap and is touted as the best iPhone yet. But, exemplifying these advancements and improvements is a challenge.

With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has done something radical. It was buried in their presentation, but it illustrated the power and capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro series in a way that sets it apart from its previous iteration and other devices in the market.

Before we get to it, let’s look at what matters first.

Pricing & Availability

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium finishes.

The iPhone 15 Pro starts at RM5,499 and is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at RM6,499 and is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.

Both devices will be available in Malaysia on Friday, 29 September.

I admit, those prices are scary. They are RM200 more than the same capacity devices from the previous generation. The cost of the base-level iPhone 15 Pro is more than enough to pay for a PlayStation 5 with a PSVR 2 or a down payment for a Honda City.

Also available at launch are the FineWoven Wallets and Cases (RM279), Clear Cases (RM239), and Silicone Cases with MagSafe (RM239).

Based on user reports, it’s best to skip the FineWoven stuff.

For a professional who takes a lot of high-resolution photos and videos, Pairing an iPhone 15 Pro series device with the new higher capacity iCloud+, now available in 6TB for RM129.90 per month and 12TB for RM269.90 per month, is a good idea.

Flexing that gaming muscle

Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, and Death Stranding are coming to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max later this year, while Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available in the first half of 2024. This is a big deal.

The games listed are console-level games never seen on a smartphone. Even the Nintendo Switch, a dedicated hybrid console, doesn’t have these games. In other words, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are as capable as portable PC-centric gaming devices such as the Steam Deck.

Without using percentages and comparison to previous devices, where the meaning is usually vague anyway, Apple has managed to convey the message, at least to gamers, that the power of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is something to take note of.

There’s no need to convince creative professionals that the iPhone 15 Pro series devices are the best for content creation. They already know.

I feel that a controller like the Backbone One is needed to complete the message. It’ll give the iPhone the look and feel of a legitimate gaming device.

Apple likes buttons again

The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch. They now have the brushed titanium alloy band with Ceramic Shield on the front, making the iPhone 15 Pro devices tougher than the iPhone 14 Pro series but lighter and slightly bigger, too (read as incompatible with some previous generation accessories).

The frame inside is made from 100% recycled aluminium for better cooling, and it’s cheaper than an all titanium alloy frame. Cooling will become increasingly important with the iPhone as it gets more powerful.

While they still feature the Super Retina XDR display (with thinner bezels, Always-On and ProMotion), the iPhone 15 Pro devices get an Action button instead of a single-function switch used to toggle between ring and silent.

The button could be assigned to do one of a couple of actions, like launch an app or accessibility feature, depending on if the button is pressed or held.

I think the button is more beneficial for those who are technologically inclined, precisely who the iPhone 15 Pro series devices are for. But for most folks, like my mum, the switch is confusing (and useful enough).

Brains, Camera, & Action

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have a powerful A17 Pro processor and use USB-C (finally) for charging and connectivity. Here, the change to USB-C is much more impactful. It means more than just one less charging cable to carry around. To a creative, the iPhone 15 Pro series devices can transfer data to external storage faster, which is especially useful for ProRaw photos and ProRes videos.

Its 48MP Main camera is built exclusively for the Pro lineup. By default, it shoots at a more practical 24MP but produces highly detailed processed images. In other words, it is more forgiving with better results.

While the iPhone 15 Pro features a 3x Telephoto camera (12MP), the iPhone 15 Pro Max goes up to 5x (also 12MP). Apple uses a combined optical image stabilisation and autofocus 3D sensor-shift module to make it a practical option.

Both devices still have the 12MP ultra-wide camera that could also be used more macro.

For me, photography is subjective. I like the iPhone’s natural-looking photos, but not everyone does. There’s only so much Apple can do before one has to step into the realm of a dedicated camera.

Opinion

There are many firsts for the iPhone here, from the Titanium alloy and the USB-C to console-level gaming and a 5X camera. Good on Apple for giving it a go, but expect wrinkles that will need some ironing out.

And that price! It is creeping ever so closer to a full-frame mirrorless camera.

Still very desirable, though. I can’t deny that.