Embrace the Larger iPhones: iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max — A New Era of Big iPhones?

Apple’s Journey into Bigger iPhones

For years, Apple resisted the idea of creating a “huge” iPhone, but eventually, they gave in with the release of the iPhone 6 Plus. Speculation remains whether Steve Jobs was involved in the design process, considering his strong aversion to “phablets.” However, it’s safer to assume he wasn’t involved.

The Growing Trend of Big Phones

Fast forward to today, the trend of larger smartphones continues to gain momentum, leaving Apple with no choice but to leave behind the “mini” versions and focus on a future filled with larger iPhones. This year, Apple seems to have something different in store with the highly anticipated iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Based on recent leaks and rumors, these models appear to be significantly more appealing than their predecessors.

Major Upgrades for the Best iPhones of 2023

The iPhone 14 Plus, which is technically the indirect successor to the iPhone 13 mini, did not achieve the sales success Apple had hoped for. While it was the sixth best-selling phone worldwide in Q1 2023, it failed to impress consumers. Some argue that the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display or zoom camera contributed to its underwhelming performance.

However, several factors made the iPhone 14 Plus appear outdated compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. These included the notch design, the aging 12MP primary camera, battery life that fell short of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a price tag that was only $100 lower than the cheapest iPhone 14 Pro.

More Than Just a Larger Display

In 2023, a larger display won’t be the sole reason to opt for a bigger iPhone. The iPhone 15 Plus is expected to feature the largest battery ever in an iPhone, nearly 5,000 mAh. Additionally, it will replace the notch with the sleeker Dynamic Island design. The iPhone 15 Plus is also rumored to be the first non-Pro iPhone to incorporate Apple’s new 48MP camera, offering 2x optical quality zoom in photos and videos. Furthermore, all 2023 iPhones, including the iPhone 15 Plus, will transition to USB-C.

The Exciting Upgrades of iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is anticipated to bring numerous significant upgrades. These include the first periscope zoom camera on an iPhone, 256GB of base storage, the thinnest symmetrical display borders ever seen on any phone, a titanium frame for enhanced strength and lightness, the use of a 3nm chip for increased efficiency, and 8GB of RAM. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will join the USB-C revolution. Although some argue that Apple is playing catch-up to Android, their commitment to implementing features correctly has always been evident.

Go Big or Go Home: The Temptation of iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Even as an iPhone 13 mini user, the allure of the iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 15 Pro Max is hard to resist. However, personal preferences make me inclined to wait for the rumored 2024 iPhone 16, which is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with a narrower aspect ratio, and the smaller 16 Pro may offer an exclusive periscope lens.

Appealing to the Masses

Most people would likely be tempted to switch to the larger iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max without hesitation. The remarkable battery capacities and the periscope zoom camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max will undoubtedly make the smaller 2023 iPhones pale in comparison. These upgrades are likely to attract a wider user base than ever before.

USB-C: Not the Primary Reason for Upgrades

Contrary to the beliefs of some tech enthusiasts, USB-C is not expected to be the main driving force behind people’s decision to upgrade this year. In reality, the average consumer doesn’t prioritize the type of charging port as much as tech enthusiasts might think. Buying an iPhone 14 Pro instead of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro might even prove to be the better choice for many users. Only time will tell.