Man holding iPhone with ROKFORM Crystal Case in front of mountain biker doing a wheelie

iPhone 15 Rumors: Everything We Know So Far

While the iPhone 15 won’t be released until the fall of 2023, there are plenty of rumors circulating to keep us wondering about Apple’s latest smartphone. We’ve kept our eyes and ears open to news concerning the iPhone 15 and picked out the most plausible rumors.

Fireman holding iPhone with ROKFORM Rugged Case next to fire truck

ROKFORM is looking forward to the upcoming launch of the iPhone 15 and adding to our ever-expanding line of rugged and protective phone cases. Staying close to the iPhone 15 rumors mill helps us prepare for potential big changes in phone design and any parts that may require additional reinforcement. As we wait for more specific details and measurements to be published, we continue to offer heavy-duty phone cases for past and current iPhone models.

iPhone 15 Rumors

Here is a breakdown of what’s (likely) to come on the new iPhone 15 and how to protect your precious device when it eventually makes its way into your pocket:

1. USB-C Charging Port

One of the most noticeable updates that’s expected on the iPhone 15 is the switch to a USB-C charging port. This design change would be a significant move for Apple but they may not have much say in the matter. The European Union has already mandated that all iPhones sold in the region must have a USB-C port by next year. 


Apple is famously loyal to its own ecosystem and proprietary hardware but its back is up against the wall here, at least in the European market. If they do decide to ditch the current Lightning port for USB-C ports, the question remains whether the tech giant will make the change across the board or just for phones sold within the EU’s borders. 

 iPhone with Lightning USB port, external speakers, and ROKFORM case

Analysts agree that it’s a smart idea to eventually switch to USB-C but the brand has until probably the launch of the iPhone 16 in 2024, the year where the new regulations take effect— we’ll just have to wait and see how this new rumor plays out.

Man holding RokLock Wireless Charger inside car

New iPhones will continue to support wireless charging so users can take advantage of ROKFORM’s RokLock Wireless Charger. The compact charger attaches to our ROKFORM Windshield Suction Mount and RokLock Car Dash Mount for hands-free, cable-free charging that’s never been easier. From the dashboard to the windshield, it’s the fastest way to wirelessly charge your phone in the car.

“The convenience of being able to just slap your phone on it and lock it in place is fantastic.” —Michael A.

2. Button-less Design?

Another exciting rumor floating around the tech world is the inclusion of solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15. Both the volume buttons and power buttons on the higher-spec iPhone 15 models could include this feature. Solid-state buttons mimic the feel of a click by using haptic feedback instead of moving, mechanical parts. The new design is similar to the home button on the iPhone 7 or modern MacBook trackpads. 


Word on the street (and among industry analysts) is that the button-less design rumor will be reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro models, further differentiating the base models from the Pro line. There’s also reason to believe that there will be an even fancier “Ultra” model which, if it exists, will most likely have solid-state buttons as well.

Rokform Smartphone Water Resistant Ratings

Another benefit of solid-state volume buttons is their durability and water-resistance since they sit underneath the surface. Most smartphones today are already highly water-resistant and don’t require an extra layer to keep water out. 


However, users can take other protective measures such as a heavy-duty detachable lanyard or screen protectors. Users can wrap the lanyard around a mount or adjust it to their wrist size to prevent any unexpected phone drops or accidents. Screen protectors are the first line of defense and are rated at 9H hardness for ultimate scratch resistance.

3. Periscope-style Camera

The feature-packed iPhone 14 boasts professional camera specs that will be hard to follow but the iPhone 15 is rumored to include some big changes. The hottest take on the photographic capabilities of the iPhone 15 is a new periscope zoom lens. Tweaks to the periscope lens would increase the optical zoom and there will likely be digital zoom upgrades to match.

Man taking photo of mountain biker with iPhone with ROKFORM case

We expect the iPhone 15 Ultra to have the best periscope camera, with an improved optical zoom of either 6x or 10x. This would be a major jump from the current iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 3x periscope zoom but would still lag behind the 10x optical zoom on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. If you are a Samsung Galaxy user, our range of heavy-duty cases for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series are now available!


With so much technology on the backside of the phone, it’s important to use a case that protects the main camera from impacts, scratches, and falls. All ROKFORM cases feature reinforced corners and enhanced camera protection that absorbs shocks and drops up to 4x better than other cases. Choose from our Rugged or Crystal case designs, both of which offer the same high standard of 6-sided, 360-degree protection.

4. Upgrades Inside and Out

The latest rumors hint that the iPhone is likely to include significant improvements to its internals and display. While the newest smartphone isn’t expected to reinvent the wheel, there’s talk of additional storage capacity and faster processing speeds. Apple may be planning to upgrade to the rumored A17 Bionic chip but we’re not sure if this latest chipset will be on the non-Pro models or just the Pro. 


To complement the boost in processing power, Apple could increase the RAM from 6GB to 8GB on its Pro models. The additional GB of RAM would allow the California-based tech giant to catch up with Samsung’s S23 Galaxy Ultra which already has 8 GB RAM.

Table comparing the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Apple could also expand its Dynamic Island display feature to all regular iPhone 15 models. This successor to the infamous notch displays notifications at the top of the screen, changing size and shape depending on the content. It’s already featured on the iPhone 14 Pro and would be another creative upgrade for the iPhone 15’s potentially larger screen. 

5. “Ultra” is the New Buzzword

The rumored iPhone 15 Ultra is generating a lot of buzz in the tech community. The Ultra models would introduce a new tier to the iPhone range, bringing slightly more luxurious materials and new features.


The term “Ultra” appears to outrank the preexisting Pro and Pro Max models and is already part of some products on the market. Apple’s stiffest competition comes from Samsung’s line of Ultra smartphones that are the brand’s highest-spec devices. ROKFORM offers protective cases for the current Samsung Ultra smartphone offerings, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

That said, the iPhone 15 Ultra is probably inspired by the recently launched Apple Watch Ultra, which is made from a premium titanium alloy. This top-of-the-line iPhone could possibly swap out its traditional stainless steel skeleton for a similar titanium frame. 

Infographic highlighting ROKFORM Crystal Case features

To make sure that the bling titanium body will still be visible through a case, check out ROKFORM’s Crystal Cases made of tough, transparent polycarbonate. The crystal-clear back offers a more refined, sleek look by letting the color of the phone’s back shine through.

iPhone 15 Launch and Release Date

When will the iPhone 15 arrive? The official release date of the iPhone 15 hasn’t been published yet but consumers can bet on a September 2023 launch. Each year in September, Apple holds their keynote event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, using the occasion to announce new products. This isn’t Apple’s first rodeo when it comes to iPhone releases and we expect them to stick to their typical schedule. 

Rider getting air on a Santa Cruz electric mountain bike

As Apple fans wait patiently for the product to drop later this year, they can upgrade their current setup to include ROKFORM mounts that will be ready to accommodate the iPhone 15. Many of our mounts use the patented Twist-Lock retention system that’s found on all of our phone cases. This means our mounts are future-proof and will be compatible with the iPhone 15 so you won’t have to worry about buying additional accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the iPhone 15 cost?

That is the million dollar question. Well, hopefully it won’t be quite a million dollars, but consumers can expect the iPhone 15 to be priced around or well over the $1,000 mark. This pricing is in line with the launch of the iPhone 14 which costs between $829 for the standard iPhone 14 model (128GB) and $1,599 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.


Apple's iPhone 15 will come with many upgrades but it’s not a total redesign, so analysts aren’t predicting a shocking price hike. We agree that there probably won’t be a huge price jump compared to the iPhone 14, but Apple could push up the price for the top-spec iPhone 15 Ultra model if they decide to actually produce it.

How can I protect my new iPhone?

The best way to prevent damage to your iPhone is to use a ROKFORM case. Our phone cases offer military-grade protection while remaining slim and lightweight. For extra protection on the front of your device, check out our high-quality tempered glass screen protectors


To see our protective cases in action, watch the iPhone 13 Pro drop test using the ROKFORM Crystal Case!

What’s the difference between the ROKFORM Rugged and the Crystal case?

The only difference is aesthetics— both cases provide the same level of protection and utility. Users can choose between two distinct looks to match their style while enjoying the same amount of protection around the screen, corners, and camera. The Rugged case is all black with a more tactical design. The Crystal case utilizes a tough, clear polycarbonate material to show off the color of your phone’s back.

ROKFORM: Protective cases for your iPhone

When the iPhone 15 is finally released this fall, protect it with a ROKFORM case. ROKFORM protects your precious device with a wide range of durable cases and compatible mounts. Enjoy outdoor activities and your on-the-go lifestyle without worrying about scratches or drops! 


Have questions about our products or which case is right for your smartphone? We are available for online chat or in-person at our Irvine, California showroom. Call us toll-free at 855-765-3676, or email us at info@rokform.com, or visit us at www.rokform.com


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