There’s been an iOS bug for years that gobbles up a big percentage of an iPhone’s available storage. The issue persists in iOS 17.4 and 17.5 but fortunately, there are solutions that don’t involve wiping your iPhone. Here’s how to fix the iPhone System Data storage bug.
Across Apple’s Community forums, Reddit, and more, iOS users have complained about the iPhone System Data storage bug for years (some reports date back to iOS 13). I haven’t had trouble with the bug until iOS 17.3-17.5 where I’ve seen up to 60 GB of storage eaten up by iOS System Data.
And it’s not just a reporting bug, the storage used by System Data is unusable. Unlike the cache in individual iOS apps or Apple apps like Safari, there’s no button to quickly empty System Data. Here’s how Apple describes what it’s used for:
System Data includes caches, logs and other resources currently in use by the system. This value will fluctuate according to system needs.
Apple hasn’t offered an official solution to the problem, but there are several ways to resolve the issue. We’ll start from the simplest and quickest option to more involved tactics.
How to fix the iPhone System Data storage bug
You can see how much storage System Data is using on your iPhone by heading to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Go to the very bottom > System Data
Try powering off and powering on your iPhone
Head back to iPhone Storage > System Data to see if that’s helped
This alone has worked to reduce my System Data by over 50 GB (but sometimes in days or weeks it will inflate again with further restarts helping)
Change iMessage history to keep for 1 year or 30 days instead of Forever
Head to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages > 1 year or 30 Days
Some users report having success with deleting and reinstalling Apple TV to clear the cache and doing the same with apps like Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Slack, etc.
Clear your Safari cache
Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data (note: this impacts any sites you were logged into, etc.)
Via Reddit user Vertsix, there is a more complex “date trick” that seems to work reliably to purge iOS System Data – make sure to follow the steps as described to avoid losing iMessages in the process
Above is my before and after power cycling my iPhone – 60.58 GB to 8GB usage for System Data.
Google’s Find My Device (FMD) network was originally supposed to launch in the summer of 2023, but it was delayed until Apple implements unknown tracker alerts. The upcoming iOS 17.5 update is adding that support.
Apple released iOS 17.5 Beta 1 and strings detailing how the iPhone will be able to detect third-party trackers. Once found, iOS will direct users to instructions on how to disable them.
For example: “This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item.”
As of today’s release, this capability is not yet enabled and there’s no user-facing UI. It might go live with later betas and ultimately be ready when iOS 17.5 hits stable.
Looking at past schedules, iOS 17.5 might launch in May. After that update sees wide adoption, Google’s FMD network will be clear of any obstacles.
Google has been waiting “until Apple has implemented protections for iOS,” so that FMD devices cannot be used to track iPhone owners without warning. This delayed the original summer 2023 launch of the network that will leverage over 1 billion Android to periodically check for nearby devices to crowdsource the location of missing ones. The new Find My Device network can “locate devices that are offline or that don’t have location capabilities.”
Several tracker tags were delayed as a result of Google’s safety stance, while phones and earbuds, like Pixel Buds, have also been prevented from adding these capabilities.
iOS 17.5 to introduce new system to disable unwanted tracking accessories
Apple last year announced a partnership with Google to work on a new “industry specification to address unwanted tracking” after many concerns about stalkers using accessories like AirTags to silently track people. Now it seems that Apple is planning to launch these new anti-stalking features with iOS 17.5.
Detecting and disabling unwanted tracking accessories
As found evidence of these new anti-stalking features in the internal code of iOS 17.5 beta, which was released to developers on Tuesday. Strings added to the Find My app reveal that iOS will identify tracking accessories, even when they’re not Apple or Find My certified, and help users disable them.
“This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item,” reads one of the new strings.
The feature doesn’t seem to be enabled for beta users for now, but this is strong evidence that it may become available with the official release of iOS 17.5. Companies including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed interest in supporting this technology.
At the time, Apple and Google said they would create a new universal system for iOS and Android to detect and alert users about unwanted tracking accessories. Currently, iOS is already able to detect unwanted Bluetooth location-tracking devices, but only when they’re Find My certified. The company also offers an Android app to detect AirTags.
More about iOS 17.5
iOS 17.5 beta 1 doesn’t seem to bring any significant changes, as we’ve only seen a few minor tweaks so far. Apple is likely to release iOS 17.5 to the public next month, as the company is also rumored to launch new iPads and accessories in May.
iOS 17.5 beta 1: Here’s everything new
Apple released iOS 17.5 beta 1 to developers, after a month-long gap with zero beta releases. While iOS 17.5 beta 1 is a relatively minor update, there are a few things worth pointing out. Head below for more.
iOS 17.5 beta details
iOS 17.5 beta 1 features build number 21F5048f. It’s available now to registered developers, who can update via the Settings app by going to “General” and then choosing “Software Update.” We expect iOS 17.4 to be released to public beta testers sometime later this week or next week.
What’s new in iOS 17.5 beta 1?
Web installation
In the European Union, iOS 17.5 enables support for installing apps directly from a developer’s website. Apple announced this new “Web Distribution” feature last month, explaining that it lets developers distribute their iOS apps directly from their website.
To use this feature, developers will have to opt into the new App Store business terms, which means they will pay the Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for each first annual installation over one million in the past 12 months.
Any app distributed through the web will still be required to meet Apple’s notarization guidelines. Apps can only be installed from a website domain that the developer has registered in App Store Connect. Apple will also make a number of APIs available for integration with system functionality for developers.
While iOS 17.5 beta 1 lays the groundwork for this feature, there currently aren’t any developers offering their apps via this new Web Distribution feature. We don’t expect this to change until iOS 17.5 is released to the general public in May.
Design changes
iOS 17.5 beta 1 also includes a few small design changes throughout the operating system.
In the Settings app, there is a new glyph for the “Passkeys Access for Web Browsers” menu under “Privacy & Security.”
The Podcasts widget has been updated to have a new dynamic color that changes based on the artwork of the podcast you’re currently playing.
New unwanted tracking system
According to code found, iOS 17.5 appears to include a new system based around anti-stalking features for accessories like AirTags. This comes after Apple last year announced a partnership with Google to work on a new “industry specification to address unwanted tracking.”
Strings added to the Find My app reveal that iOS will identify tracking accessories, even when they’re not Apple or Find My certified, and help users disable them.
“This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item,” one of the new strings says.
More
According to Aaron Perris on Twitter, iOS 17.5 also includes an update for MDM users: “MDM solutions can now enforce a beta version during automated device enrollment.”
New in iOS/iPadOS 17.5 and macOS 14.5: MDM solutions can now enforce a beta version during automated device enrollment!
Whether Apple has more changes planned for iOS 17.5 beyond what was launched today remains to be seen. The focus is clearly on the European Union, where Apple continues to adapt to the Digital Markets Act being enforced by the European Commission.
iOS 17.5 will likely be released to the broader public sometime in mid-to-late May. It will be the last iOS 17 update released before Apple unveils iOS 18 at WWDC in June.
A new rumor today reiterates the expectation that iOS 18 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 17. For iPadOS 18, however, Apple is planning to drop support for several older generation devices.
iOS 18 device compatibility
Today’s rumor comes after an initial rumor last month offered our first look at iOS 18 device compatibility. At the time, however, we cautioned skepticism because the rumor was posted and quickly deleted, suggesting the source wasn’t confident in their claims.
In what seems to be a more concrete rumor today, shared on social media by a private account with a strong track record, here’s which devices will be compatible with iOS 18:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
For those keeping track at home, this means that iOS 18 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 17.
Other than those changes, iPadOS 18 will be compatible with the same devices as iPadOS 17. This includes the iPad (7th generation), which was first introduced in 2019 and is powered by the A10 Fusion chip.
iPadOS 18 compatibility:
iPad: 2019 and later
iPad mini: 2019 and later
iPad Air: 2019 and later
iPad Pro 2018 and later
This is a bit odd. The iPad Pro (10.5-inch) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (2nd generation) are both powered by the A10X Fusion processor, and will reportedly be dropped by iPadOS 18. The iPad (7th generation), meanwhile, is powered by the A10 Fusion and will reportedly support iPadOS 18.
iOS provides developers with an API to lock apps with Face ID or Touch ID. However, not every app has this option, and there’s no way to completely hide apps from your device. Luckily, “App Lock” is a simple but powerful app that helps users protect and even hide any apps on their iPhone and iPad. Read on as we detail how the app works.
Lock and hide apps on your iPhone with App Lock
App Lock essentially brings a long-awaited feature for iOS users: the option to completely hide apps or lock them with Face ID or Touch ID. The app doesn’t rely on complex modifications or tricks. Instead, it uses the Screen Time API to control access to apps and system settings.
Once you open App Lock, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone or iPad. Just like the Screen Time settings, App Lock will show your apps organized by category, making it easy to hide or lock multiple apps at once. For example, you can hide all your banking apps with just a few taps by selecting the Productivity & Finance category.
The first tab of the app lets you lock your apps with biometrics, while the second “Conceal” tab completely hides the apps you’ve chosen – even from the App Library. Once you’ve chosen the apps you want to lock or hide, tap Start and you’re done.
In addition to being more intuitive than Screen Time’s native settings, a major advantage of App Lock is that it immediately locks apps, whereas Screen Time forces users to set a time limit for apps before locking them. Of course, to access or unhide apps, you must open App Lock again – which is protected by biometrics and a PIN code.
App Lock also has advanced options for blocking the installation and removal of apps, disabling in-app purchases, and restricting changes to iOS settings.
You can try App Lock for free. However, unlocking the full app requires a paid subscription. It’s a bit pricey, but it can be worth it for its privacy and security features. It’s worth noting that it requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later.
According to a new analyst note from Jeff Pu at Haitong International Tech Research, Apple is planning changes to the A18 Pro chip specifically for on-device artificial intelligence. Pu also writes that Apple is ramping up A18 Pro chip production earlier than usual.
The news comes as we continue to learn more about Apple’s plans for AI features this year, including how it will balance on-device versus cloud-based solutions.
iPhone 16 Pro’s new AI-focused chip
In the investor note, Pu, who is often a reliable source for Apple chip rumors, says:
According to our supply chain checks, we are seeing growing demand for Apple’s A18, while its A17 Pro volume has stabilized since Feb. We note Apple’s A18 Pro, the 6-GPU version, will feature a larger die area (compared to A17 Pro), which could be a trend for edge AI computing.
Increasing the die area of a chip means that it can accommodate more transistors and specialized components, generally allowing increased. On the other hand, as die size increases, so do the risks of defects and design flaws. It could also impact energy efficiency and heat dissipation. This is the balance Apple will have to strike as it ramps up A18 Pro production ahead of the iPhone 16’s launch later this year.
Edge AI computing, meanwhile, refers to artificial intelligence that is processed directly on device as opposed to in the cloud. Apple is believed to be taking a split approach to its AI features this year, relying on cloud infrastructure (potentially in partnership with Google) for some features, while running other features completely on device.
Simply stated, edge AI, or “AI on the edge“, refers to the combination of edge computing and artificial intelligence to execute machine learning tasks directly on interconnected edge devices. Edge computing allows for data to be stored close to the device location, and AI algorithms enable the data to be processed right on the network edge, with or without an internet connection. This facilitates the processing of data within milliseconds, providing real-time feedback.
This isn’t the first report to suggest Apple has changes to the A18 chip planned particularly focused on artificial intelligence. A report last month suggest that the A18 will “greatly increase the number of built-in AI computing cores” with a more powerful Neural Engine.
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are rumored to are expected to feature a version of the A18 chip this year. Currently, the iPhone 15 uses the A16 chip and the iPhone 15 Pro uses the A17 Pro chip. Jeff Pu’s report today seems to suggest that only the A18 Pro, destined for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will feature the AI-focused changes.
While China is still responsible for manufacturing most of Apple’s devices, the company does have some assembly facilities around the world. One of these facilities is Foxconn Brazil, located in São Paulo. There, Apple is now assembling the 6.1-inch iPhone 15.
iPhone 15 now assembled in Brazil
As noted by the Brazilian blog MacMagazine, Apple seems to be shipping iPhone 15 units assembled in Brazil. The company has not confirmed the news and there’s no explicit evidence of this on Apple’s website. However, Apple’s online store in Brazil gives customers a clue as to which model they’re getting.
When checking the URL of the checkout webpage for the iPhone 15, customers will now notice the part number ending with “BR/A,” which is used to identify Apple products assembled in Brazil. Most products are identified with “BE/A” or “BZ/A” to indicate that they’ve been imported to be sold in the country.
Interestingly, Apple has once again chosen to only assemble the 6.1-inch iPhone model in Brazil. The iPhone 15 Plus and both Pro models sold in the country are still imported from China. This may be due to the entry-level model likely being the most popular in Brazil, given the high prices of the iPhone in the South American country.
Brazil imposes high taxes on imported products. For that reason, some companies invest in assembling their products in Brazil, as this grants a reduction in taxes to sell those products. The 128GB iPhone 15 was launched for R$7,299 (around $1,460) in Brazil, but can now be found for as low as R$5,399 (about $1,080) in certain retail stores.
Apple diversifying its assembly chain
While assembling iPhones in Brazil benefits Brazilian customers, it also benefits Apple – and not just because of the opportunity to sell more iPhones. Having assembly facilities in other regions allows Apple to depend less on China and can help the company avoid supply shortages in the local market.
In addition to Brazil, Apple has also been investing in its assembly facilities in India and Vietnam. Last year, Indian customers were able to buy iPhone 15 models assembled in India on the very first day of sales.
AirPods today offer a handful of different features related to hearing health and Accessibility. A new report today, however, says Apple has big plans for iOS 18: a new “hearing aid mode” for AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro with iOS 18
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that AirPods Pro aren’t set to see any hardware changes in 2024. Instead, he says that the “big news will be a major new hearing aid mode, coming alongside iOS 18.”
AirPods already offer a feature called Live Listen, which launched as part of iOS 12 in 2018. This feature essentially turns an iPhone into a directional microphone, transmitting the audio captured by that iPhone to AirPods in real time. A handful of testimonials over the years have shown how useful this feature can be.
Apple also introduced a Conversation Boost capability to AirPods Pro in 2021, which boosts mic pickup from directly in front of you, to better hear someone talking to you. A study in 2022 showed that some of these existing AirPods Pro features already compare well to much more expensive dedicated devices.
Also notable: in 2022, the FDA established new guidelines to allow for a category of hearing aids that can be purchased over-the-counter. Hearing aids within this category can be sold directly to consumers in stores or online without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist.
More details on this new iOS 18 feature for AirPods Pro users are unclear. This isn’t the first time Gurman has written about Apple’s plans to bring new hearing health features to AirPods, though. Last year, he reported that Apple is also working on a hearing test feature for future AirPods as well.
Apple is widely rumored to be working on a new fourth-generation iPhone SE with a modern design refresh. New CAD files obtained by 91mobiles this week claim to offer our clearest look yet at this update, showing an iPhone SE 4 with an iPhone 14-style design.
The current iPhone SE was released in 2022 and features a 4.7-inch display with a Home button, similar to the iPhone 8. It’s powered by the A15 Bionic chip inside, features Touch ID instead of Face ID, and retails for $429.
These CAD renders suggest the iPhone SE 4 will feature a 6.1-inch display with a notch along the top that houses new Face ID sensors and the front-facing camera. On the back, there is a single camera cutout alongside a flash sensor.
According to 91mobiles, the iPhone SE 4 will measure 147.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm. The current iPhone SE measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm. These dimensions show just how bigger the iPhone SE 4 will get to accommodate the bigger 6.1-inch display.
Previous rumors have also suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will have USB-C instead of Lightning. There’s even been one rumor claim it will feature the Action button – which is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro.
There’s still no exact details on when Apple might release the iPhone SE 4, but the current expectation is that it likely won’t be until 2025. The device has been rumored off and on for the past 18 months. Ming-Chi Kuo reported last April that Apple had paused development of the iPhone SE 4.
Verdict
It’s a sad day for everyone who had hoped the iPhone SE 4 would be based on the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini form factor.
iOS 17.4 is a massive new iOS update for iPhone users, and includes new features to support European Union regulations, which makes it possible for to use alternative app marketplaces. However, the recent changes aren’t just limited to those who fall under EU jurisdiction. iOS 17.4 has tons of new changes and features, like new emoji, new Apple Music and Apple Podcasts updates, an updated “Hello” screen, and much, much more.
Notable iOS 17.4 updates
Podcast transcription
My favorite iOS 17.4 change relates to the Podcast app. I appreciate it even more since I recently launched a brand new podcast called 9to5Mac Overtime with my colleague Fernando Silva. The Podcast app now has text transcriptions that work similarly to the lyrics view in Apple Music. As the hosts talk, you’ll see each word from the transcription highlighted, and the highlights will adjust in real-time based on playback speed.
Another nice thing about text transcription in Apple Podcasts is the ability to search for a term quickly and jump directly to a specific part of the show with just a tap. I’m impressed with the accuracy of podcast transcription, and I was surprised at how well it accommodated my Kentucky twang.
iOS 17.4 RC changes and features
Apple Cash virtual card numbers and Safari autofill
Apple Cash gets more valuable thanks to the new virtual card numbers that can be regenerated on the fly in iOS 17.4. These numbers let you use your Apple Cash balance at merchants that don’t use Apple Pay. It also includes the ability to autofill card numbers in Safari and will even reflect your Apple Cash balance on the autofill button so that you know if you’ll be able to cover the balance in advance.
Music recognition
Updated integrated Shazam music recognition can now add a song directly to your Apple Music library or a specific playlist. Music recognition will also let you add classical music songs to Apple Music Classical.
Stolen Device Protection update
Stolen Device Protection gains additional security in iOS 17.4 thanks to a new option that lets you enforce the 1-hour delay at all locations before you can access critical areas of your iPhone. In previous versions of iOS, the security delay was only enforced when not in a familiar location.
Battery Health
Apple updated battery health by decoupling Battery information from Charging Optimization. It also instituted a new, more straightforward Battery Health status, similar to what Mac users have. In addition, pertinent battery information like cycle count, manufacture date, and first usage date now reside directly within Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
Full list of what’s new in iOS 17.4
Updated “Hello” Screen
New emoji
18 new right-facing body emoji
City Digital Clock Widget
Apple Podcasts full episode text
Apple Podcasts transcripts
Podcast app Home tab replaces Listen Now
Music recognition update
Music app “Home” tab replaces “Listen Now”
Apple Music Classical Music Recognition
Updated Lock Screen song title animation
Siri announces messages in any supported language
Stolen Device Protection update
Battery Health decoupled from charging
Battery Health Status
Additional Battery data
Passkeys Access for Web Browsers
Apple Cash virtual card numbers
Apple Cash autofill in Safari
Updated dialer background for unknown calls
Quantum Computer Protection for iMessage
Support for game streaming apps
Updated TV app channel links
Updated “How to Watch” in TV app
Updated iCloud glyph in Files app
Updated App Store user settings
Other iOS 17.4 bug fixes
CarPlay Updates
Beats Solo 4 Headphones
iOS 17.4 isn’t all about EU regulatory changes, but there are noteworthy updates that all users, regardless of location, will benefit from. Highlighted a few in this post, but as you can see from the bullet point list above, there are tons of new changes and features in iOS 17.4, not to mention the various bug fixes and security updates.
iOS 17.4 RC was stable in my brief hands-on time with the release. This is likely the version that Apple will launch next week. We’ll know if next week’s release sports the same 21E217 build number.
Apple’s non-Pro lineup is arguably the most cost-effective way for consumers to keep up with the most recent and polished Apple experience without breaking the bank. The newly introduced iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models come with a handful of meaningful updates. There’s little to no difference between the two feature-wise, so screen size, battery size and price seem to be the major differentiators.
Last year, the large screen and the large battery were not enough to justify the 14 Plus’ high price, and its sales were the lowest in the family. The Plus lineup may not have a much longer lifespan than the iPhone mini if the 15 Plus’ sales are as unexciting as the 14 Plus’. The future of the entire Plus series may be hanging on the success of this device that we have for review today.
It’s not like Apple set it up for success this year, either. Its launch price is €50 lower in Europe, which is a nice start, but the US pricing remains the same. And the fact that last year’s 14 Plus remains officially on sale will add an extra dimension to the inter-sibling rivalry that the 15 Plus will have to endure. In other words, if you are looking for a big-screen iPhone, you have an even wider choice this year.
But this year’s changes are a step above the usual yearly update cycle. This year marks the shift to USB-C port for the iPhone, and we couldn’t be happier. The convenience of sharing the same charging connector as every other phone brand out there is unsurpassed. Not to mention the wide host of accessories you can plug directly into the phone, allowing you to easily transfer files, output video to a TV/monitor or even reverse charge your smartwatch or earphones.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Aside from the USB-C, the main camera is now a more advanced 48MP sensor with pixel binning, promising substantial improvement in image quality, with Apple promising great 2x zoom photos as well.
Although screen size remains the same – 6.7″, the iPhone 15 Plus now boasts almost twice as bright an OLED panel and finally replaces the old notch with the pill-shaped Dynamic Island. Even if you are not a fan of the software features revolving around the Dynamic Island, you can still appreciate the more modern and Pro-like look of the homescreen now that the sightly notch is gone.
Under the hood is last year’s pro chipset – the A16 Bionic. The chipset is still a powerful and well-optimized piece of hardware, and it offers faster performance than what the 14 Plus had.
Besides these changes, you still get the same ultra-wide camera without autofocus, and the screen is still 60Hz without an Always-On Display, which is a feature reserved for the Pro models. Speaking of Pro-only features, the USB-C port here provides only USB 2.0 speeds, and we don’t get the new customizable Action key on the left side of the device.
Unboxing the iPhone 15 Plus
Just like the rest of the iPhones, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in a modest box containing just some user manuals, a SIM ejector tool and a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging. US buyers don’t even have the pin for the SIM card tray as these iterations rely only on eSIM.
Even though you have to buy a new charger if you don’t already have one, the good news is you are not obligated to buy an iPhone charger. Any PowerDelivery charger should do the job. The recommended power output is 20W, but a 30W charger should provide even faster charging in the first 40-50min.
Competition
We’d consider the iPhone 15 Plus a big step up from its predecessor. The move to the universal USB-C port is landmark moment for the iPhones in its own right. The performance jump from the A15 Bionic chipset to the A16 Bionic is substantial; the new OLED panel is brighter, the full charge is considerably faster now, the battery life is longer, and the new 48MP main camera makes a sensible difference in daylight and low-light photography.
The iPhone 14 Plus remains officially available alongside the 15 Plus at a discounted price, so despite its poor market sales up until now, it will readily cater to consumers who find the 15 Plus too expensive but would like the same formula.
An even tougher choice would be between the iPhone 15 Plus and last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max. The latter now costs €1,100, just about the same as the 15 Plus, but delivers a more premium experience – 120Hz display, better cameras all-around with proper 3x optical zoom shooter, longer battery life and the same SoC.
But as always, we also need to look at the market as a whole in case you are one of those rare breed of users looking for the best option available at a certain price instead of staying within your ecosystem. Sure, in iPhone terms, the 15 Plus is a nice phone with more upgrades than initially expected. However, the handset falls short of its direct Android rivals.
Right now, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a slightly cheaper flagship phone with a better and more versatile camera system, better display, similar battery life and stylus as a nice bonus.
The same goes for the Xiaomi 13 Pro, which is cheaper and checks a flagship phone’s boxes. The 15 Plus is no match for cameras, and its 60Hz display doesn’t sit competitively on its spec sheet either.
There are other notable mentions in the sub-€1,000 category from Android manufacturers, which give the iPhone 15 Plus a good run for its money, like the Pixel 7 Pro (with the 8 Pro release just around the corner), OnePlus 11, Sony Xperia 1 V, etc. So, if you are not married to iOS just yet and you are within this price bracket, you should check out the Android-based alternatives.
Verdict
Overall, the iPhone 15 Plus boasts a significant upgrade over its predecessor in a couple of key departments – display, battery life, performance, main camera and charging.
It’s still nowhere near the Pro lineup, and it’s missing features such as this year’s chipset, the optical zoom camera, the autofocus on the ultra-wide camera, the 120Hz high-refresh-rate screen that comes with Always-On Display, or the new customizable Action key. Depending on your priorities, the lack of some of these might be a deal-breaker for you.
More importantly, however, Apple might have hindered the 15 Plus market odds the same way it did with the 14 Plus by placing it in a limbo where it has the feature set of the cheaper-tier iPhone but it’s priced way too close to the Pro-tier iPhones for its own good.
There is nothing inherently wrong with the iPhone 15 Plus; in isolation, we’d be happy to give it our full recommendation in an instant. But the market realities mean it will be a hard sell at its current price, regardless of whether you are comparing it to current or previous-gen iPhones or Android devices. This puts this particular device in a really tight spot and makes us less than optimistic for the future of the Plus lineup as a whole.
Pros
Excellent build quality, IP68 certified.
Brighter OLED panel with Dolby Vision and Dynamic Island.
Even better battery life than last year.
Nice-sounding stereo speakers.
Flagship-grade performance even if not the latest chipset.
Improved main camera performance, nice selfies.
Outstanding video quality and stabilization across the board, great action clips.
Standout charging speed to 100% for an iPhone.
Every iPhone gets at least five years of iOS updates.
Finally USB-C.
Cons
Considerably more expensive than corresponding Android alternatives.
The display is 60Hz; there is no Always On option.
No charger in the box, still rather slow charging overall.
No dedicated telephoto camera and disappointing performance out of the ultrawide.
Apple’s iOS restrictions can be off-putting to newcomers to the ecosystem.
