iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: titanium, USB-C and the camera differences

The iPhone 15 Pro arrived with titanium, a new button and USB-C. Oh, fine, the connector deserved a little applause: sharing a cable with more of the gadgets in your bag is an attractive quality in a rectangle. Apple’s September 2023 launch also left a camera difference worth checking before choosing a size.

Archive note — revised October 23, 2026: This covers the September 2023 launch and its original US pricing. It is not a current buying guide, and quoted specifications are Apple’s announced figures.

The changes you could actually point to

Apple’s launch announcement introduced titanium exterior bands, contoured edges and the customisable Action button. The 6.1-inch Pro and 6.7-inch Pro Max used A17 Pro and moved to USB-C. USB 3 transfers reached up to 10Gbps with a suitable cable. The port may match another device; the cable’s capabilities still need a look.

Now for the zoom detail hiding in the family resemblance. The Pro Max got the 5x telephoto camera; the smaller Pro kept 3x. Apple’s “seven lenses” wording described equivalent framing options across the system, not seven separate physical rear cameras. The camera bump was already making itself comfortable. It did not have seven little roommates.

New silicon is a starting point

A17 Pro added hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and Apple announced major game titles for the platform. Actual performance, battery life and comfort depend on the game, settings and session. I would want to know how a favourite game feels after an hour, once the launch presentation has finished being impressed with itself.

Then put the prices back in their proper year. Original US starting prices were $999 for Pro and $1,199 for Pro Max, with availability from September 22, 2023. These describe the launch. They do not establish a sensible price for a used or remaining-stock unit today.

DeviceCritique’s take

The practical attractions were a more widely shared connector, a useful shortcut button and different zoom reach between sizes. Compare those with what you actually do on a phone. Titanium can be lovely, but the everyday usefulness should do the persuading. The new metal has had its photoshoot; the camera and connector can explain the rest.

Keep reading: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Overheating Issue Overview. Find more smartphone coverage.