If you were thinking of getting an iPhone 15 Pro, you might need to reconsider, as Apple has officially discontinued both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max following the release of the iPhone 16 lineup. This isn’t entirely unexpected, as Apple often retires its previous Pro models with each new iPhone generation. However, this move has left some potential buyers disappointed, especially those interested in Apple’s latest AI features, which the company calls Apple Intelligence.
The End of the iPhone 15 Pro
Apple has removed the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max from its online store, which is a familiar pattern when new models are introduced. With the arrival of the iPhone 16 series—comprising the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max—the iPhone 15 Pro models have been quietly retired. While this decision streamlines Apple’s product lineup, it also limits the choices for consumers who were considering last year’s Pro models.
Apple Intelligence: What’s Exclusive to the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 lineup, particularly the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, is the first to fully showcase Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools designed to enhance user interactions. Features like Visual Intelligence, which allows users to engage with their surroundings via enhanced camera capabilities, are exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models. This feature is activated through the Camera Control side button, a new hardware addition that is not available on the iPhone 15 Pro.
However, some of Apple’s AI capabilities, such as AI-based proofreading and custom Genmojis, may still be accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While these features were introduced via iOS updates and are available across different models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have been optimized to handle the full range of Apple’s AI features. So, while the iPhone 15 Pro can still offer some of these tools, they may not be as advanced or fully featured as on the newer models.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at the same price as last year’s iPhone 15 Pro—$999. This means buyers who want the latest features won’t have to pay more than they would have for the 15 Pro. However, since the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are no longer sold by Apple, the only way to purchase them is through third-party retailers or carriers, though this availability is likely to diminish as the focus shifts to the iPhone 16 lineup.
Apple’s decision not to continue selling the iPhone 15 Pro as a lower-cost Pro option means that buyers are directed to either the iPhone 16 models or older, non-Pro devices like the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15. This move is likely intended to push consumers toward the new devices, ensuring they get the full benefit of the latest features and innovations.
The AI Advantage
The iPhone 16 Pro introduces several AI advancements that set it apart from the previous generation. For example, Visual Intelligence—a tool that allows users to capture and interpret visual information through the camera—is a standout feature that’s exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models. Additionally, the iPhone 16’s A18 chip is designed to handle more demanding AI tasks, making it a more future-proof option for users who want to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
While the iPhone 15 Pro remains a highly capable device, those who want to fully experience Apple’s AI ecosystem will find the iPhone 16 Pro models more suited to that purpose. The Camera Control side button, which enables advanced AI features like Visual Intelligence, is one of the key differentiators between the two generations.
Should You Upgrade?
With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max no longer available directly from Apple, consumers who want access to the most advanced AI tools will need to look at the iPhone 16 Pro models. While the iPhone 15 Pro still offers some AI functionality, like AI-based proofreading and custom Genmojis, those who want features such as Visual Intelligence and full support for Apple Intelligence will need to upgrade to the iPhone 16 lineup.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are discontinued, they remain capable devices with some AI features. However, for those looking for the full suite of Apple Intelligence tools and the best AI experience, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are the devices to consider.
