iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 – What to Expect & Should You Wait?
With the iPhone 15 lineup still fresh in the market, many Apple fans are already eyeing what’s next: the iPhone 16. If you’re due for an upgrade, you might be wondering: should I buy the iPhone 15 now or wait for the iPhone 16 coming later in 2025? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Contents
iPhone 15 Recap – What’s Already Great?
The iPhone 15 series, released in September 2023, brought several notable upgrades:
- A17 Pro chip on Pro models
- USB-C ports across all variants
- Dynamic Island on every model (not just Pro)
- 48MP main camera on both standard and Pro versions
- Titanium frame for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Price starts at $799 for the base model and $999 for the Pro. Overall, it remains a powerhouse with excellent performance, great battery life, and industry-leading software support.
iPhone 16 Rumors – What’s Coming?
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet, here’s what industry leaks and analysts are expecting for the iPhone 16 (as of May 2025):
- A18 Pro chip (3nm+ fabrication, faster and more efficient)
- Bigger displays: 6.3″ and 6.9″ for iPhone 16 Pro models
- Periscope zoom lens expected on both Pro and Pro Max
- New “Capture Button” for faster camera access and video capture
- Stacked battery design with potentially longer life (rumored ~3,550 mAh for 16 Pro)
- iOS 18 with AI-enhanced features (on-device generative AI, smarter Siri, image generation)
- Increased base storage: 256GB starting on Pro models (rumor)
⚠️ Note: All details about iPhone 16 are based on leaks and may change before release.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 – Rumored Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro (rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A17 Pro | A18 Pro |
| Display | 6.1″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz |
| Camera | 48MP main, triple lens | 48MP wide + ultra-wide, periscope zoom |
| Battery | ~3,274 mAh | ~3,550 mAh (stacked battery) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| OS | iOS 17 (upgradeable) | iOS 18 |
| AI | Limited | On-device generative AI features |
| Storage | Starts at 128GB | Starts at 256GB (rumored) |
Should You Buy iPhone 15 Now or Wait for iPhone 16?
Buy Now If:
- You’re using an iPhone 12 or older
- Your phone is slow, damaged, or no longer supported
- You need a new phone in the next 1–2 months
- You prefer a proven, stable device with immediate availability
Wait for iPhone 16 If:
- You’re currently on iPhone 13 or 14 and it still works fine
- You want to see the newest AI features in iOS 18
- You’re interested in improved battery life and camera enhancements
- You’re comfortable waiting until September 2025
Verdict – Wait or Upgrade Now?
The iPhone 15 is a fantastic phone in 2025 and won’t disappoint most users. But if you’re a tech enthusiast, a camera nerd, or just love having the latest Apple innovations, waiting for the iPhone 16 might be worth it. For everyone else, especially those on older models, the iPhone 15 is still one of the best smartphones you can buy today.
Compare With: MacBook Air M3 vs M2 – What’s New & Should You Upgrade?
FAQs
Q: When is iPhone 16 expected to launch?
A: Based on Apple’s usual cycle, September 2025.
Q: Will iPhone 16 be a major upgrade?
A: Early rumors suggest bigger screens, better cameras, AI integration, and increased storage.
Q: Should I wait for iPhone 16 or buy iPhone 15 now?
A: If your current phone works fine and you want the latest tech, it’s worth waiting. Otherwise, iPhone 15 remains an excellent choice.