Is THIS the iPhone 15? Dummy unit for Apple's next smartphone leaks

Is THIS the iPhone 15? Dummy unit for Apple’s next flagship smartphone leaks online – and it hints at some HUGE changes

iPhone 15 may ditch the mute switch for the first time since its launch in 2007
Swapping out Lightning ports for USB-C is also expected as part of new models
The iPhone 15 launch is expected to be in September – just five months away

Apple could bring some major changes to the upcoming iPhone 15 it seems, following what appears to be a leak of the next big product.

Footage of an iPhone 15 Pro ‘dummy’ surfaced on the Chinese version of TikTok yesterday, allowing prospective buyers to take a sneak peek of what’s in store.

While the device may look quite similar to the previous iPhone 14 Pro, some huge changes can be seen on closer inspection.

The mute switch appears to have been swapped for a solid-state volume button, supporting previous rumours.

This is expected to look a lot like what’s currently seen on the Apple Watch Ultra, providing a press sensation without physical movement using haptic feedback.

Footage of an iPhone 15 Pro ‘dummy’ surfaced on the Chinese version of TikTok yesterday, allowing prospective buyers to take a sneak peek of what’s in store

The device features a titanium frame and a USB-C charging port in place of the usual Lightning port

WHY APPLE HAS RESISTED USB-C

Apple has long been a thorn in the side of the EU’s plans to force a unified standard for charging cables.

Apple claims that changing its iPhone charging ports to USB-C would ‘stifle innovation’.

Speaking last year, an Apple spokesperson said: ‘We believe that regulations that impose harmonization of smartphone chargers would stifle innovation rather than encourage it.

‘It will harm consumers in Europe and the economy in as a whole.’

It is believed that the firm also favours its proprietary cable for its higher waterproof-rating than USB-C.

In addition, Apple is able to regulate the quality of lightning cables and accessories through its ‘Made for ‌iPhone‌’ program.

This is also a source of profit that the firm is likely reluctant to part with.

However, Apple did switch its iPad tablets to USB-C back in 2018.

If proven true, it will be the first time Apple has changed the button since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, likely allowing users to toggle with its sensitivity.

The device also features a titanium frame and a USB-C charging port in place of the usual Lightning port.

The alteration of the charging port follows previous talk from Apple’s executive Greg Joswiak who said that the tech giant was having ‘to comply’ with new USB laws passed by the EU.

With that in mind, it’s already publicly known that the company is replacing its own Lightning charging technology – discernible by its eight pins – with USB-C in EU countries.

He previously said: ‘Obviously, we’ll have to comply; we have no choice, just as we do around the world to comply to local laws.

‘But we think the approach would have been better environmentally and better for our customers to not have a government be that prescriptive.’

Despite this, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that some new Pro devices may be geared to support USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, according to MacRumors.

It is understood this would enable more advanced devices to transfer data faster than standard models.

In terms of cameras, the model in the video appears to keep the three rear lenses seen in the iPhone 14 Pro.

Currently, it is unclear whether the ‘dummy’ is true to size or appearance of iPhones we may see in just a couple of months.

However, the footage comes after a number of other ‘leaks’ online which show the product to have similar features.

In terms of cameras, the model appears to keep the three rear lenses seen in the iPhone 14 Pro

Swapping out Lightning ports for USB-C is expected as part of new iPhone 15 models

The iPhone 15 launch is expected to be in September this year – just five months away

Last month, TikTok user @chenwen1987 uploaded images of what appeared to be an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Much like the designs posted yesterday, these models were shown to have just one long button for adjusting volume levels.

The images, then uploaded to Twitter, catalysed mass speculation among potential buyers, with many wondering if Apple could lead towards more software customisation.

One Twitter user said: ‘My hope is that the new ‘silent mode’ haptic button will be programmable to different actions.’

Another added: ‘I guess that mute button will be a normal clicky button so that they can use it as a hard reset button.’

Another alleged leak last month suggested the iPhone may ditch its mute switch for a button

Tech reviewer Sonny Dickson posted images of what appeared to be glass panels for the unreleased phones

The iPhone 15 Pro could be first iPhone ever with no physical buttons, if rumours prove true

iPhone 15 reportedly has a thinner bezel, thicker camera bumps, more curved edges and haptic buttons controlled by touch instead of physical buttons, leaked renders reveal

Despite this, other images showed that the iPhone 15 ‘base model’ still incorporated the mute switch, supporting those who would rather stick to using their muscle memory.

Tech reviewer Sonny Dickson also revealed images of what appeared to be glass panels for the unreleased phones.

These images showed that the border between the screen and frame will soon be thinner than previous models, according to MacRumors.

The claim also supports other rumours from last month, suggesting that the iPhone 15 Pro could be first iPhone with no physical buttons and would feature a thinner bezel, thicker camera bumps, more curved edges and haptic side buttons.

This was shown in CAD (computer-aided design) files, obtained by 9to5Mac, that were reportedly given to third-party manufacturers of iPhone cases ahead of the device’s launch.

The website received these renders from a factory in China which was said to be a ‘reliable case manufacturer’.

Apple has been approached for comment.