When Apple launches the iPhone 16, the company usually cuts the price of the iPhone 15 and 14 models by $100. However, users should avoid buying them, especially the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
In practice, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have had no problems in use. They are essentially cheaper versions of the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max that will last for years. However, few could have predicted that the Apple Intelligence revolution would not come to these two iPhones.
Discounted by 2.5 million VND, iPhone 15 is not worth buying.
Apple Intelligence is the biggest upgrade coming to the iPhone. It will impact the iPhone 16 lineup and is unlike any other software feature. Older iPhones typically support most of the new features that come with new iOS releases, but Apple Intelligence unfortunately requires an iPhone 15 Pro/Max or one of the upcoming iPhone 16 variants.
The iPhone 15 will definitely be upgraded to iOS 18, but if you want access to these Apple AI features, including built-in ChatGPT support in Siri, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus aren't powerful enough for Apple Intelligence. Even if users don't think they need generative AI features in their lives, as they inevitably will over time, they may need some of the features that Apple Intelligence offers.
There are many new features but iPhone 15 cannot work with Apple Intelligence.
A more advanced Siri experience is just one example of the use of generative AI that users might want to take advantage of. The iPhone 15 can’t run it, and the iPhone 14 can’t run Apple Intelligence. So why buy one?
The iPhone 15 currently starts at $799, and it could drop to $699 when the iPhone 16 comes out. That might seem like a bargain for an iPhone that will last for years, but it becomes less appealing when you factor in the lack of Apple Intelligence support.
The price cuts will also apply to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 — devices that can’t run Apple’s AI but are still much better suited to specific buyer groups. Older people who don’t want to take advantage of AI right now can go for the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus.
The weakness in RAM has affected the appeal of the iPhone 15.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 will likely start at $799 like its predecessor. That’s with 8GB of RAM and an A18 series chip with a Neural Engine that can handle Apple’s on-device intelligence features. If you need a new iPhone but can’t afford $799, there’s a much better alternative.
Wait until the iPhone SE 4 comes out for around $499 to $599 with the same internals as the iPhone 16 and the body of the iPhone 14. The iPhone SE 4 will support Apple Intelligence for years to come, which is why the $699 iPhone 15 is a huge mistake to buy.
The iPhone SE 4 coming next year could even run Apple Intelligence.
Finally, if you already own an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus and want Apple Intelligence, you should consider trading in your model for one of the four iPhone 16 variants. Another upgrade path could be one of last year’s Pros. But Apple will discontinue the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max after the iPhone 16 launches, so you’ll have to look to other e-retailers for deals on the iPhone 15 Pro.