iPhone 15 Pro: Three Months In – A Refinement Worth the Upgrade?
Living with a new phone for a few weeks is one thing, but three months in paints a much clearer picture. That’s why I’m excited to share my long-term impressions of the iPhone 15 Pro, after ditching the case and diving headfirst into its subtle, yet impactful upgrades.
Titanium Takes Center Stage:
Apple ditched the stainless steel for a gorgeous titanium frame, and oh boy, is it a difference. Not only does it look sleek and sophisticated (especially in the natural color!), but it’s also lighter and feels incredibly durable. After three months of caseless use, I have only minor scratches on the display (user error, not phone!), but the titanium frame shows practically no wear and tear. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference in the overall feel and experience.
Cameras: More Than Meets the Eye:
While the multiple focal lengths feature (24mm, 28mm, 35mm) is a neat addition, I found myself rarely using it. Instead, I discovered the hidden gem: the new crop button in iOS 17. It’s surprisingly intuitive and lets me quickly adjust framing for that perfect shot, making it my go-to camera tool.
The Action Button: A Fidget Toy or a Game Changer?
The customizable action button initially sparked excitement, with possibilities dancing in my head. Google Assistant, ChatGPT, TickTick – I tried them all. But ultimately, the simplest solution won: instant camera access. Gone are the days of fumbling in my pocket or swiping through screens. A single press, and I’m capturing the moment before it disappears. Muscle memory from other shortcuts still exists, but the convenience of the action button is undeniable.
USB-C: Convenience with a Caveat:
Finally embracing USB-C is a welcome move. One cable to rule them all! However, the Lightning ghost still lingers in the form of my AirPods Max, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad. Fingers crossed for a USB-C refresh on those soon, but for now, the dual-cable life continues.
Software Tweaks and Spatial Surprises:
iOS 17.2 brings bug fixes and introduces the intriguing Journal app (which I haven’t explored yet, but you might!), but the real hidden gem lies in the Camera app. A new toggle for recording spatial video hints at the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset. While I haven’t experienced it myself, the potential for immersive, 3D-like videos captured right from my iPhone is exciting.
The Verdict: A Porsche 911 Moment for iPhones?
The iPhone 15 Pro feels like a Porsche 911 of phone upgrades. It’s not a flashy redesign, but rather a collection of subtle refinements that elevate the entire experience. From the luxurious titanium build to the convenient camera tweaks, it’s a phone that rewards long-term use and appreciation. If you’re considering an upgrade, this might be the year to take the plunge, especially if you’re coming from an older iPhone. It’s not just about the new features; it’s about the feeling of holding a phone that’s been meticulously crafted to be the best iPhone yet.
So, should you upgrade? If you’re craving a camera upgrade, the convenience of USB-C, or simply a phone that feels like a quality investment, the iPhone 15 Pro might be your perfect match. But if you’re content with your current iPhone and the new features don’t spark excitement, you can happily wait for next year’s iteration.
Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro is a refined, luxurious experience that rewards those who appreciate the finer things. It’s not a revolution, but rather an evolution that makes you fall in love with your phone all over again.
