It’s almost the fall, which means Apple’s next iPhone launch and Google’s upcoming Pixel phones might be just around the corner.
It’s hard to predict exactly what’s in store for the phone industry. But since many companies stick to the same product launch routines each year, it’s possible to make some educated guesses. The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September, possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. If Google follows its launch pattern from recent years, the rumored Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could arrive in October. Those phones will likely have new Google Tensor processor and camera upgrades.
Such launches would follow the wave of foldable phones that have already surfaced in 2023, including the Google Pixel Fold, Motorola Razr Plus and Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5.
The smartphone industry also made subtle but important steps forward in 2022. The iPhone 14, for example, gained satellite connectivity for emergencies and car-crash detection, while Google found more ways to make use of its custom Tensor chip in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Samsung, meanwhile, gave its flagship Galaxy S lineup a fresh look and an upgraded camera last year, while this year’s S23 is a modest step forward.
Here are the new phones we’re expecting to see in the fall, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
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Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient.
I loved using the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action Button, so its potential arrival on the iPhone 15 Pro line also feels like a significant update. It could signal yet another way Apple is trying to improve multitasking on the iPhone. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.
OnePlus foldable phone
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7.
What we’re expecting: Rumors have been swirling about what to expect from the Pixel 8 family, which is expected to arrive this fall. The most significant update we may see is the introduction of a temperature sensor on the Pro model, according to leaker Kuba Wojciechowski, who shared this information with the blog 91mobiles.
German tech blog WinFuture reports that it found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.
Prolific leaker Hemmerstoffer also partnered with the tech blogs MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to publish what are said to be renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Based on these images, the two new phones will have a similar design with softer edges compared to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Another leaker, Yogesh Brar, also claims the Pixel 8 will include a new Google Tensor chip called the G3, a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. Based on this leak, the Pixel 8 should arrive in early October starting at $649.
Why I’m excited about it: I’m most interested in the new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next. It’ll also be interesting to see whether Google brings a temperature sensor to the Pro model, and what potential use cases and features it may have in mind for that.
Overall
It seems like the most dramatic changes to new smartphones in 2023 will arrive on premium devices like foldables and “pro” versions of flagship devices. That makes sense given sales of premium smartphones accounted for more than half of global smartphone revenue in 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. We’ll know more throughout the year as more reports and rumors arrive, and as OnePlus, Apple and Google actually debut their devices.
Article source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/phones-we-still-expect-to-see-2023-iphone-15-google-pixel-8/#ftag=CAD4aa2096