by Juli Clover
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup came out in September, and while most reviews are done shortly after a new device launches, we like to follow up with a longer term review that gives us an opportunity to provide a deeper dive into what it's like using these phones on a day to day basis for months.
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MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been using his iPhone 15 Pro Max without a case to test durability, and the titanium frame has been holding up much better than stainless steel. Even after some minor drops, there are no scratches or scuffs to speak of.
There were reports of overheating early on with the iPhone 15 Pro models, but Apple has addressed this in software updates. The iPhone 15 Pro stays cool to the touch for the most part, even when playing games. It can heat up when charging at random times, but it's not a consistent issue.
Battery life is about on par with the iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life, and there doesn't seem to be much of an improvement.
With the iPhone 15 Pro models, Apple added an Action Button, and , well, it's not getting much use. It's hard to get in the habit of using a new button for things that we've done for years using other workflows.
As for the camera, the best feature by far is the automatic portrait mode that lets you adjust focus after an image is captured without having to turn on Portrait mode. It's fun to use, and you can tap on each subject in the photo to change the focus from the foreground to the background. The 5x Telephoto lens is also a useful addition.
Make sure to watch our full video for more thoughts on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and let us know how it's performed for you over the last two months if you have one.
Related Roundup: iPhone 15 Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 Pro (Neutral)
[ 113 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
chrisshewchuk
19 weeks ago
Two months is NOT long-term.
2 years is barely long term.
Go make a long-term review about the iPhone 11. Long-term reviews look at durability, repairability, product resilience, and support from the manufacturer. Anything else is short-term marketing hype and feature obsession.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman
19 weeks ago
My immediate reply is why EVER use the phone for ApplePay? As an individual with almost $4,000 lifetime cash back, I only use my watch. I am actually a bit triggered when a merchant makes me pass them my phone as their drive-thru isn't equipped to tap by watch...or a bar won't let me come behind a bit to tap-just one more transfer that could invoke a dropped device.
I would hand my phone to nobody... there's no way to know what they can do to it while it's not within your sight.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
erikkfi
19 weeks ago
Even two months later, it's still the most Pro iPhone Apple has ever made.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrSegundus
19 weeks ago
I’ve been using my 15 Pro Max for the last couple of months and it’s barely any different than the 14 Pro Max I had before it. The Action Button isn’t revolutionary. In fact, I accidentally press it sometimes and accidentally mute my phone. Never had that problem with the switch. USB-C has been a non-issue since I use MagSafe for my charging needs. I feel like I paid for an iPhone 14 Pro Max a second time and feel kinda stupid, TBH.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman
19 weeks ago
I love my 15 Pro Max, with the USB-C port I can connect directly to network switches and routers over ethernet to troubleshoot, manage and reconfigure. And so much more. It already paid itself.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ShadowJade
19 weeks ago
It's been an okay-ish upgrade from the 13 ProMax. My main issue has been with Apple Pay which is very spotty for me. Phone 13 was always reliable, but with 15PM I frequently have to use my watch as a backup. In hindsight, I should have waited at least one more iPhone cycle to see more of a speed and camera bump.
My immediate reply is why EVER use the phone for ApplePay? As an individual with almost $4,000 lifetime cash back, I only use my watch. I am actually a bit triggered when a merchant makes me pass them my phone as their drive-thru isn't equipped to tap by watch...or a bar won't let me come behind a bit to tap-just one more transfer that could invoke a dropped device.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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