The initial batch of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro devices has started reaching the hands of early pre-order customers. While this has generally been a reason for celebration, a few early users have encountered a trio of notable issues with Apple’s latest smartphones, as reported by many.
The first problem, a setup glitch, is one of the two concerns that Apple has officially acknowledged. This issue caused the iPhone 15 to freeze when attempting to transfer data directly from an older iPhone to the new one. It’s worth noting that this was also observed in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
To address this issue, Apple has swiftly released a couple of minor firmware updates (iOS 17.0.1 and now iOS 17.0.2). These updates seem to have effectively resolved the problem. If you’ve recently received a new iPhone 15, ensure that your old iPhone is running the latest firmware by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Additionally, Apple has provided a useful support page for addressing this problem.
The second widely reported issue concerns the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Several early owners, including Andrew Clare on X (formerly Twitter), have pointed out that the new titanium finish on these phones is susceptible to fingerprint smudges.
Much like the iOS setup issue, Apple has addressed this concern in an updated support document. The document notes that “the oil from your skin might temporarily alter the color of the outside band” on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Notably, it emphasizes the term “temporarily” and suggests using a “soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth” to restore the titanium finish to its original state. Alternatively, you can avoid the problem by using a protective case for your iPhone 15 Pro.
The final reported issue with the iPhone 15 pertains to quality control and is primarily based on anecdotal evidence. Prominent social media tipsters and Reddit users have widely reported these concerns. Majin Byu, a leaker with a credible track record, has compiled reports from Apple resellers and owners, indicating that early iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max units are arriving with manufacturing defects.
These reported issues encompass misaligned displays, dust inside the telephoto camera lens, and cosmetic damage. On Reddit, a handful of users have also shared instances of problems such as a cracked rear glass on their iPhone 15 Pro Max.
It’s important to note that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that these issues are widespread or significantly different from previous iPhone launches. Nevertheless, one Apple reseller, as mentioned by Majin Bu, suggested that problems like scratched screens were not as prevalent with the iPhone 14 Pro. We have reached out to Apple for an official statement and will update this story accordingly.
It’s worth noting that experiencing teething issues during iPhone launches is not uncommon. In the past, Apple has addressed issues through updates, such as a camera problem with the iPhone 14 and display compatibility issues with third-party apps on the iPhone 13 Pro.
In our own reviews of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, we did not encounter any of the aforementioned issues, aside from the initial setup bug.
In summary, the reported issues with the iPhone 15 series currently seem to affect only a small number of users or are manageable, as in the case of the titanium finish. Overall, we remain enthusiastic about the Pro line’s new titanium finish, noting that its contoured edges enhance the device’s ergonomic feel and make it noticeably lighter than the previous year’s models. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 19 grams lighter than the 14 Pro Max. Thus, if you’ve been considering pre-ordering the iPhone 15, the titanium finish should not be a major cause for concern.
