n a move that might disappoint some potential buyers, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max following the announcement of its new iPhone 16 lineup. This decision, while not entirely unexpected given Apple’s yearly Pro model refresh cycle, could be seen as a strategic push towards the adoption of its latest AI-powered features,collectively known as Apple Intelligence.
Until recently, the only iPhones capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, including features like proofreading, Genmoji,and an enhanced Siri, were the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. With their discontinuation, the new iPhone 16 series becomes the exclusive gateway to these AI capabilities. Apple’s current iPhone lineup includes the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 16 series (including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max).
Although this decision might limit choices for those specifically seeking Apple Intelligence on a budget, the pricing for the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the same as their predecessors. While the discontinued 15 Pro models might still be available through carriers, their availability is likely to decrease as the focus shifts towards the latest models.
For those considering an iPhone 15 Pro solely for Apple Intelligence, it’s worth noting that all features except Visual Intelligence will be available. This Google Lens competitor is tied to the new Camera Control side button, exclusive to the iPhone 16 series. If you’re still undecided, exploring hands-on reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro might help in making an informed choice.
