With iOS 17 expected to launch alongside the iPhone 15 series later this year, a code fragment suggests that big changes could be coming to Apple's next phone.

Tipster LeaksApplePro (opens in new tab) has again obtained some information about what to expect from Apple's next phone and new OS (internally known as Dawn). Perhaps the most obvious visual difference is that their sources expect all iPhone 15 models to feature Dynamic Island. This would be a change from the iPhone 14, where only the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max had this feature.

Another major difference will appear on the bottom of the iPhone 15, where the Lightning connector is expected to be replaced by a USB-C port on all four models, with the least expensive options (iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus) transmitting data at the same speed as the current iPhone Only the Pro model will offer faster data transfer.

iPhone photographers have learned that these leaks suggest that the Pro Max (possibly renamed iPhone 15 Ultra) will have improved image processing software and a larger screen that is compatible with the rumored periscope camera and that it will have a larger screen that works well with the rumored periscope camera. As for iOS 17 itself, LeaksApplePro expects the focus to be on stability rather than new features. However, they claim that the Apple Music app may get an overhaul in terms of "in-app navigation" and that changes will be made to the Mail, Fitness, and Wallet apps.

LeaksApplePro is not the only source of iPhone 15 information; Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Tom O'Malley published a research note that Wi-Fi 6E may be included in the iPhone 15 (see via MacRumors (opens in new tab))

Curtis and O'Malley's analysis does not provide specific information on which iPhone models will be upgraded. However, given that the latest Mac Mini, iPad Pro, and MacBook Pro models all support the new Wi-Fi standard, it would make sense that at least the Pro models, if not all, would include it.

Unlike Wi-Fi 6 and earlier standards, Wi-Fi 6E provides a third frequency band for 6 GHz connections. In practice, this means faster, more reliable, and less latency than other connections.

With these upgrades and the rumored iPhone 15 Ultra titanium design, this could be one of the most significant iPhone refreshes in years.