iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: Totally “game-changing” but not for the reasons you expect

Like I wrote in one of my most recent stories, although Apple might not be known as the “father of modern smartphone innovation”, Cupertino certainly isn’t a stranger to giving us meaningful upgrades. And although sometimes these upgrades might seem easy to overlook, thanks to flashier changes to the iPhone, it doesn’t mean they aren’t a big deal.

Today, I’ve decided to talk about the under-appreciated new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro features that (I believe) will end up making a bigger difference to your day-to-day iPhone use than you realize.

From a super-powerful USB-C port that turns iPhone into a pro camera and a gaming console to dramatically lower repair costs, here are the top new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro features that deserve praise but flew under the radar.

USB-C might really be the best new iPhone 15 feature but not for the reasons you expect: Apple took the EU’s “lemons” and turned them into a killer lemonade

The iPhone 15’s Reverse wired charging via USB-C might be a better idea than Reverse wireless charging

Undoubtedly, the most useful new USB-C feature on iPhone 15 must be the ability to use your iPhone to charge your AirPods and Apple Watch.

No, it’s not the Reverse Wireless Charging we asked for but it might be even more practical, considering you can simply connect your accessories to your iPhone via a cable and place them in your pocket/bag until they are charged.

iPhone 15 Pro is a gaming console now (thanks to USB-C)

Thanks to the new USB-C port, you can now connect your iPhone 15 to an external display, and controller, which makes it about as flexible as a Nintendo Switch.

Meanwhile, Apple is bringing PC-grade titles to the iPhone, like Resident Evil 4 remake, Death Stranding, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and The Division Resurgence to the iPhone 15 Pro (not the vanilla models), which means even hardcore gamers will be impressed by what the new A17 Pro chip and USB-C port can do in tandem.

Bear in mind that according to reports, Apple’s A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro seems to be running quite hot. In other words, you’ll get the best out of it only if you can keep it cool during long gaming sessions. An external MagSafe fan might help.

iPhone 15 can now replace your $1,000 video camera (again) thanks to USB-C

You can also use the USB-C port on iPhone 15 to connect an external SSD or even a micro SD card (via a card reader). This would help professionals/enthusiasts shoot ProRes, LOG videos directly on an external drive, and then color grade and edit the videos in a software like Final Cut.

The ability to record ProRes, LOG videos with iPhone 15 Pro means Apple’s flagship can now act like a replacement for certain dedicated video cameras. Of course, it all depends on your workflow and demands, but I’ve already seen some stunning short films and videos shot on iPhone 15 Pro on YouTube, and the quality is stunning.

• iPhone 15 with USB-C also lets you connect and use an external microphone, even through a dedicated audio interface

• USB-C on iPhone 15 also allows you to connect to a TV and play your favorite movies without worrying about the Wi-Fi connection via AirPlay

• And if that wasn’t enough, the iPhone 15’s USB-C port even lets you connect directly to your internet router via an Ethernet cable (adapter is required)

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are now significantly cheaper to repair in case you break your rear glass (again, thanks to the EU)

I’m sure this one flew under most people’s radar, but in another “thank the EU” upgrade, Pro iPhones are now dramatically cheaper to repair.

The design change affects the rear glass of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular, which is now much cheaper to replace thanks to a new (repairability focused) internal design demanded by EU legislations. I don’t know about you, but I see this design change as more important than any other physical upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro.

• The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s back glass costs $550 to repair due to the impractical old internal design, while this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max rear glass repair is only $200

• In the UK, the iPhone 15 Pro rear glass repair price is down to £199 from the whipping £600 of the iPhone 14 Pro

• The biggest difference is seen in the EU where the iPhone 15 Pro Max back glass repair is down to €220 from €670 with iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max now take DSLR-like photos and videos even if you aren’t a pro