iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: The best tips and tricks
More than USB-C: This is how you use the new functions of the iPhone 15
Apple has delivered: The “normal” iPhone 15 is very nice with its various innovations adopted from the 14 Pro, but Apple has done a really good job with the iPhone 15 Pro. The new titanium-backed body is significantly lighter, the camera is not earth-shatteringly better, but optimized in many details, the A17 Pro is a killer chipset and thanks USB-C the iPhone is finally, finally, finally at the versatility level of Androids, but also from big brother iPad arrived.
Many of the functions of the iPhone 15 only become apparent at second glance, such as the various advantages of the new connection. Here we are concentrating on the innovations of the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15. However, not all tips are reserved for the new models because some of them also arrive on the predecessors via iOS 17. But enough of the preamble, let's get started!
iPhone 15 Pro: Reassign action button
On the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Apple replaces the well-known mute toggle switch with a (more or less) freely assignable action button. By default, this takes on the role of its predecessor, i.e. it mutes or unmutes the cell phone.
You can also change the assignment in the settings. in the menu action button You can choose, among other things, to start the camera, the note app, one of various operating aids or even a shortcut using the side button. The shortcuts in particular should be interesting, as you can not only run any app here, but also program many advanced functions. By the way, a visit to the is recommended Shortcuts Gallery.
Unfortunately (at least so far) it is not possible to assign different actions to the button. However, either the mentioned shortcuts or iOS updates should provide a solution here in the medium term. At least I hope so ;-)
USB-C: Connect external devices to the iPhone
The new USB-C port not only standardizes charging standards across the Apple universe, it also finally allows you to connect many external devices to the iPhone without the hassle of Lightning adapters. For example, you can connect USB-C devices directly or via appropriate hubs.
I connected external SSDs, SD cards, an Ethernet over USB cable and a keyboard, among other things, everything worked straight away. Brave new standard world ^^
USB-C: Record Pro-Res videos to external storage at 60 frames per second
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer the ability to capture 4K Raw footage using Apple's ProRaw video standard. The results are absolutely impressive by smartphone standards. The crux of the matter: You need a hell of a lot of memory for the raw videos.
With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has therefore integrated the option of recording ProRaw recordings on external USB-C hard drives. If you connect an appropriately formatted SSD (exFAT or Apple's own file system are directly supported) and select the ProRaw format in the camera app using the button at the top left, the videos will automatically end up on the external storage.
By the way, this is the only way you can record raw videos at 4K and 60 frames per second on the iPhone 15 Pro. When it comes to internal storage you are limited to 30 FPS. Either way, you should pay attention to the fact that ProRes video requires a lot of memory. For example, on my freshly formatted 500GB SSD, I was only able to record around 36 minutes in all-in format.
USB-C: Use video output from iPhone 15
The USB-C port in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro not only connects other devices to the iPhone, but also serves as a video output. You can output the internal iPhone image on televisions with a 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. This is especially great for videos or games like the upcoming Resident Evil ports.
In my tests I was able to do both USB-C to HDMI cable as well as a corresponding USB-C hub with video output. Unfortunately, the iPhone's image is only mirrored. The hope, one Samsung DeX alternative or “just” Internship Manager Getting it on the iPhone is still a long way off - at least as of autumn 2023.
USB-C: Charge other devices
The USB-C port not only opens up new connections for the iPhone, it also allows you to charge other devices. This is interesting for example for this AirPods charging case, which you can power from the iPhone battery if necessary. The connection delivers 4,5 watts of output power. I have no problem using the Apple Watch Ultra matching USB charging cable can charge. I have no idea how often you'll actually need something like this in practice, but it's certainly nice as an emergency plan.
What I haven't tried yet is connecting two iPhone 15s together via USB-C. Is there then unlimited, infinite energy that can solve all the world's energy problems...? One does not know.
Camera: Switch different focal lengths
In the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Apple has integrated the ability to quickly switch between three focal lengths on the main camera. Switching between 24, 28 and 35 millimeters focal length can change the look of the photos and can be worthwhile depending on the subject.
To switch between focal length settings, tap in the camera app 1x zoombutton. The iPhone then switches through the different lenses. You can also specify in the settings which of the three focal lengths should be used by default. You can find the option below Camera – main camera.
Camera: Take photos with 12 instead of 24 megapixels
Last year, Apple gave the Pro iPhone a new 48-megapixel sensor, but it still downscaled photos to 12 megapixels via “pixel binning”. With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple saves photos with 24 megapixels as standard for the first time. This promises more detailed photos with more image information, but also means that the photos require more storage space.
If you want to switch to the old 12 megapixel standard, that's no problem. Opens the Settingsand navigates to the sub-item Camera – formats – photo mode. Here you have the choice between 12 MP and 24 MP.
Camera: Record ProRes videos in log format
The iPhone's already very, very impressive video capabilities have grown again with the 15 Pro. This primarily applies to videographers who shoot in ProRaw. In addition to recording on external storage media and in 60 frames per second, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max allows log data to be recorded in videos for the first time. In the following video you will get an impression of what professionals can get out of the corresponding material:
Log footage is characterized by a higher dynamic range. This means it can capture more details in the light and dark areas of the video. This is a big advantage, especially for post-production. The flexibility in color correction is also higher with log recordings. This means you have more leeway to adjust the colors and contrast of the videos in post-production exactly as you want.
You activate log recording in the camera settings. Navigates to the point Camera formats. Activate here first Apple ProRes. Then you set the option ProRes encoding you log around. Please note that you must first edit the recordings created in this way with a log-compatible editor, otherwise they will turn out very pale. Apple's video editing tools Final Cut and iMovie are already ready for the new function.
Use standby display
Okay, this isn't exactly a new feature of the iPhone 15, but it's still too nice not to mention. From iOS 17 you can convert this into a kind of interactive display when charging. Activate this in the settings under standby the hook of the same name.
As soon as you turn the iPhone on its side while charging, it displays the time, photos or world time. You can switch between views by swiping up and down or adjust the settings with a long press. Standby is particularly cool in combination with a Magsafe charging station.
If you use different ones, the iPhone remembers the last used settings for each and restores them. Sure, primarily a nice gimmick, but depending on the desk or bedside situation, standby can be quite useful.
iPhone 15: Limit battery charge to 80 percent
The longevity of modern batteries can be extended by not charging them fully every time. You can find out in great detail why this is the case Battery University ...
Apple has taken this into account with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. You can use an option to ensure that the battery is limited to a maximum charging capacity of 80 percent when charging. You can find them in the Settings under Battery – battery status & charging process – charging optimization.
Whether this is for you depends primarily on how long you want to use the iPhone 15 with the original battery. If you're planning on switching to the next iPhone next year or the year after, you certainly don't need to artificially limit the battery. Personally, I would activate the function.
Anecdotal: I use the tool on my heavily used MacBook Pro from the beginning of 2022 Al Dente a similar function. Especially if I have the thing connected to the power supply for a long time, I limit the charge level to 75 percent; on longer tours I charge it fully. After around 20 months, the battery has lost around 4 percent of its capacity. With the predecessor, the capacity decreased much more quickly during continuous operation.
Read battery cycles directly from the iPhone
While we're on the subject of the battery: In the iPhone 15, Apple has finally integrated the function to retrieve the battery's charging cycles directly and without using third-party tools. You can find the relevant information in the Settings under General – Info – Battery.
We probably won't find out why this isn't so easy on older iPhones. But we've got you covered on how to check the status of your iPhone battery on older models of course already shown.
iPhone: Set up and test emergency call via satellite
Apple has already introduced a function in the iPhone 14 that can unironically save lives: emergency SOS via satellite. If you are in an area where there is neither cell phone nor WiFi reception, you can try to call for help via satellite reception in an emergency.
The iPhone first tries to locate a suitable satellite, which you then ideally have to “follow” with your cell phone. To be prepared for appropriate situations, you can test the satellite emergency call. You can find them in the area Emergency SOS in the iOS settings. Scroll down here and type Emergency call SOS via satellite you Test demo. The iPhone will now guide you through the necessary steps.
Emergency call SOS is available in more and more countries in Europe, including Spain and Switzerland. You can find out more about this directly from Apple.
So much for the new iPhones. But of course we have a lot more tips and tricks for you Apple smartphones. You can find them here. If, on the other hand, you are more interested in the other large smartphone warehouse, you are with us Android tips correct.
