Does the iPhone 15 get Apple Intelligence?

No. Apple Intelligence only runs on iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max and the entire 16 and 17 lineup. The standard 15 doesn't.

Is the Camera Control button worth it?

Handy, not a reason to upgrade. Heavy camera users like it. Casual users barely notice.

How long will the iPhone 15 stay supported?

Apple usually delivers 5-7 years of major iOS updates. iPhone 15 (released 2023) likely supported through iOS 20-21 — so 2028-2029.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 refurbished — Which one in 2026?

The iPhone 15 brought the generational leap — USB-C, 48 MP camera, Dynamic Island. The iPhone 16 adds Apple Intelligence and the Camera Control button. In 2026 the question is: is the premium worth it?

What actually changed

Apple Intelligence: the big 16 addition. Summarize, rewrite, generate images. In Germany it launched late and is available in early 2026, but not at full feature parity yet.

Camera Control Button: a physical camera button. Handy when shooting, not a game-changer.

A18 chip with more power and slightly better efficiency — 22 h video versus 20 h on the 15.

What's identical

Both have 6.1" OLED without 120 Hz, 48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide, Face ID, USB-C, Dynamic Island, MagSafe.

In hand they feel nearly the same. The 16 is only marginally lighter.

Current refurbished price gap

Mid-2026 the gap on most providers sits at 150-250 €. The 15 starts around 430 €, the 16 at 580 €.

Apple Refurbished has a smaller gap but both cost about 100 € more than Refurbed or Swappie.

Spec comparison

Spec	iPhone 16	iPhone 15
Chip	A18	A16 Bionic
Display	6,1" OLED · 60 Hz	6,1" OLED · 60 Hz
Main camera	48 MP Weit + 12 MP Ultraweit	48 MP Weit + 12 MP Ultraweit
Camera system	Dual-Kamera Fusion	Dual-Kamera (48 MP)
Battery	ca. 22 h Video	ca. 20 h Video
Weight	170 g	171 g
Released	2024	2023
iOS support	iOS 21+	iOS 20+

Our verdict

Gap under 100 €: clear pick for the iPhone 16. Over 150 €: the iPhone 15 wins — basically the same device, USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48 MP camera for less.

Apple Intelligence is nice but not yet a forced buy in 2026. The Apple experience stays very similar.

→ Compare current prices

Models from this article

iPhone 15

A16 Bionic

iPhone 16

A18

Frequently asked

Does the iPhone 15 get Apple Intelligence?: No. Apple Intelligence only runs on iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max and the entire 16 and 17 lineup. The standard 15 doesn't.
Is the Camera Control button worth it?: Handy, not a reason to upgrade. Heavy camera users like it. Casual users barely notice.
How long will the iPhone 15 stay supported?: Apple usually delivers 5-7 years of major iOS updates. iPhone 15 (released 2023) likely supported through iOS 20-21 — so 2028-2029.