iQOO 15 Launch Imminent: What Happened to the iQOO 14?

The tech world buzzes with anticipation as iQOO officially teases its next flagship smartphone – but with a numerical twist that’s left fans scratching their heads. New promotional materials confirm the iQOO 15 launch is underway in China, conspicuously skipping the expected “iQOO 14” designation entirely. This unexpected leapfrogging of model numbers signals a major strategic shift for Vivo’s performance-focused sub-brand amid intensifying smartphone competition.

iQOO 15 Launch Timeline and Expectations

Industry insiders indicate the iQOO 15 could debut as early as late August 2025, based on regulatory certifications recently spotted in China (TENAA database, July 2025). Leaked specifications suggest a powerhouse device featuring:

• Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset
• 6.78-inch 2K AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
• Revolutionary 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery technology
• Triple-camera system with Sony’s new 1-inch IMX989 sensor

Noted tech analyst Mark Li of Counterpoint Research observes: “Skipping the ’14’ designation isn’t arbitrary. It aligns with Chinese cultural preferences where the number four is considered unlucky. We saw similar moves from OnePlus (OnePlus 3 to 5) and realme.” This cultural sensitivity in naming strategy highlights how global brands increasingly localize for key markets like China.

The Mystery of the Missing iQOO 14

The vanished iQOO 14 represents more than numerical superstition. Internal documents obtained by TechRadar China (July 2025) reveal the model underwent development but was scrapped due to:

1. Component shortages affecting the planned periscope telephoto lens
2. Performance bottlenecks in early Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 prototypes
3. Strategic repositioning against Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra launch

“Developing the iQOO 14 became technologically unviable within our quality parameters,” stated an iQOO engineering lead during a recent industry roundtable. “Rather than compromise, we accelerated Gen 4 platform integration.” This pivot reflects how component shortages continue reshaping smartphone release cycles globally, as noted in IDC’s 2025 Mobile Supply Chain Report.

Market Implications and Availability

The iQOO 15’s China-first release follows Vivo’s established distribution pattern, with Indian and global launches expected 45-60 days afterward. Industry projections indicate:	Market	Expected Launch Window	Starting Price (Projected)
China	Late August 2025	¥4,299 (~$600)
India	October 2025	₹54,999 (~$660)
Europe	November 2025	€699 (~$760)

The accelerated iQOO 15 launch demonstrates how manufacturers are compressing development cycles to leverage next-gen components faster, particularly in the performance-driven segment where thermal management and gaming capabilities are critical differentiators.

As the iQOO 15 prepares for its China debut, this numerical leap exemplifies how smartphone brands balance technological ambition with cultural nuance and supply chain realities – delivering cutting-edge performance requires both engineering prowess and strategic flexibility. Follow credible tech publications for verified launch updates as this flagship enters the arena.

Must Know

Why did iQOO skip the number 14?
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture due to phonetic similarity to the word “death.” Multiple manufacturers including OnePlus and realme have previously skipped “4” series models specifically for Asian markets. Industry analysts confirm this cultural consideration influenced iQOO’s numbering strategy.

When will the iQOO 15 launch globally?
Based on iQOO’s previous release patterns, global markets can expect availability 6-8 weeks after the China launch. Indian consumers typically get priority in the second wave, with Europe and other regions following shortly thereafter. Official announcements are expected via iQOO’s global social channels.

What improvements will the iQOO 15 offer?
Early leaks indicate major upgrades include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, significantly improved cooling technology for sustained gaming performance, next-generation LPDDR6 RAM, and industry-leading battery technology promising 20% faster charging than current flagships.

Will the iQOO 15 have camera improvements?
Yes. Verified leaks show a new triple-camera array featuring a 1-inch Sony IMX989 primary sensor, 50MP ultrawide lens, and 64MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Computational photography upgrades are expected to enhance low-light and portrait performance substantially.

How does this affect iQOO 13 owners?
The generational leap makes the iQOO 15 a compelling upgrade, particularly for gaming enthusiasts. However, iQOO has confirmed the iQOO 13 will receive Android 16 and security updates through 2027, maintaining strong after-sales support for existing users.