5 Best Bluetooth Controllers for iPhone 15 Series

Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup is finally here, and the smartphones offer tremendous upgrades over their predecessors. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max utilize the company’s all-new A17 Pro processor, which offers a 20 percent faster GPU and snappier performance cores. Needless to say, the iPhone Pro is a godsend for gamers. And, if you’re serious about gaming, we’d recommend you pick up the best Bluetooth controllers for the iPhone 15 series from the list that follows.

While we expected Apple to unveil a new SoC, we were taken aback by the brand’s initiative to bring console games like Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage to the iPhone. While that’s good and dandy, you wouldn’t want your gaming experience to be bogged down by on-screen buttons. As such, we’ve aggregated a list of five enticing Bluetooth controllers for the iPhone 15 range.

But first, you might want to check out the following topics- 

• Looking to top up your iPhone 15 seamlessly? You should consider getting a wireless charger for the device.
• The iPhone 15 series doesn’t come with a charger in the box. As such, you might want to pick up a fast charger for the smartphone.
• Apple finally made the transition from Lightning to USB-C. If you are holding on to Lightning cables or earbuds with a Lightning connector, you should get a USB-C adapter for your iPhone 15 smartphone.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the best controllers for the iPhone 15 series.

1. 8BitDo Sn30 Pro Controller

The Sn30 Pro is compatible with a host of devices, including iPhones running iOS 16.3 or later, Android smartphones, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows machines. As such, you can use the controller with other gaming devices you may have lying around. More to the point, despite its compact form factor, the Sn30 Pro still gets two analog sticks. Consequently, you can use the device to play 3D games too. We should also add that the controller offers clicky and tactile buttons.

And, per folks over at Android Central, the controller’s analog sticks are not prone to stick drift either. Notably, the Sn30 Pro comes with a Turbo function, which mimics pressing a button repeatedly. As such, you can simply hold down on, say, the A button instead of pressing it swiftly to perform the necessary action when you’re playing a game. 

You can refer to the company’s guide to set Turbo functionality for a button. As for the battery backup, the Sn30 Pro can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which, given its compact form factor, is excellent. 

2. Xbox Core Wireless Controller

To name a few, the device can be snagged in Robot White, Electric Volt, Blue, Black, and Pulse Red finishes. Additionally, the controller ships with a textured grip on the triggers and the back-case. As such, if your hands sweat profusely over extended gaming sessions, you will greatly appreciate the inclusion of a textured finish on the Xbox Core Wireless controller.

We should also add that the controller allows you to map the buttons. Unfortunately, the process requires using the Xbox Accessories app, so you can’t swap inputs on the fly. On the flip side, the controller’s ergonomic shape will keep wrist fatigue at bay. If anything, the controller doesn’t come with a built-in rechargeable battery pack. 

Instead, you’ll have to resort to buying AA batteries for the device. Microsoft also sells a Play and Charge kit, which comprises a rechargeable battery pack and a USB-C cable, so you can opt for that as well.

3. 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller

It should be noted that the controller offers clicky buttons. In fact, a lot of users had pleasant things to say about the Pro 2’s D-pads and analog sticks, which offer ample tactility and friction, respectively. We should also add that the controller comes with two programmable back paddles that can be mapped to an in-game function. For instance, if you play CoD Mobile, you can map the rear paddles to the crouch button. 

Now, bear in mind that you’ll have to use the company’s Ultimate software app to customize the inputs or the macros. Thankfully, the app works seamlessly with MacOS devices. As for charging, the 8BitDo Pro 2 comes with a USB Type-C connector. The controller offers a 20-hour battery backup, although it takes close to four hours to charge fully. On the bright side, with the iPhone 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max slated for console/PC ports, you’d be able to maximize your gameplay by using the Pro 2’s paddles and macros.

4. SteelSeries Nimbus Plus Gaming Controller

Notably, the controller offers a beefy battery backup and can last up to 50 hours on a single charge! That’s quite bizarre, and rest assured, you will rarely have to plug in the controller to top it up. On that note, we should add that the controller ships with a lightning connector. As such, you might have to source a lightning cable separately. 

On the bright side, the unit comes with a tactile D-pad and clickable joysticks that double up as the L3 and R3 buttons. You’ll also get hall effect magnetic triggers with the set, which offer more precise inputs. Additionally, the controller comes with the Nimbus+ iPhone mount, which ensures buyers don’t have to lay their phone flat on a surface when gaming. 

5. GameSir X2 Bluetooth Controller

The GameSir X2 can be stretched to accommodate a smartphone. The controller can be used with devices with a maximum length of 173mm, so you will be able to affix the latest iPhone 15 range to the device seamlessly. Additionally, the unit doesn’t mask the back of a phone and leaves ample room for air circulation. What’s more, the controller comes with rubberized grips towards the back, which should lend gamers a confident grip. 

Notably, the gamepad comes with a screenshot button, so you will be able to take a screengrab of your kill streak without resorting to using your smartphone’s toggles. Do note that you’ll have to hold the ‘B’ and the ‘Home’ button to put the device in pairing mode. Additionally, the device will show up as an Xbox controller in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. As for the customer reviews, the majority of buyers are happy with the unit’s build quality. That said, some users reported that the controller doesn’t gel well with some Apple Arcade games. 

FAQs About iPhone 15 Series

Game Away!

The iPhone 15 series makes use of powerful processors and can run a myriad of demanding games seamlessly. As such, you should get a Bluetooth controller to elevate your gaming sessions on the iPhone 15 range of smartphones. Do let us know which controller caught your eye in the comments below.