The curtain is about to rise on Apple’s much-anticipated ‘Wonderlust’ event, slated for September 12, where the iPhone 15 family is expected to take center stage. While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus appear to hold their price fort, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max may not be as budget-friendly as their predecessors from the iPhone 14 series. The reason behind this expected price hike? The forthcoming Pro models boast a fresh titanium build and enhanced camera hardware, promising users an elevated smartphone experience.
The Insights: In an insightful report authored by DigiTimes analyst Luke Lin, revelations emerge regarding the price dynamics of the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Lin suggests that these models will witness a “major price hike” compared to their forerunners. This increased cost is set to offset various hardware enhancements, including a shift from stainless steel to a titanium chassis and the incorporation of a periscope camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The periscope camera is poised to deliver a remarkable 5-6x optical zoom capability. Contrarily, pricing for the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus is anticipated to remain on par with their outgoing counterparts.
Should this price surge come to fruition, the iPhone 15 Pro Max could potentially claim the title of the most expensive iPhone ever crafted. To put it in perspective, the current crown holder in this category is the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Economic Factors and Beyond: Numerous factors, including a fragile global economy, ongoing inflationary pressures, and a shift in consumer spending preferences towards outdoor activities, are poised to temper smartphone sales in the latter half of 2023. This slowdown is in stark contrast to the robust performance typically witnessed during this period in previous years. Nonetheless, the report posits that holiday seasons and promotional campaigns may inject momentum into global smartphone shipments, particularly in the fourth quarter of this year.
While the exact price adjustments remain undisclosed, it is essential to highlight that the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max commenced their journey with initial prices of $999 (approximately Rs. 79,555) and $1,099 (approximately Rs. 87,530), respectively. Speculations are abound that the iPhone 15 Pro could experience a $100 (roughly Rs. 8,000) increment compared to its predecessor, setting the starting price at $1,099 (approximately Rs. 87,530). In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may witness a $200 (roughly Rs. 16,000) increase, commanding an initial price tag of $1,299 (approximately Rs. 1,06,800).
To add further weight to this assessment, analyst Jeff Pu predicts that Apple will also raise the price bar for the iPhone 15 Pro Max model. A prior Bloomberg report echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Apple’s intentions to bolster its revenue streams through price adjustments in the 2023 iPhone lineup.
Conclusion: As the anticipation mounts for Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 15 series, consumers and enthusiasts alike await the official unveiling, where the final price tags and further details shall be unveiled. Regardless of the potential price increase, Apple’s loyal customer base remains poised to embrace the latest offerings from the tech giant.