Apple Reportedly Scaling Back iPhone 14 Production as Customers Opt for Pro Models

[boak]

Remember when the only choice you needed to make when the new iPhone released was if you wanted the larger screen (since size was the only difference)?

I think only the 6/6 Plus had feature parity.

 

[EugW]

The iPhone SE 3 did make the list though in 7th place, so there is a sizeable niche market for smaller iphones. The Samsung A53 5G is cheaper than the SE, and has a much larger screen with more cameras etc, but the SE still sold more units.

The SE sold well because it's dirt cheap.

iPhone SE 3 64 GB: $429
iPhone SE 3 128 GB: $479
iPhone 13 mini 128 GB: $699
iPhone 13 128 GB: $799

IOW, the base model 13 mini cost 63% more than the base model SE 3.

 

[iAFC]

This is why there should only be one iPhone, just like the old days. Every phone they put out should be a "pro". Just make three sizes, mini, regular, plus.

So if I didn’t need a third camera I’d have to pay extra and get it anyway? Thanks, but I’m happy with the way things are right now.

 

[JustSomebody12]

This is why there should only be one iPhone, just like the old days. Every phone they put out should be a "pro". Just make three sizes, mini, regular, plus.

This.

Also because the cheap version already exists (SE).

 

[JustSomebody12]

So if I didn’t need a third camera I’d have to pay extra and get it anyway? Thanks, but I’m happy with the way things are right now.

I think Apple could at least move back to a 3-models approach, the Xr and 11 series weren’t bad.

 

[Sir_Macs_A_Lot]

I think only the 6/6 Plus had feature parity.

Yeah, the only differences between the two were screen size/resolution, battery/battery life and slightly better camera image stabilization. (Source: https://www.lifewire.com/iphone-6-vs-iphone-6-plus-1999576)

 

[boak]

Yeah, the only differences between the two were screen size/resolution, battery/battery life and slightly better camera image stabilization. (Source: https://www.lifewire.com/iphone-6-vs-iphone-6-plus-1999576)

Same for the 6S/6S Plus too, I presume? The telephoto lens only came about with the 7.

 

[Zwhaler]

Amazing that Apple doesn't have the ability to predict that people would want the pro models over the standard models. I'm not marketing genius but I could have predicted this (again).

They knew. They were just hedging their bets until the data came in.

 

[dwaltwhit]

except the verizon plan with bill credits is 3 years

Not mine. Mine is 2. There was an option for 3

 

[webkit]

Too much choice creates confusion and lack of focus. Steve Jobs knew this. The regular iPhone model being neglected and held back is evidence of this.

Last year's iPhone lineup was a mix of sizes, Pro models and non-Pro models and saw the greatest unit sales and revenue in iPhone history with the top seller being a "regular" iPhone. I think many consumers have come to expect smartphone makers to offer differing phone models with differing specs beyond just size.

 

[phillypharm]

So if I didn’t need a third camera I’d have to pay extra and get it anyway? Thanks, but I’m happy with the way things are right now.

This can be said about any feature. “So if I didn’t need a second camera… so if I didn’t want a single camera…” or even reversed. “Why do I have to pay for 6GB of RAM when I only need 4? Why do I have to pay for the 5th core when I only need 4?”

Apple could save money by consolidating the line more and have better economy of scale and re-use existing parts more and then in theory keep prices lower with a similar or higher margin.

 

[JM]

This hits the nail on the head.

We shouldn't be discussing how Apple are "surprised to not sell many iPhone 14s"...
as they know EXACTLY what they are doing.

Every other year the PRO existed as an upsell to the standard model but only really for those with 'pro style' requirements i.e. photography (as nobody cares about the stainless steel enclosure).

This year....... obviously - the 14 exists in its current form ONLY to push buyers to the pro models.

Apple has successfully normalized the $1000 cellphone. Absolutely.

 

[remington79]

I have the SE2020 and would like a new phone but the 14 is more like a 13.1 maybe a 13.5 I’d rather get a 13 and take the money I save for a case. The 14 doesn’t offer any value to me for the price difference.

 

[Htsi]

I see some value in the 14 Plus. It is a good phone to get for my folks. It’s big & easy to read, yet light due to aluminum, and there isn’t a stovetop on the back. It also has 6GB ram which is what will make it last much longer.
Now, if there’s that $750 Apple refurb 12Pro, I’d get them that instead.

 

[contacos]

It IS odd that they continue to sell the 12 and 13, given how similar the 14 is.

Anything to keep the high prices up. It would „look“ bad to only sell one iPhone starting at 1k

 

[Samuel Sosa]

This was apples strategy all along. Major US carriers are literally giving the 14 pro away with a decent trade it. I went from a 12 to 14 pro for free with my carrier so there are other factors at play then just people buying a new phone

 

[Shh]

I think majority of the people are into Pro models now. Apple should consider moving the regular iPhone line up during Spring event.

That and perhaps people don't want last year's chip in this year's phone. Maybe it's the chip shortage or maybe Apple is being stingy.

 

[dampfnudel]

It may be true for the "regular" iPhone 14 models, but I think the iPhone 14 Plus could be a surprising best seller because 1) so many people now use their cellphones as their primary Internet access device and 2) the aging Baby Boomer and Generation X crowd want to use larger phones for easier readability.

Some aging forty-plus millennials will appreciate the larger screens for easier readability as well. Maybe some would appreciate it already. As for this Gen-Xer, I have no readability issues with the regular Pro screen, at least not yet.

 

[dampfnudel]

Maybe they should’ve brought the 14 along for the ride to the Dynamic Island and not wait another year. So what major feature to differentiate the two lines will Apple use for next year’s Pro? I thought it would be a periscope camera, but rumors are pointing to that being exclusive to the 15 Pro Max.

 

[wilhoitm]

People are not going to want any iPhone that does not have the Dynamic Island! How could Apple not see this? Duh!

 

[Menel]

I suspect that most buyers don't know or care what CPU is in their phones.

I agree, but you skim the left two columns and tell me what is worth $100?

iPhone - Compare Models

Compare features and technical specifications for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone SE, and many more.

www.apple.com

A vague claim for photonic engine marketting fluffery? 0.1 f stop?

 

[EugW]

I agree, but you skim the left two columns and tell me what is worth $100?

iPhone - Compare Models

Compare features and technical specifications for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone SE, and many more.

www.apple.com

A vague claim for photonic engine marketting fluffery? 0.1 f stop?

It should be noted that the iPhone 14 has much better 5G reception than the iPhone 13. And it will also get updates likely for a year longer. And iPhone 14 gets a significantly improved front camera, as well as Action Mode which apparently works really well for those who want it. That said, the iPhone 13 is a good deal. However, the real winner in this category this year is not the iPhone 14. It's the iPhone 14 Plus. There is no such thing as an iPhone 13 Plus.

You can get get the iPhone 13 Pro Max on sale in some spots, so if you can score one of those for a good price, then that's great. Unfortunately, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been discontinued so if you want one, you'd better get it real soon because it's going to sell out quickly.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

All the people that think this is normal and predictable, nobody realises that the great majority of people don't update their phone every year or two (and most of them don't care about the specific CPU either)? The iPhone 14 is new and improved for a lot of people with phones from 4-5-6 years ago. That is not very different from last year model is not the reason it's not selling more, or that the Pros are selling more than expected.

The iPhone 14 is so expensive in Europe (starting at €1039) that I'm just going to buy the 13 (€820 w/ career discount).
I'm coming from an iPhone 8.

 

[Think creative]

The day of the event and after, I was going to upgrade to a 14 pro from a 2 year old se. then, I watched the reviews. I specifically looked at the camera tests, the UI, and the battery life. Now, I’m upgrading next month to a 13 mini. I love the smaller form factor. A ton of people I know who have bigger phones who have looked at my phone recently complemented the size of my phone and how nice it feels in their hands. The actual camera tests for stills between the 14 pro in the 13 mini or shockingly close. If I was blowing this up for a gallery photo, sure, go 14 pro. But for social media posts? For an occasional picture that you print out and put on your desk? It matters way more of the photographer than the actual cameras at this point with what we have. The 13 minis camera is shockingly good. Just look at the thread on these forums showing photos of it. If there was a 14 mini, I would buy that. The reality is, phones are mature technology and are in a very good spot. But that doesn’t mean that they’re interesting every year. As for battery life, I’m either doing stuff outdoors in groups, or I’m at my desk and can easily charge. The 13 mini still has almost doubled the battery life of my SE 2, so I’ll be fine. I’ll just buy one of those apple MagSafe batteries.

 

[Act3]

Not mine. Mine is 2. There was an option for 3

How did you get that? All payment plan options are 36 months at Verizon after 2/3/2022