iPhone 15 Pro Models Rumored to Be More Expensive

[turbineseaplane]

I have one friend, for whom money is no object, that buys the latest Pro every year...

...and the one thing he constantly complains about is the device weight and somewhat the size (I think he'd like a slightly smaller Pro than currently on offer).

Will they ever do anything meaningful about that I wonder?

 

[beermode]

The thing is, the availability of this financing is needlessly driving up prices for everybody. It's not about whether you have to finance it to afford it, though there is another discussion that could be had about that.

The problem is that even those of us who can afford these prices are paying more because of a broken system that artificially inflates the cost of the devices whether you're financing or not. If Apple was forced to sell the iPhone for what the market can actually bear for a smartphone, the price would be lower for everybody.

Nail on head. Plus, it's hard for a lot of people NOT to finance. Its shiny and new. I've been there, done that myself, I'm not elitist about this. But phones haven't had price creep, it's more price leap.
You can blame Apple pricing, Apple margins, Inflation, whatever. As long as it accessible and people are willing, it won't change.
Lots of dissent over the pricing, but many of you have have been carrying water for the price of these for a long time.

 

[cjboffoli97]

Let's see. I paid $599 for my first iPhone in 2007 (which in today's dollars is about $860). My iPhone 14 Pro, as configured, cost me $1,099. Which is 28% more. Divided over 16 years that's an inflation rate of less than 2% per year. Which seems fair, considering the tremendous increase in capability and value these devices have. The iPhone has also saved me money by performing functions that obviate the need for 3rd party electronics. I also upgrade my phone every year and, as I take meticulous care of my phones, they retain a lot of resale value. So in the end, having the latest iPhone hardware for a year costs me $300-$400. And though I never do, I always have the option of skipping a year. But in the end, I imagine that Apple would really have to increase the price to a crazy level to erode the value proposition for me. As I appreciate a vertically integrated product (with software and hardware made by the same manufacturer) and a company that offers me a solid level of security and does not aggressively commoditize my private personal information, I can't see any other choice that would make as much sense for me.

 

[Rogue AI]

Great, we're going to be paying more for slightly upgraded internals.

Here's a novel idea: why don't Apple lower the price of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus? 🙄

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

This is just speculation.

Yet, this is very likely to become the truth at the appropriate time.

When it happens, it will be no shock.

I said it on this site on Jan. 9th:

Tim Cook's Apple seems not concerned with products that "WOW!", but rather places overwhelming emphasis on: ​

- price increases (as if higher prices are a desired product feature that we all salivate for) ​

- ridiculous product proliferation (currently Apple sells 8 iPhones: two 14 pros / two 14s / two 13s / One SE / One 12)​

- ridiculous price ladders​

- margin accretion plans​

​

None of Tim Cook's plans and priorities reflect Steve Job's desire to redefine industry standards for:​

- product quality​

- product innovation​

- customer satisfaction​

- customer "WOW!"​

- the creation of raving-lunatic-loyal customer advocates ​

- putting great, life-changing personal tech within reach of more people rather than fewer people (due to ridiculous pricing)​

​

There will come a day when Tim Cook will introduce an iPhone priced at $5,000. And a smart person will say, "Well, looking at equivalent adjusted dollars, it's actually that same price as it was when it was launched in 2007 at $499." Tim Cook will add, "And one more thing: if you can't afford the magical $5,000 iPhone, the previous 100 versions of the old iPhone are all still available... each one priced at a low, low $2999.50 ." ​

Apple needs a new CEO, a new econometrics executive, a new pricing executive, a new product planning executive, and a new customer research executive. And each one needs to do an annual refresher course on Jobsian principles in product innovation, product quality, product planning, and product pricing.

I remember reading, possibly in the Walter Isaacson book, about Jobs asking somebody "which ones do I tell my friends to buy?" about Apples lineup when he returned as it was so convoluted.

The same could be said of their current offerings.

 

[Rogue AI]

Let's see. I paid $599 for my first iPhone in 2007 (which in today's dollars is about $860). My iPhone 14 Pro, as configured, cost me $1,099. Which is 28% more. Divided over 16 years that's an inflation rate of less than 2% per year. Which seems fair, considering the tremendous increase in capability and value these devices have. The iPhone has also saved me money by performing functions that obviate the need for 3rd party electronics. I also upgrade my phone every year and, as I take meticulous care of my phones, they retain a lot of resale value. So in the end, having the latest iPhone hardware for a year costs me $300-$400. And though I never do, I always have the option of skipping a year. But in the end, I imagine that Apple would really have to increase the price to a crazy level to erode the value proposition for me. As I appreciate a vertically integrated product (with software and hardware made by the same manufacturer) and a company that offers me a solid level of security and does not aggressively commoditize my private personal information, I can't see any other choice that would make as much sense for me.

Are you actually making excuses for this? What does Apple's boots taste like?

 

[turbineseaplane]

But in the end, I imagine that Apple would really have to increase the price to a crazy level to erode the value proposition for me.

Sounds like we found out why they keep raising the prices on the Pro models
The buyers in that niche are fairly price insensitive it would seem

I trust Apple will fully explore the bounds of that insensitivity.
Stay tuned.

 

[caskin8a]

Seriously - iPhone 15 Mini, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Ultra. As identical functionality as possible, sizes can compete on their own merit. Why won’t Apple do this?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Seriously - iPhone 15 Mini, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Ultra. As identical functionality as possible, sizes can compete on their own merit. Why won’t Apple do this?

They make too much money gouging folks with the current strategies

 

[dmw7]

Breaking News - it’s rumoured that fat dogs fart.

 

[Churchman]

But at the same time, not everyone can afford to move to android, if the user factors in data migration cost, app purchase cost, data loss during transition, distaste on Google and Android and so on. Through a strong combination of marketing, lock-in services, sunken cost and ok-ish software and service, seamless transition between devices and so on, many will immediately notice how difficult it is to move From iOS to android. Unable to afford latest, they are forced to either downgrade, buy used, or just get cheaper iPhone instead to stay in the ecosystem. Apple, on the other hand, can pretty much charge whatever they want until the sale plummet to a point of no return.

Shirasaki-san,

Effective management avoids this: Apple, on the other hand, can pretty much charge whatever they want until the sale plummet to a point of no return.

There once was a tech innovator who said, "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been. And we've always tried to do that at Apple. Since the very, very beginning." This is market analysis and effective market futuring.

An effective manager at Apple today would see that product affordability, product quality, customer dissatisfaction, and customer churn are all issues now. And they would know that in 5-10 years - if not addressed - these will exact a high price on Apple. That price will be plummeting sales, as you have said. So, if the trajectory of the puck is toward the crap in the corner, someone should be saying very loudly:

"We need an about-face ASAP! Today, the switching costs are in our favor. But in 5-10 years, the switching costs will be such that we will be actively driving people away from iPhone - and Apple - if we do not change course NOW." ​

But today, Apple leadership does not and can not see or hear that truth. It is the difference between those who suffer from the inertia of profit and the arrogance of market dominance... and those who suffer from the desperation to innovate and to always question the status quo. Only one of those people has ears that will hear reason. Only one of those people has the humility to make a change well before a point of no return.

 

[matthew12]

Well if they do that, then I'll have even more of a reason to keep holding onto my 12 Pro.

 

[3460169]

I was half expecting to find an article template here like

iPhone <whatever> Pro Models Rumored to Be More Expensive​

But seems this was last year's article above the increase:

Kuo: Apple to Increase Prices of iPhone 14 Pro Models

Apple plans to increase the prices of iPhone 14 Pro models compared to iPhone 13 Pro models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo did not reveal...

www.macrumors.com

How much longer can I hold onto this iPhone 11 Pro Max? I used to upgrade every year (without having to finance); this 11 may be the first iPhone I hold onto until it dies or stops receiving updates from Apple.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Let's see. I paid $599 for my first iPhone in 2007 (which in today's dollars is about $860). My iPhone 14 Pro, as configured, cost me $1,099. Which is 28% more. Divided over 16 years that's an inflation rate of less than 2% per year. Which seems fair, considering the tremendous increase in capability and value these devices have. The iPhone has also saved me money by performing functions that obviate the need for 3rd party electronics. I also upgrade my phone every year and, as I take meticulous care of my phones, they retain a lot of resale value. So in the end, having the latest iPhone hardware for a year costs me $300-$400. And though I never do, I always have the option of skipping a year. But in the end, I imagine that Apple would really have to increase the price to a crazy level to erode the value proposition for me. As I appreciate a vertically integrated product (with software and hardware made by the same manufacturer) and a company that offers me a solid level of security and does not aggressively commoditize my private personal information, I can't see any other choice that would make as much sense for me.

Hmmm this seems like questionable reasoning as it is likely that a considerably cheaper smartphone would do that also.

How expensive would you go? If the pro started at $2000 would you still purchase?

 

[UnbreakableAlex]

Every time apple unexpectedly raises the price on iPhones or doesn’t make a big enough update, I’m passing for a year.
so far I’m still on my iPhone X. I wished more people had the mental strength to punish apple for their nasty behavior.

 

[Shirasaki]

Shirasaki-san,

Effective management avoids this: Apple, on the other hand, can pretty much charge whatever they want until the sale plummet to a point of no return.

There once was a tech innovator who said, "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been. And we've always tried to do that at Apple. Since the very, very beginning." This is market analysis and effective market futuring.

An effective manager at Apple today would see that product affordability, product quality, customer dissatisfaction, and customer churn are all issues now. And they would know that in 5-10 years - if not addressed - these will exact a high price on Apple. That price will be plummeting sales, as you have said. So, if the trajectory of the puck is toward the crap in the corner, someone should be saying very loudly:

"We need an about-face ASAP! Today, the switching costs are in our favor. But in 5-10 years, the switching costs will be such that we will be actively driving people away from iPhone - and Apple - if we do not change course NOW." ​

But today, Apple leadership does not and can not see or hear that truth. It is the difference between those who suffer from the inertia of profit and the arrogance of market dominance... and those who suffer from the desperation to innovate and to always question the status quo. Only one of those people has ears that will hear reason. Only one of those people has the humility to make a change well before a point of no return.

Well said.
but, the question is, does said manager exist in Apple? If so, how impactful he/she is on company’s direction?
I sense none, and I don’t think Apple will bother Introducing one in their management department.

Human is bad at thinking for long term, especially the long term that can truly pay dividends, both For individual and for organisations. Short term gain is almost always favourable because you can immediately see the result, whereas long term investment Takes time to see the benefit, and after some years, if no benefit is seen, people gets upset.

While it is reasonable, the long term benefit is the one that we should build towards. But that’s not how our society see things. Apple, by furiously chasing after stock market, shareholder return and higher profit, has lost the core that keeps a tech company afloat: innovation and customer satisfaction. What they have right now I’d argue, probably is just a shell of what it once was. Thanks to the legacy left by Steve Jobs and the foundation built by his team, Apple can still reap profit for a while. But I doubt they can keep doing so for very long.

Apple is a gigantic ship that won’t turn to a New direction in an instant. However, once all the inertia is overcome, it is equally difficult to turn back to the correct direction if there is even one. Before we know it, world is changing faster than we can respond. It’s going to be interesting to see how this alleged iPhone 15 price increase pans out, and how much Apple’s service transition pays off.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wished more people had the mental strength to punish apple for their nasty behavior.

I’m amazed folks don’t get any buyers remorse

When I see how little I actually do with my iPhones, I always want to have as little money tied up in them as possible.

If I had $1200 tied up in an iPhone, I’m not sure I’d have it very long. Knowing me, it would eat me up until I sold it.

I’m into my iPhone 13 Mini for $450 (includes some cases from overseas)

 

[Chazak]

You don't have to like it, but how can anyone be surprised? Everything on earth that you can buy with money costs more. Every element and component that goes into these devices cost Apple more that it did a year or so ago.

The rumored price increases are not part of some Apple led conspiracy or nefarious plot. It's a business decision that 100% makes sense for the business. Apple is not a non-profit providing social services to avid technophiles, but they are a publicly held, profit making business trying to protect their margin and adjust their pricing and marketing to maximize their profit.

If it happens and it is too much, the market will tell them so and adjustments will be made. Money talks ... and the conversation flows in both directions. And they listen whether or not they give indications about what they heard.

 

[wbeasley]

Same rumour as last year... softening people up?

The tech industry has been the one industry where power and function has increased dramatically and price has gone down.

Complain as much as you like (because you arent used to it mainly) but if tech had gone up like houses and energy and transport/cars you would never afford a new phone.

The business model for these is volume.
The sweetspot is the current price.
Apple risks losing sales when Android mid range devices offer a lot of the same power and features.
Apple has the loyalty and edge but any significant price movement could impact sales and then brand perception and slip in the important brand positioning. There is always a place for expensive Apple items. Some can afford them. But the tight hardware/software integration gives Apple an edge over competitors. And without new hardware sales, the model fails to generate income.

 

[gusping]

VAT. In the US we pay state sales tax on top of the list prices you see on these forums.

That is basic knowledge. I am well aware of that. I wasn't comparing prices to the U.S. I am just stating that in absolute terms, European prices for Apple products are extortionate.

 

[Chazak]

Classic Tim Cook - counter falling sales by increase revenue per unit!

Disagree with your characterization of Cook and your interpretation of the rumor and a rumor is all it is at the moment.

They are running a business and I don't think a lot of people seem to understand that. If you judge Apple by your needs and desires and are not a stockholder, they are always going to come up short in your view. If you want everything just the way you want it and want it to be inexpensive and don't think the economy and their marketing should have a role in pricing decisions and profitability you are also going to be disappointed.

Up to now (you can't judge the future because it hasn't happened) Apple has been one of the best run and managed companies in the history of business. Just ask the stockholders/owners. I just have trouble understanding what a lot of people out there who are technophiles seem to think Apple's primary mission and goals actually are.

 

[wbeasley]

yikes... even with a good wage i'm slowly being priced out from the apple eco system

Go back to the 80s and the price of Apple was very premium. Very.
People wanted them back then but couldnt afford them and settled for cheap(er) IBM clones.

Today's market is very different.
Phones are mass market item.
They need to be careful to price them to balance premium brand vs affordable enough.

There have been some odd product choices lately: new iPad going up $100 is probably a test to see the impact and what they can get away with. There was a hole in the product line and they tested the waters. In a year that "new iPad" will perhaps move as the entry level one needs an update. They need to give it more power to keep sales fresh but cant leap over the more expensive newer design. Hard when you dont sync all updates in the product line.

 

[cjboffoli97]

Hmmm this seems like questionable reasoning as it is likely that a considerably cheaper smartphone would do that also.

How expensive would you go? If the pro started at $2000 would you still purchase?

I guess it would depend which "considerably cheaper" smartphone would tick all of the same boxes. But given the rate of Apple's annual price increases, which are below the rise of the rate of inflation, we'll probably be in a post-phone world by the time the price hits $2,000.

 

[wbeasley]

Disagree with your characterization of Cook and your interpretation of the rumor and a rumor is all it is at the moment.

They are running a business and I don't think a lot of people seem to understand that. If you judge Apple by your needs and desires and are not a stockholder, they are always going to come up short in your view. If you want everything just the way you want it and want it to be inexpensive and don't think the economy and their marketing should have a role in pricing decisions and profitability you are also going to be disappointed.

Up to now (you can't judge the future because it hasn't happened) Apple has been one of the best run and managed companies in the history of business. Just ask the stockholders/owners. I just have trouble understanding what a lot of people out there who are technophiles seem to think Apple's primary mission and goals actually are.

Perfect response!

Apple is a business. And very successful.

They have led the way on so many issues they didnt need to: social equality, environmental, recycling, packaging reductions.

They drag their heels at times: USB-C being one. To do what is needed and "cripple" low end phones to USB2 transfer speeds would be a nasty thing to do yet meet the EU requirements. Be better Apple and make high data transfer standard.

 

[cjboffoli97]

Are you actually making excuses for this? What does Apple's boots taste like?

It certainly sounds like we have a difference of opinion on value proposition. I don't harbor any unreasonable expectations that any company needs to keep their products at some arbitrary price point to match my assumptions. I'm under no boot as I can go to any other product at any time if the value fails to make sense for me. But if you're asserting Apple is fascist because they are responding to the realities of the market in raising prices, I wonder why you are squandering your time here in an Apple forum discussing Apple products. Seems like there would be better ways to use your time.