iPhone 15 Pro Predicted to See First Price Increase Since iPhone X

[MacRumors]

Apple's next-generation iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will likely be more expensive than previous Pro models, according to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities.

In a research note this week, Pu predicted the iPhone 15 Pro models will see a price increase due to several rumored hardware upgrades, including a titanium frame, solid-state buttons with haptic feedback from extra Taptic Engines, an A17 Bionic chip, increased RAM, a periscope lens for increased optical zoom on the Pro Max model, and more.

This is the second time that a price increase has been rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models, following an unverified claim on Chinese social media website Weibo in January, but whether Apple finally raises pricing for the devices remains to be seen. In the U.S., the Pro model has started at $999 since the iPhone X was released in 2017, while the Pro Max has started at $1,099 since the iPhone XS Max launched the following year.

Outside of the U.S., Apple has increased the prices of iPhones multiple times in recent years, largely due to foreign currency fluctuations. In the U.K., for example, the iPhone 14 Pro starts at £1,099, compared to £949 for the iPhone 13 Pro.

A price increase in the U.S. is plausible given above-average inflation rates. Apple has managed to keep starting prices unchanged for six straight generations of Pro models, but prices will likely have to increase eventually for the company to maintain its profit margins. It's unclear if the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would also see a price increase over the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which start at $799 and $899, respectively.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 series in September as usual. All four devices are rumored to feature a USB-C port, the Dynamic Island, and a slightly more curved frame, while over 10 additional features and changes are rumored for the Pro models.

Article Link: iPhone 15 Pro Predicted to See First Price Increase Since iPhone X

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

We will sling the new standbys of "inflation" and "supply chain" with maybe a sprinkle of "covid" at each other to be followed by Apple Inc reporting record profits. Apparently inflation/supply chain/covid only affects us consumers.

 

[Jimmy_Banks]

The average person can barely afford food and rent due to inflation, tech companies are firing workers despite record profits, Apple is holding back bonuses on it's employees.

But Tim the bean counter decides now is a good time to increase prices.

 

[hacky]

Totally get that. Current price is absurdly low.
/s

 

[PauloSera]

After how well iPhone 14 Pro sold, you know Tim is just drooling over the prospect of a price increase. It is his mission in life to see how much money he can get from one person for essentially the same thing.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗]

Not surprised by this report at all. I just hope Apple is able to deliver some hard-breaking innovative features with the iPhone 15. We are due for a design change now!

 

[temende]

Well that makes this is an easier decision than usual, sounds like I'll be keeping my 13 Pro another year.

 

[lanomds1]

In Europe the iPhone Pro price tag is already a joke. Can’t believe it’s going up again

 

[MakeAppleAwesomeAgain]

No way, get out of here! The iPhone 14 already starts at around € 999 in Europe 😂

 

[PauloSera]

The average person can barely afford food and rent due to inflation, tech companies are firing workers despite record profits, Apple is holding back bonuses on it's employees.

But Tim the bean counter decides now is a good time to increase prices.

The problem with your statement is that iPhone 14 Pro sold incredibly well. Better than expected. So whether your claims are true or not, iPhone 14 Pro sold really well.

Apple bases its decision to raise prices on that, not on anecdotal comments about the current state of the economy, true or not.

 

[HeavenDynamic]

My bet is on a 1499€ starting price in Europe

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

After how well iPhone 14 Pro sold, you know Tim is just drooling over the prospect of a price increase. It is his mission in life to see how much money he can get from one person for essentially the same thing.

If many of them "one persons" would flex their power of "NO" as a group, we'd soon be seeing price DECREASES. Companies want the money more than any of us should want most non-essential products & services. If we could say no as a group, we would re-learn the great(er) power in the other end of the capitalism bargain. Instead, we gripe/whine and then just roll over and pay up, rewarding price increases which tells those who choose to implement them they are doing a great job.

 

[D-a-a-n]

My bet is on a 1499€ starting price in Europe

Would they also increase it in Europe though..? They have been doing that for years now.

 

[NoelWalker]

imminent price increase

 

[PauloSera]

If many of them one persons would flex their power of "NO" as a group, we'd soon be seeing price DECREASES. Companies want the money more than any of us should want most non-essential products & services. If we could say no as a group, we would re-learn the power in the other end of the capitalism bargain. Instead, we gripe/whine and then just roll over and pay up, rewarding price increases which tells those who choose to implement them they are doing a great job.

That's correct. The prices may seem outrageous, but apparently they are not stopping people from buying. So as long as that remains true, the prices will keep going up. Apple doesn't need these margins. It wants them. And we're enabling it.

 

[bag99001]

They really are getting to be quite expensive..and make me think I'll be looking at at least one model back, and maybe getting a used one from Gazelle...

That being said, I'm still hanging onto my XS Max (bought from Gazelle) and only now looking again to upgrade as I really want the portrait mode for videos my wife has on her 13Pro.

When amortized over 4-5 years of a phone's more than decent lifespan, $1000 isn't terrible. When I was upgrading every other phone, the price would have been unpalatable.

 

[75Batt]

We will sling the new standbys of "inflation" and "supply chain" with maybe a sprinkle of "covid" at each other to be followed by Apple Inc reporting record profits. Apparently inflation/supply chain/covid only affects us consumers.

No. It’s impacting customers globally. As the article stares the UK has already seen rises.

 

[cdsapplefan]

If you increase the price substantially you risk consumers not upgrading later down the road

 

[sunapple]

Wait, USA pricing has remained the same for six years? Save the complaints 🥲

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

No. It’s impacting customers globally. As the article stares the UK has already seen rises.

That was the word US, not U.S. consumers: all of us consumers wherever we are, not just U.S. consumers.

 

[ksec]

Not surprised by the increase in Pro Price which I thought should have happened this year when they release the iPhone Plus Model again. Apple doesn't seems to have a problem in the Pro Market pricing segment, people are buying it anyway. They do have a problem with their mid range model though.

So the lineup be something like

$1199 iPhone Pro Max
$1099 iPhone Pro

$899 iPhone Plus
$799 iPhone 15

$799. iPhone 14 Plus
$699 iPhone 14

$599 iPhone 13

$429 iPhone SE

or by March 2024

$549 iPhone SE
$449 iPhone SE Mini


I am more interested in entry level, will they have two screen size for SE? And keep the entry model $399, or will they raise the price of iPhone SE to $499. ( iPhone Mini )

 

[Quu]

I'm okay with the price increases if they're actually going to deliver features commensurate with those price increases. But we all know, they will not.

 

[75Batt]

That's correct. The prices may seem outrageous, but apparently they are not stopping people from buying. So as long as that remains true, the prices will keep going up. Apple doesn't need these margins. It wants them. And we're enabling it.

Apple has maintained this level of margin for a loooong time. This is jot mew. It’s part of their business model offering a premiums product and experience in return for higher margins. Nothing new

 

[cocky jeremy]

I'm surprised it's taken this long. Oh well. I've gotta have the new iPhone, so whatever.

 

[ianfieldhouse]

They really are getting to be quite expensive..and make me think I'll be looking at at least one model back, and maybe getting a used one from Gazelle...

That being said, I'm still hanging onto my XS Max (bought from Gazelle) and only now looking again to upgrade as I really want the portrait mode for videos my wife has on her 13Pro.

When amortized over 4-5 years of a phone's more than decent lifespan, $1000 isn't terrible. When I was upgrading every other phone, the price would have been unpalatable.

I've been using my son's old XR since I handed down my 2 year old 12 Pro to him. In past years I've upgraded to the latest and greatest evert 2 years but, honestly, other than the camera (that I barely use) the XR has been fine in comparison to the 12 Pro. I think I'll eventually get a 13 mini before the stop selling them and I can see myself just upgrading every 4 or 5 years now. I'll just buy my son a 2 year old phone when he's due for another of my hand me downs. A new phone shouldn't cost the same as a laptop.