Other Now we know why people will buy iPhone 14 without upgrades

[JPack]

Some people have been poo-pooing the iPhone 14. Based on WWDC, it's pretty clear Apple's expects very high inflationary pressure in the coming months.

M1 MacBook Air staying at $999. Apple didn't even bother to bump up the GPU from 7-core to 8-core. Under normal circumstances, we might have expected a $100 price cut for an 18-month old notebook.

In other words, we're lucky if $829 iPhone 13 will get 6GB RAM and a minor rear camera sensor upgrade. We've seen 20% inflation in food, energy, and materials prices. We'll be lucky if iPhone 14 Pro is only $1,199 and Pro Max is $1,299.

 

[jav6454]

Agreed. The new Mac-line updates and releases demonstrates we will see the first iPhone Pro that quite possibly starts at $1099.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Some people have been poo-pooing the iPhone 14. Based on WWDC, it's pretty clear Apple's expects very high inflationary pressure in the coming months.

M1 MacBook Air staying at $999. Apple didn't even bother to bump up the GPU from 7-core to 8-core. Under normal circumstances, we might have expected a $100 price cut for an 18-month old notebook.

In other words, we're lucky if $829 iPhone 13 will get 6GB RAM and a minor rear camera sensor upgrade. We've seen 20% inflation in food, energy, and materials prices. We'll be lucky if iPhone 14 Pro is only $1,199 and Pro Max is $1,299.

I think everybody is noticing the cost of everything going up now and maybe smartphones have been good enough for a few years now where not everybody sees the value in having the latest and greatest. It’s been slipping that way since 2015 according to articles I have read. If the iPhone 14 does go up in price, I think it could be harder to justify. I don’t doubt it’ll sell well enough for Apple and it’s fans, but I’m asking myself the question; ‘I am due to upgrade in September, but why should I get an iPhone 14?’

I could get an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro on a deal and not really find myself struggling with an underperforming phone for the next couple of years. Phones have become capable for more than a couple of years use now.

 

[mikedis]

At this point, all I care about is the cost to replace my 12's battery in a year or two.

 

[JPack]

Given the circumstances, I think it’s a realistic possibility that iPhone 13 does not get a price drop this year. Or at most, it receives a $50 drop. The iPhone 14 would stack $100 above iPhone 13.

Since M2 MacBook Air received a $200 increase for a form factor update, I think there is a real chance iPhone 14 Pro/Max could be bumped by as much as $150.

 

[Fried_Gold]

The new M2 MBA is £250 more than the M1 MBA so I wouldn't be surprised if the new phone are £150+ over the current models.

I am sticking with my 13 mini anyway so not sure when I'll next upgrade.

 

[iHorseHead]

The new M2 MBA is £250 more than the M1 MBA so I wouldn't be surprised if the new phone are £150+ over the current models.

I am sticking with my 13 mini anyway so not sure when I'll next upgrade.

I think it'll be $500 more expensive in my country then…

 

[Andeddu]

Inflation is going to be devastating within a year. I don’t think people are going to be complaining about consumer electronics when inflation is at 40ish % and salaries are only up by 2-3%. If there’s something you want, now would be a good time to get it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

One other thing about the iPhone 14 is Apples reluctance to increase it to a triple camera system. This will be the 4th iPhone if the rumours are to be believed where it continues to have a dual system. When you compare the other smartphones out there in its price bracket, Apple are still limiting it to justify the Pro model. I would be asking whether I want to pay £800-900 for a phone that Apple does the least with in terms of advancements. It’s their mainstream iPhone due to its lower price point but gets the least amount of alluring tech by quite a margin. Not bothered about the aesthetic differences like heavier shiny metals, but would like more camera options.

 

[Mark Stone]

Inflation is going to be devastating within a year. I don’t think people are going to be complaining about consumer electronics when inflation is at 40ish % and salaries are only up by 2-3%. If there’s something you want, now would be a good time to get it.

Ouch!! We’re already depressed about the inflation rate - but 40% in a year??!? Repeat: Ouch!! Hopefully it won’t get that bad.

I think most people look at smartphone pricing as a monthly payment as opposed to a total amount, though, so even if inflation gets that high it still may not affect Apple’s sales that much.

 

[Andeddu]

Ouch!! We’re already depressed about the inflation rate - but 40% in a year??!? Repeat: Ouch!! Hopefully it won’t get that bad.

I think most people look at smartphone pricing as a monthly payment as opposed to a total amount, though, so even if inflation gets that high it still may not affect Apple’s sales that much.

Looks like Apple will have to adjust their prices monthly if inflation goes up to ridiculous levels. With the energy, food, financial and environmental crisis looming things are only going to get worse. I don’t think inflation is controllable anymore so we will have to wait and see as the Fed will never increase interest to a high enough level to combat inflation. Oh well, I might have to purchase a MacBook or something before my purchasing power drops, haha.

 

[ian87w]

My prediction is the Pros will get the price bump. Apple already have a healthy margins on those, so probably large enough to cover any increases in supply chain costs and inflation. The extra $100 is to cover the cost of using new components (A16). The regular 14 won't get a chip update, so that is already a cost saving for Apple by simply reusing the old A15. The main selling point will be the iPhone 14 Max, which will add $100 to the regular iPhone purchase price, so that should cover it. Since the regular iPhone 14 is basically an iPhone 13.5, it would actually cost less for Apple to make now as it's just using the same components as before (and Apple tend to pre-purchase components in advance).

The ones who will get screwed is countries like mine, where we already are getting extra mark ups over the US MSRP. Apple tend to use the inflation and currency stability as an excuse to jack up the price even more (and won't reduce it when the currency actually get stable and better). Right now, the base 13 Pro is "on sale" for $1260. I expect the base iPhone 14 price will be around $1500 when it launches here.

 

[kiranmk2]

One other thing about the iPhone 14 is Apples reluctance to increase it to a triple camera system. This will be the 4th iPhone if the rumours are to be believed where it continues to have a dual system. When you compare the other smartphones out there in its price bracket, Apple are still limiting it to justify the Pro model. I would be asking whether I want to pay £800-900 for a phone that Apple does the least with in terms of advancements. It’s their mainstream iPhone due to its lower price point but gets the least amount of alluring tech by quite a margin. Not bothered about the aesthetic differences like heavier shiny metals, but would like more camera options.

I love the zoom camera and really want it in my next phone, but that is the only Pro feature I am bothered by. No doubt apple knows this and keeps the triple camera system to entice more people to go Pro.

 

[jav6454]

Given the circumstances, I think it’s a realistic possibility that iPhone 13 does not get a price drop this year. Or at most, it receives a $50 drop. The iPhone 14 would stack $100 above iPhone 13.

Since M2 MacBook Air received a $200 increase for a form factor update, I think there is a real chance iPhone 14 Pro/Max could be bumped by as much as $150.

That or Apple eats the cost increase and instead of increasing the base storage option keeps it the same. In theory, the storage option increase was a strong possibility this year.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I love the zoom camera and really want it in my next phone, but that is the only Pro feature I am bothered by. No doubt apple knows this and keeps the triple camera system to entice more people to go Pro.

I am positive that is the reason but it’s a bit outdated now in what will be the 4th year. I think perhaps there isn’t enough of a difference between the models and this is one significant feature in both use and appearance that tells them apart. There’s phones on the market at the same price point though with more capabilities in the camera department than the mainstream iPhones and I feel it’s time for Apple to get with the times rather than just worrying about margins maybe. I can live without the triple camera system of course and have no interest paying over a grand for a phone so it can be an easy decision. There’s always last years models that are still more than capable.

 

[kiranmk2]

When the iPhone 11 went dual camera I was hoping it would get the wide and telephoto camera and that the ultrawide would be the Pro extra but sadly it wasn't to be...

 

[B_mark_R]

Maybe apple financing will be extended from 24 month to 30 or 36. I can also see carriers moving to longer terms. It wasn't that long ago 12/24 month financing was industry standard. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, all people really care about is if they can afford the monthly payment.

 

[TheRedOx]

I think we’ll see Apple move to their new “iPhone Subscription” model that was talked about a couple of months ago. Basically just a lease that will include services. Right now I pay $57/mo. through the iPhone Upgrade Program for my 12 ProMax and $30/mo. for AppleOne Premier - I think whatever they come up with will actually save me some money monthly even if the retail price to buy the 14 ProMax is higher.

 

[iHorseHead]

The prices of MacBook Air M2 in my country were released.
The cheapest one is 1600€ and in comparison my rent is 360€. Last year it was cheaper.