Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro: A Price Hike to be Expected?
The latest buzz in the tech world is about Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, speculations claim that this top-tier model may come with a higher price tag. This comes as no surprise as the new model is expected to have hardware innovations such as a titanium body, a more powerful A17 Bionic chip, more RAM, and an overhauled camera system. However, the new solid-state keys require additional vibration motors, making the production cost much higher, according to an investment firm’s analyst cited in a Macrumors report.
For weeks, various speculations have been swirling around the iPhone 15 Pro as the possible starting point for a new price hike, which could extend to an “iPhone Ultra” as the new flagship. Even Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, unintentionally contributed to these speculations, claiming that customers were willing to “stretch” to get their hands on the latest iPhone. Cook emphasized that smartphones have become an essential part of people’s lives, warranting its premium pricing.
Despite Apple’s past price hikes, the US base price of $999 for the Pro series has remained the same since the release of the iPhone X in 2017. However, fans should not be surprised if this trend changes. In 2018, Apple introduced the Max series, a larger and more expensive variant, but the $1100 base price remained unaltered. A price increase in 2023 would not be unexpected, especially with the new features the iPhone 15 Pro is rumored to have.
Apple’s price jump is not a foreign concept abroad, as iPhone prices have been on the rise in other parts of the world outside of the US. Germany saw a significant surge in their iPhone 14 series prices due to fluctuating exchange rates and a weak euro. The entry-level model rose about 100 euros overnight, while the iPhone 14 Pro spiked by 150 euros and now costs a whopping 1300 euros.
The tech industry and Apple fans will have to wait until the official release to know the iPhone 15 Pro’s actual price tag. Nonetheless, history suggests that a price hike may be inevitable, considering the upcoming iPhone’s advanced technology and new features.
