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Beyond all the flashy presentations about camera specs and battery capacity, one of the most important questions asked at any new phone launch is how much will it cost? Months ahead of schedule iPhone 16 announcement, this question is already being raised and speculated.
Rumors abound about the next generation of Apple’s phone, which is expected to be called the iPhone 16. This includes speculation about the phone’s appearance, screen size, and the upcoming AI features. While the device isn’t expected to launch until the fall, those hoping to upgrade may be eager to start budgeting now, especially since flagship iPhones are priced in the premium range. So how much of a price tag could we be looking at?
Read more: The features we expect from Apple’s next iPhone
Despite the improved features, the starting price of the base iPhone has remained constant for the past few years. Every base model between the iPhone 12 and 15 is priced at $799 at launch. Pro devices have also remained at $999 during this timeline.
There was a surge in prices in the high end iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, which retailed at $1,199, $100 more than its predecessors. Apple has removed its lowest storage option of 128GB, making 256GB the new (more expensive) baseline. 15 Pro Max also advertises a periscope lenswhich offers 5x magnification which isn’t even found on the smaller 15 Pro.
Watch this: Latest iOS 18 Rumors: New Designs, AI Tricks
With inflation driving up the price of almost everything else, and rumors suggesting that the new iPhones are getting more expensive parts, it’s uncertain whether Apple can resist raising the prices of its flagship phones. Here’s what we heard.
Components and cameras: the culprits behind the increase in the price of the iPhone 16
External factors such as higher production costs could potentially cause Apple to raise the prices of its upcoming lineup. According to Nicaea Asia, the estimated manufacturing cost of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was $558, a 12% increase over the 14 Pro Max. The cost of components for other devices in the iPhone 15 lineup also reportedly increased year-over-year: the 15 Pro by 8%, the Plus by 10% and the standard by 16%. While Apple has yet to raise retail prices as a result, Nikkei Asia suggests it will have to, or “the company’s bottom line will ultimately take a hit.”
Rumors of more expensive cameras of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max further suggest that these devices may have a higher price tag as well. According to Economic DailyApple could use higher-end glass lenses to make its phones lighter and thinner and increase the optical zoom distance.
On the one hand, Apple may feel compelled to pass these rising costs on to its customers. On the other hand, higher cost of living has many users tightening their wallets, and Apple may not want to isolate future phone upgrade candidates.
Other rumors suggest that the prices could indeed drop out for iPhone 16, according to one tipster, as Apple may change the way it makes its A17 Bionic chipsets to cut costs. This reduced production cost could potentially pass savings on to consumers, but this is speculation.
So what does all this ultimately mean for iPhone 16 pricing? It’s possible, given rising manufacturing costs and more advanced components, that we’ll see price increases in the upcoming lineup, though it’s unclear exactly how much. It is so early that it is equally plausible to assume that prices may remain stagnant. In the meantime, we’ll continue to update this with new details in the run-up to Apple’s expected autumn unveiling of its upcoming lineup.
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