The iPhone 15 is the most expensive iPhone yet, but Apple is taking most of the hit on the increased costs of production. A teardown by Nikkei Asia reveals that the cost of parts for the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max is 10% higher than that of last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The biggest cost increases come from the new telephoto camera, which supports 5x optical zoom, and the new A17 Bionic chip, which is manufactured using cutting-edge 3-nanometer node process technology.
Despite the higher costs, Apple has kept the prices of the iPhone 15 lineup the same as last year in the United States with the exception of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which now starts at $1,199 compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s $1,099. This suggests that Apple is cautious about price increases that might impact sales.
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However, if Apple continues to forgo passing on increased costs to consumers, the company’s bottom line will eventually take a hit. Analysts speculate that Apple might try to raise prices next year.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max incurs the most significant cost increases, with the new titanium frame, telephoto camera, and A17 Pro Bionic chip. The titanium frame is the most expensive component, at $50, which is 43% higher than the stainless steel frame. The telephoto camera is also more expensive, at $30, which is 3.8x higher than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The A17 Pro Bionic chip is 27% more expensive than the A16 Bionic chip used in last year’s Pro models.
While previous rumors predicted a price increase for both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the smaller Pro’s price remains the same at $999. This may be due to Apple’s desire to maintain a competitive price point, or it could be a sign that Apple is absorbing the increased costs this year and may pass them on to consumers next year.
The rumored features of the iPhone 16 Pro, such as a larger display and 5x telephoto camera, could justify a price increase for the smaller Pro. If these rumors are true, the iPhone 16 Pro could start at $1,099.
In short, Apple’s pricing strategy for the iPhone 16 Pro is still up in the air, but it’s clear that the company is facing increasing cost pressures that may eventually lead to higher prices for consumers.
