Chance Miller
The iPhone 14 will be even more expensive than its predecessor, at least
according to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. If he's to be believed,
the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will both be more expensive than
their predecessors.
But the addition of a new iPhone 14 Max this year means there are some
important details to keep in mind.
The impact of an iPhone 14 price hike
You can't blame Apple for at least considering raising prices on the iPhone
14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max; quite a bit has changed since the $999/$1099
pricing structure was set with the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Inflation and supply shortages have pushed component prices higher than
ever, and of course there's that whole pandemic thing.
Those economic headwinds aren't just affecting Apple, though. Consumers are
paying more for nearly everything they buy. As a result, they're tightening
up their discretionary spending.
Apple argues the iPhone is an essential product for many people. It's a
purchase that, if you have to make it, you make it. Consumers will cut
spending in other areas before they go without a smartphone. As Apple's Q3
earnings results showed, iPhone sales can be strong even amid economic
concerns.
But this might not be the case when a new iPhone is announced and it's even
more expensive than its predecessor.
Those iPhone users who were considering upgrading this year might delay or
scrap their plans. People switching from Android to iPhone might opt for a
lower-tier iPhone or stick with an Android phone altogether. First time
smartphone buyers might also opt for an Android device or lower-tier iPhone.
Will the iPhone 14 Max steal the show?
But there's a key caveat to all of this: the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro
Max might be more expensive, but there are two other iPhone 14 models also
launching.
The iPhone 14 will be similar to the iPhone 13 in nearly every aspect. Apple
will likely have a hard time convincing most iPhone 13, and maybe even
iPhone 12, users to upgrade. The real star of the show this year? The
highly-anticipated iPhone 14 Max.
This will mark the first time that Apple has sold a 6.7-inch iPhone that
doesn't carry the "Pro" branding, and my hunch is that it's going to sell
incredibly well.
For the last few years, if you wanted the biggest iPhone screen, you had to
splurge for Apple's most expensive "iPhone Pro Max" model. This meant you
were paying not only for the large screen, but also more advanced display
technology, upgraded camera hardware, and a more premium design.
The iPhone 14 Max changes that: you'll be able to get a 6.7-inch iPhone for
under $1,100 and without all of the baggage of the "Pro Max." It'll be
lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max thanks to its use of aluminum rather than
stainless steel. The camera bump won't be as large. And again, it'll be less
than $1,100.
The iPhone 14 Max makes the 6.7-inch form factor more financially
accessible, and that's arguably something that outweighs the iPhone 14 Pro
price increase.
But it's not all bad news for iPhone 14 Pro buyers.
Good news for buyers who want true "Pro" features?
Raising the price of the iPhone 14 Pro will also allow Apple to add more
truly "Pro" features. Apple reportedly has some major camera upgrades on the
way this year, alongside a new design, the A16 chip inside, and even support
for 8K video recording.
Similar to the iPhone X release, it'll also mean buyers looking for the
"new" design will have to spend more. The iPhone 14 Pro will ditch the notch
in favor of a new pill + hole punch design, while the iPhone 14 will retain
the notch for another year.
9to5Mac's Take
If Kuo is correct and the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are more
expensive (I'm skeptical), it'll sting for those buyers. It will also sting
that the most affordable iPhone 14 will be $100 more expensive this year
because the 'mini' is going away.
The good news is the iPhone 14 Max will also be an option this year. It
might be the reason the iPhone 14 mini won't be a thing, but Apple knows
iPhone buyers and what they want better than anyone.
Apple might also boost the storage capacities of the iPhone 14 Pro and
iPhone 14 Pro Max to help justify that price increase. Currently, the iPhone
13 Pro starts with 128GB of storage, but there are whispers that the iPhone
14 Pro could start with 256GB.
So if Kuo's prediction comes to fruition and the iPhone 14 Pro is more
expensive:
1. It's a poorly-timed price increase given macroeconomic concerns. But.
2. It only impacts "Pro" buyers. And.
3. Non-Pro buyers have the new iPhone 14 Max from which to choose. Finally.
4. The combination of the iPhone 14 Max and more expensive "Pro" models will
increase the average selling price and please investors.
My guess on pricing:
. iPhone 14 - $799
. iPhone 14 Max: $899
. iPhone 14 Pro: $1099
. iPhone 14 Pro Max: $1199
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