Update 12/11 below. This article was originally published on December 8
iPhone 15 leaks have already revealed Apple’s ambitious plans for its next-generation smartphones. But now, new information indicates that these ambitions are taking a heavy toll.
Work with Influential Industry Insider Howtoisolve LeaksApplePro released a load of new iPhone 15 information, including price increases that will likely shock US buyers.
Flat-edged iPhone 15 Ultra concept based on leaks
Last month, the leaker revealed that the bill of materials for the iPhone 15 Ultra, Apple’s new name for its “Pro Max” models, would go up to $100. Now, LeaksApplePro says the iPhone 15 Ultra will have a starting price as high as $1,299 — a $200 bump over the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the biggest generational leap in iPhone history.
“It’s going to be a more expensive iPhone. Even in the United States, ”explains the lessor. “Apple is losing margins year after year. Rising production costs and inflation, which make the money the company has in the bank less valuable, have finally broken the camel’s back.
LeaksApplePro says “we don’t know the status of other devices in the lineup.” That said, with a starting price of $1,299 that could see the iPhone 15 Ultra go all the way up to $1,799 for the 1TB model, this is likely to have a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup as Apple n don’t like to have a chasm between products in the same range.
Apple iPhone 15 Ultra render based on recent rumors of curved edges
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Ultra will give you more for your money. LeaksApplePro says the iPhone 15 Ultra will ship with a minimum of 256GB (double the current entry point of 128GB), easing some of the pain of the price hike.
Additionally, the leaker reiterates that the new model will come with dual front cameras, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) will replace the Lightning port with its USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps/0.48Gbps), and “it will be made of titanium” – something that comes with significant resistance and price increases.
Update 12/10: Speaking to me, LeaksApplePro has provided further insight into Apple’s use of titanium in the iPhone 15 lineup. Following a recent leak from popular industry insider ShrimpApplePro that Apple will bring titanium on all iPhone 15 modelsnot just the iPhone 15 Ultra, LeaksApplePro says that’s categorically incorrect.
“Not true,” claims LeaksApplePro, claiming it will be “Ultra only (maybe 15 Pro but definitely not 15 and 15 Plus).”
Considering the cost of titanium, that makes sense. Because it’s 3-4 times stronger than the stainless steel used in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, some might argue that lowers the price because less is needed to make a chassis that’s as strong, if not stronger. .
The problem with this argument is that the price of titanium is currently $35-50 per kilogram, compared to $1 to $1.50 per kilogram for stainless steel. That’s a colossal difference and surely puts it beyond the reach of standard iPhones.
As such, in my opinion, the question becomes more whether Apple will complicate its supply chain with three different chassis materials (aluminum for the standard models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro, and titanium for the iPhone 15 Ultra), or stick to two. That would likely mean an upgrade to stainless steel for the standard models, as downgrading the iPhone 15 Pro is unlikely to be an option.
Update 12/11: LeaksApplePro is back with additional information today.
First, the insider answered my question about Apple’s choice of chassis materials. Interestingly, the answer is that currently Apple plans to use all three: aluminum for the two standard iPhone 15 models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro, and titanium will be reserved for the Ultra. .
LeaksApplePro adds the caveat, “this is what we know at this time”. That’s fair, given how early the iPhone 15 line is in its development cycle, but it’s interesting to see the company add that complexity to its supply chain.
Second, LeaksApplePro states that the multiple leaked dual front cameras are most likely an iPhone 15 Ultra exclusive.
I suspect it’s not just from a cost perspective, but most likely it’s physical size. The dynamic island is already prominent on the screen of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro. Adding a second camera would leave almost no space for other icons, many of which (time, cellular/WiFi signal, notifications, etc.) are considered essential by users.
In comparison, the second camera would be considered a luxury addition. By contrast, a 6.5-inch iPhone 15 Ultra can house the camera and retain the same number of icons as an iPhone 15 Pro. Whether Apple would make the screen even bigger to live up to the Ultra name and its oversized Android rivals remains to be seen.
And there’s one last fascinating tidbit: “Apple is only considering one color for the iPhone 15 Ultra, and that’s the same color as the Apple Watch Ultra. [silver]. I don’t know if this will be the only color available in September, or if there will be more, but so far none of my sources have seen a color other than the Apple Watch Ultra.
Yes, the iPhone 15 Ultra looks set to drive iPhone prices higher than ever, but it also looks like the most exciting and ambitious smartphone Apple has released in years.
Learn more about Forbes
#Apple #leak #reveals #iPhone #price #shock