Apple leaks have revealed that iPhone 14 Pro models will receive multiple exclusive upgrades and higher pricing. But now a new report claims standard iPhone 14 models will also receive a price bump, despite being virtually unchanged from their predecessors.
Speaking to The Sun, Dan Ives, head of popular analyst group Wedbush Securities, cites supply chain prices as the driving force behind the increase.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max concept showing the expected higher $1199 price
“We believe a $100 price increase is coming for the iPhone 14,” explained Ives. “Prices have been increasing across the whole supply chain, and Cupertino needs to pass these costs to the consumer on this release.”
If correct, the iPhone 14 lineup would breakdown as follows:
- iPhone 14 – $899 (iPhone 13 $799)
- iPhone 14 Max – $999 (iPhone 13 Mini $699)
- iPhone 14 Pro – $1099 (iPhone 13 Pro $999)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1199 (iPhone 13 Pro Max $1099)
While the $100 would hurt, particularly for standard models, which will sport the same design, rear cameras and chipset as the iPhone 13, the big financial hit comes with the range’s entry point jumping from $699 to $899. This near 30% increase results from Apple discontinuing the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 Mini in favour of a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max (also tipped to be called the ‘iPhone 14 Plus’) which pushes the iPhone 14 in the base model position.
Such a chasm would cause genuine shock. It would also be a hard sell. Historically, Apple has kept previous generation iPhones on sale at lower prices after their successors’ launch. If Apple does this again, opting for a virtually identical iPhone 13 or even iPhone 13 Mini (which could be as low as $599) would be a no-brainer.
Apple iPhone 14 range based on multiple leaks
There is one popular industry counterpoint. That is, Apple will retain iPhone 13 pricing for the iPhone 14 and the lack of an iPhone 14 Mini will account for a $100 entry-level increase rather than the $200 gap discussed here. However, this doesn’t account for the hike in supply chain prices, so it may prove overly optimistic.
So should you upgrade? Throw in the red-hot rumor that iPhones will move from Lightning to USB-C in 2023 and, for me, I think this is an upgrade year to forget unless you’re in desperate need. That said, based on supplier deposit sizes, it looks like another super cycle regardless.
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