Apple is considering holding the line on iPhone 16 Pro prices due to price gap with competitors.
Apple is releasing next generation iPhones with foldable design, improved battery replacement, and camera upgrades.
At least one iPhone 17 model may have a notable camera upgrade with controllable aperture size.
iPhone 16 models may include easier battery replacement and improved thermal management systems.
Apple is set to release the next generation of iPhones, with several upgrades and improvements anticipated. According to various reports, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone under the code name V68, which could take longer to develop due to the new technology involved. In addition to this groundbreaking innovation, the iPhone 16 models are expected to include a slightly easier way for users to replace batteries and improved thermal management systems. The thermal management system will consist of a larger graphite sheet inside the chassis of all iPhone 16 models, addressing overheating concerns that were raised with previous versions.
Moreover, at least one iPhone 17 model is rumored to have a notable camera upgrade. This upgrade will enable users to control the aperture size with a mechanical system, allowing for more creative depth-of-field effects in their photographs. The iPhone 16 models are also expected to receive processor upgrades and increased on-board memory.
Apple has been facing competition from other smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Google, who have recently increased the prices of their flagship phones. However, Apple is reportedly considering holding the line on iPhone 16 Pro prices due to a $200 price gap between premium devices offered by Apple and Samsung. This strategy could make it easier for people to upgrade to a new iPhone due to new features coming in iOS 18 that require an A17 Pro chipset or later.
As for the colors of the upcoming iPhones, rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may be available in Black, Green, Pink, Blue, and White. The Green color option might feature a matte and pale finish due to color-infused glass. Pink is also rumored to be an option with a similar hue as the iPhone 15. Blue is another possibility with either a pale or brighter/darker shade compared to the iPhone 15, while White may be offered for the first time since it was not an option for the iPhone 15.
Apple could keep prices for the new iPhone 16 the same as what they charge for the current models.
Samsung and OnePlus have both increased prices for their latest flagship phones.
Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 have a starting price of $1,899, an increase of $100 over their predecessors.
Google’s Pixel 9 phones are expected to have higher prices than their predecessors.
Apple held the line on prices for three out of the four iPhone 15 models released last year, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max had a starting price of $1,199 which is $100 more than what the iPhone 14 Pro Max cost.
The cost of parts used to assemble phones is on the rise and some phone makers have decided to pass those costs on to consumers.
Apple has incentive to hold the line on iPhone 16 Pro prices due to a $200 price gap between premium devices offered by Apple and Samsung, and the psychological impact of staying under the $1,000 threshold.
The starting price for an iPhone 16 model remaining $799 could make it easier for people to upgrade to a new iPhone due to new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 18 that require a phone with an A17 Pro chipset or later.
