Seeking to increase revenue from the iPhone 14 family, Apple has widened the spec and feature gap between the non-Pro iPhone 14 models and the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro line. For example, let’s say you just need to have the shape-shifting Dynamic Island notification feature on your new iPhone. That means spending at least $999 for the iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple got what it wanted by increasing the differentiation between iPhone 14 Pro and non-Pro models
Some of the other differences include the new 48MP camera sensor used for the wide camera on the iPhone 14 Pro series (as opposed to the 12MP sensor on non-Pro models). The Pro models are also equipped with the ProMotion display which allows the screen to redraw 120 times per second (120 Hz). The more expensive units also come with a better OLED panel and faster memory chips.
Speaking of tokens, the iPhone 14 Pro and The iPhone 14 Pro Max are both powered by the new 4nm A16 Bionic, while the non-Pro units pack last year’s 5nm A15 Bionic SoCs. And of course, the iPhone 14 Pro series has a telephoto lens that the cheaper units don’t.
The most expensive iPhone 14 models of 2022, the Pro and Pro Max
Statistics published by Tom’s Guide says Apple got what it wanted. While the iPhone 13 Pro series accounted for 51% of iPhone 13 demand, the iPhone 14 Pro line is responsible for 64% of the demand for the iPhone 14 series. Due to this and production issues in the most Foxconn’s large iPhone 14 Pro series production factory in China, waiting times for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are approaching levels considered “extreme”.
At the same time, the drop in demand for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus means that these models are readily available without delay. It’s unclear whether Apple’s decision to put the kibosh on the iPhone mini and replace it with a non-Pro version of its larger phone was a success. The 6.7 inch The iPhone 14 Plus also has the largest battery capacity ever included with an iPhone (4325 mAh compared to 4323 mAh for the iPhone 14 Pro Max).
Next year, however, Apple should narrow the differentiation gap a bit according to Japanese investment firm Nomura. Investing.com says Nomura is telling customers that next year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will feature Dynamic Island, a 48MP Wide Rear Camera and the A16 Bionic 4nm SoC currently used on the iPhone 14 Pro series.
Nomura analysts add that “Meanwhile, upgrades for the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra (or Pro Max) are less important to consumers (with the exception of the periscope camera, 8GB DRAM and haptic feedback buttons.” Apple’s goal is to balance demand between Pro and non-Pro models next year.
Will the iPhone 15 Ultra live up to its name?
Additionally, with the expected redesign of the iPhone 15 family, we expect Apple to take advantage of this opportunity to increase the prices of its most important product. He hasn’t done it for a few years and next year would seem like a good time to do it. There is also the possibility that Apple will pack new exclusive features like rumored solid-state buttons and a possible periscope camera into a much more expensive top-end. iPhone 15 Ultra.
And while we haven’t really heard any rumors regarding the iPhone 15 Ultra battery specifically, could Apple be considering packing a 5000mAh capacity battery into the unit? Imagine what screen time could be with a battery like that. There is a feeling that if Apple replaces the Pro Max model with an Ultra, the device will have to have exclusive features worthy of the Ultra name. And of course, he will have to sport an equally worthy price tag.
There’s also a theory that Apple will close the gap between its cheapest and most expensive phones next year to ease the strain on its supply chain. The latter might be able to serve Apple better if demand is more evenly split between the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Ultra, and iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models.
