While we are on vacation, the preparation for the launch of the new iPhones is in full swing, and like every year, rumors about Apple’s upcoming release flood the internet. The iPhone 15 is gearing up to be the next star of this media spectacle, promising innovations and changes in several prominent aspects. Among these rumors, a price increase in the Pro models stands out, as well as greater ease of repairability.
Increase in price: quality at a cost
Rumors of a possible price increase for the iPhone 15 have been circulating for a few days now. The latest to comment on this matter is Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who in the latest edition of his newsletter “Power On,” discussed an increase in the prices of the iPhone 15, both internationally and in the United States. Specifically, it is expected that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models will experience a price hike, partly due to their new titanium chassis design and improved camera system.
“Another note on the upcoming iPhone: we could see, at least, small price increases on all four models outside of the U.S. I would not rule out a price increase in the U.S. as well, at least for some of the professional models, given the shift to titanium and the more expensive camera system of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. For context: Apple charges $100 more for titanium watches than their stainless steel counterparts.”
Indeed, historically, Apple has justified price increases with improvements in the quality and features of its products. As Gurman reminds us, Apple charges $100 more for titanium watches compared to their stainless steel counterparts, which can serve as a reference, although the amount of material in an iPhone is not the same as what we see in an Apple Watch. In this regard, it is worth noting that a few days ago, an analyst from Barclays suggested that the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max could increase by up to $200.
Repairability: an innovation that can only be seen from within
The external design of Apple devices has always been a source of admiration. This year, it seems that the Cupertino company is also paying great attention to how its devices are designed from the inside. As reported by Mark Gurman in his newsletter, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a redesigned chassis that will facilitate their repair.
This change could result in iPhone 15 Pro models with a removable back glass, marking a significant shift in the way certain components are repaired, which, due to their location, previously required dismantling a considerable number of parts before accessing them. It is worth noting that last year, we already saw how the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus could be opened from the back. This had not been possible since the iPhone 4S in 2011. Now, with the launch of the 15th generation of the iPhone, this opening design would also be extended to the Pro range of iPhones.
Such a change should imply that the cost of a repair without AppleCare+ warranty must decrease substantially. To give an idea, it’s important to consider that repairing the back glass of an iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus costs around $169 or $199, while the same repair for the Pro models costs between $499 and $549.
Indeed, the launch of the new iPhone is always an eagerly anticipated event for many of us. While the rumors about price increases remain uncertain, they are one of the most difficult variables to predict. However, the redesign and increased reparability of this year’s iPhones are undoubtedly very welcome news. We’ll have to wait until September when all the details will be officially unveiled. Until then, we can only wait in anticipation for these and more surprises.
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