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Apple's annual September event is always a highlight in the tech calendar. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 this year, tech enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. One major question on everyone's mind is: What will these phones cost?
The New iPhone 15: What to Expect
The iPhone 15 will sport a 6.1-inch screen, mirroring its predecessor, the iPhone 14. The larger iPhone 15 Plus will come in at 6.7 inches. A significant departure from tradition is the anticipated omission of the Lightning ports. Instead, these models are expected to feature USB-C ports. This move, known as the Dynamic Island, represents a shift from the notch design introduced with the iPhone X. This year’s design promises a more streamlined, less conspicuous look.
In terms of pricing, speculations point towards maintaining the status quo. It’s predicted that the entry-level iPhone 15 will retain its $799 price point.
A Closer Look at the iPhone 15 Pro
The Pro variants of the iPhone 15 will also mirror the dimensions of their iPhone 14 Pro counterparts. The iPhone 15 Pro at 6.1 inches and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 6.7 inches. But these devices are not just about size; they're about premium features that justify their higher price tags.
Apple plans to elevate the design of the iPhone 15 Pro models. These phones might boast slimmer, curved bezels and shift to a titanium chassis instead of stainless steel. Additionally, a remodeled "mute" button, functioning similarly to the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra, could make its debut.
In terms of performance, the Pro models are expected to house the advanced 3-nanometer A17 chip, making them faster and more energy-efficient. Connectivity enhancements are also anticipated, with the Pro models benefiting from an advanced USB-C connection, possibly supporting USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds. In the camera department, a sophisticated telephoto lens might be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Pro Pricing: An Expected Hike?
While the standard iPhone 15 pricing seems predictable, the Pro models present a conundrum. Industry insider Jeff Pu and a Bloomberg report from July both hinted at a possible price hike for the Pro models. Predictions suggest the iPhone 15 Pro might start at $1,099, a leap from the iPhone 14 Pro's $999. The iPhone 15 Pro Max could begin at $1,199.
Taiwan-based publication DigiTimes echoes these sentiments, suggesting the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be priced $100 higher than their predecessors. This means we might see the iPhone 15 Pro ranging between $1,099 and $1,199, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be priced between $1,199 and $1,299.
Further fueling the price increase speculation is the buzz about enhanced storage capacities. Rumors suggest the iPhone 15 Pro models might support up to 2TB, double the maximum storage of the iPhone 14 Pro. We could also see the base storage for the iPhone 15 Pro models start at 256GB, a significant bump from the previous 128GB.
Potential iPhone 15 Pro Series Prices in the US:
- iPhone 15 Pro: $1,099 - $1,199
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1,199 - $1,299
In conclusion, while the base iPhone 15 model seems to retain its predecessor's price point, Apple's Pro models might see a price uptick. Enhanced features, premium materials, and expanded storage capacities could justify this potential increase. All will be revealed come September 12.