12/11 update below. This post was originally published on December 8
iPhone 15 leaks have already revealed Apple’s ambitious plans for the next generation of smartphones. But now new information suggests those ambitions are coming at a heavy price.
Working with influential industry insider Howtoisolve LeaksApplePro Truckloads of new iPhone 15 information has been released, including a price hike that may shock US buyers.
Flat-edged iPhone 15 Ultra concept based on leaks
Last month, a leaker revealed that the bill of materials for the iPhone 15 Ultra, the new name for Apple’s ‘Pro Max’ models, could increase by up to $100. Now LeaksApplePro states that the iPhone 15 Ultra will have a starting price of $1,299 — a $200 increase over the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the biggest single-generation jump in iPhone history.
“It will be a more expensive iPhone. Even in America,” the leaker explains. “Apple is losing margins year after year. Rising production costs and inflation, reducing the value of the company’s cash in the bank, eventually broke the camel’s back.
LeaksApplePro says “we don’t know the situation of other devices in the lineup”. That said, with the $1299 starting price potentially going up to $1799 for the iPhone 15 Ultra 1TB model, this is likely to have an impact on the rest of the range, as Apple doesn’t like a gulf. between products in the same lineup.
Apple renders iPhone 15 Ultra based on recent rumors of curved edges
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Ultra gives you more bang for your buck. LeaksApplePro states that the iPhone 15 Ultra will ship with at least 256GB (double the current 128GB entry point), which should ease some of the price hike pain.
Additionally, the leaker reiterates that the new model will come with dual front-facing cameras, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) will replace the Lightning port with its USB 2.0 speed (480Mbps/0.48Gbps), and “it will be. “Made of Titanium” – this adds significant strength and cost.
12/10 Update: Speaking to me, LeaksApplePro provided more information about Apple’s use of titanium in the iPhone 15 range. Following a recent leak from popular fellow industry insider ShrimpApplePro that Apple brings Titanium for all iPhone 15 modelsNot just the iPhone 15 Ultra, LeaksApplePro says this is completely wrong.
“That’s not true,” claims LeaksApplePro, adding that it will be “Ultra only (probably 15 Pro but definitely not 15 and 15 Plus)”.
Given the price of titanium, this makes sense. Some might argue that this lowers the price to build a stronger chassis, as it is 3-4 times stronger than the stainless steel used in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
The problem with that argument is the current price of titanium $35-50 per kg, compared to $1-1.50 per kilogram for stainless steel. This is a big difference, and one that is not available for regular iPhones.
Likewise, in my mind, the question is more about whether Apple will complicate its supply chain with three different chassis materials (aluminum for the standard models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro, and titanium for the iPhone 15 Ultra). . This means upgrading to stainless steel for the standard models, as downgrading the iPhone 15 Pro is unlikely to be an option.
12/11 Update: LeaksApplePro is back today with more information.
First, Insider answered my question about Apple’s choice of chassis materials. Interestingly, the answer is that Apple currently plans to use all three: aluminum for the two standard iPhone 15 models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro, and titanium for the Ultra.
LeaksApplePro warns, “That’s all we know now.” This is reasonable considering how early the iPhone 15 range is in its development cycle, but it’s interesting that the company is adding this complexity to its supply chain.
Second, LeaksApplePro says the repeatedly leaked dual front cameras are likely to be an iPhone 15 Ultra exclusive.
I suspect it’s not just from a cost perspective, but also a reduction in physical size. The dynamic island already takes up significant real estate on the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro display. Adding a second camera doesn’t leave room for any other icons — many of which (time, cellular/wifi signal, notifications, etc.) are considered essential by users.
In comparison, the second camera will be considered a luxury addition. In contrast, the 6.5-inch iPhone 15 Ultra can house the camera and retain the same number of icons as the iPhone 15 Pro. It remains to be seen whether Apple will make the display bigger in line with the Ultra name and its supersized Android counterparts.
There’s one last, fascinating tidbit: “Apple is only considering one color for the iPhone 15 Ultra, and it’s the same color as the Apple Watch Ultra. [silver]. I don’t know if it will be the only color available in September or if there will be more, but none of my sources have seen any Apple Watch Ultra-like colors to date.
Yes, the iPhone 15 Ultra looks set to push iPhone prices higher than ever, but it looks to be the most exciting and desirable smartphone Apple has released in years.
More at Forbes
