12/11 Update below. This article was originally published on December 8
iPhone 15 leaks have already surfaced Apple’s ambitious plans for its next-generation smartphones. But now new information suggests that these ambitions come at a huge price.
works with How to solveinfluential industry insider LeaksApplePro announced a truckload of new iPhone 15 information, including price hikes that will shock US buyers.
A flat-edge iPhone 15 Ultra concept based on leaks
Last month, a leaker revealed that there would be a bill of materials for the iPhone 15 Ultra, Apple’s new name for the ‘Pro Max’ models. Increases to $100. Now LeaksApplePro reports that the iPhone 15 Ultra will start at $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 the United States,” the leaker explains. “Apple is losing margins year after year. The increase in production costs and inflation, which made the company’s money in the bank cheaper, finally broke the camel’s back.
LeaksApplePro reports that “we don’t know the situation for other devices in the lineup.” However, with a starting price of $1,299, which sees the iPhone 15 Ultra potentially rise to $1,799 for the 1TB model, this will likely affect other ranges, as Apple doesn’t like to have a cliff. between products in the same line.
Apple iPhone 15 Ultra shows curved edges based on recent rumors
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Ultra will give you more bang for your buck. LeaksApplePro reports that the iPhone 15 Ultra will ship with a minimum of 256GB (double the current entry point of 128GB), easing some of the pain of the price hike.
In addition, the leaker reiterates that a new model will arrive together dual front cameras, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) It will replace the Lightning port with USB 2.0 speed (480Mbps/0.48Gbps) and “it will be made of titanium” – something that comes with it significant power and price increases.
12/10 Update: LeaksApplePro, who spoke to me, provided additional information about Apple’s use of titanium in the iPhone 15 range. Following a recent leak from popular industry insider ShrimpApplePro that Apple will bring titanium for all iPhone 15 modelsnot just the iPhone 15 Ultra, but LeaksApplePro says it’s definitely wrong.
“That’s not true,” LeaksApplePro claims, saying it will be “Ultra only” (perhaps the 15 Pro, but definitely not the 15 and 15 Plus).
Given the price of titanium, this makes sense. Since it’s 3-4 times stronger than the stainless steel used in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, some might argue that this lowers the price because, if not stronger, it would take less to make a chassis that strong.
The problem with this argument is that titanium is currently expensive 35-50 dollars per kilo, compared to $1 to $1.50 per kilogram for stainless steel. This is a big difference and makes it unavailable for standard iPhones.
So, in my opinion, the question is whether to complicate Apple’s 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) or stick with two. . This would likely mean an upgrade to stainless steel for the standard models, as downgrading the iPhone 15 Pro is a tough choice.
12/11 Update: LeaksApplePro is back today with more information.
First, the 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 adds the caveat, “this is what we know right now.” That’s fair given how early in the development cycle the iPhone 15 series is, but it’s interesting that the company is adding this complexity to the supply chain.
Second, LeaksApplePro reports that the dual front cameras that have been leaked multiple times are likely to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Ultra.
I think it is likely to be lower not only in terms of cost but also in terms of physical size. Dynamic Island already has significant real estate on the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro screen. The addition of the second camera leaves almost no room for any other icons – many of which (time, mobile / WiFi signal, notifications, etc.) are considered important by users.
In comparison, the second camera would be considered a luxury addition. In contrast, the 6.5-inch iPhone 15 Ultra can accommodate the camera and still hold the same number of tabs as the iPhone 15 Pro. It remains to be seen whether Apple will make the screen even bigger to match the Ultra name and its larger Android rivals.
And there’s one final, tantalizing titbit: “Apple is only reviewing one color for the iPhone 15 Ultra, and it’s the same color as the Apple Watch Ultra. [silver]. I don’t know if this will be the only color available in September or if there will be more, but to date none of my sources have seen any colors other than the same color as the Apple Watch Ultra.
Yes, the iPhone 15 Ultra is set to drive iPhone prices higher than ever, while also looking to be the most exciting and ambitious smartphone Apple has released in recent years.
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