![iPhone 15 in pink product pic](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ukoS7UFovEvxefiByTAGTZ-415-80.jpg)
In 2023 we've seen pretty much everything go up in price, but the one thing that surprisingly didn't was the iPhone 15. Apple managed to resist the urge to hike prices, even in a challenging market. But, truth be told it only looks a matter of time before the company ups its prices, possibly as soon as the iPhone 16.
According to Nikkei Asia, the iPhone 15 range was, across the board, much more expensive to assemble. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is estimated to cost $558 to make, that's a 12% jump on the equivalent iPhone 14 model. The iPhone 15 Pro is a similar story with an 8% jump but slightly offset by the fact it doesn't have the brilliant new tetra-prism camera of the Pro Max.
With their titanium redesign and new A17 Pro silicone, it's easy to see where the cost bump has come from (admittedly it doesn't make it easier to swallow). Titanium is a more expensive material than the old aluminium design, while the A17 Pro chip makes the phones the first to use a 3nm process. Innovation doesn't come cheap.
The same however goes for the entry level iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. In fact the Plus rose by 8% in manufacturing costs, but the biggest shock is the cheapest iPhone 15, which is reported to cost 16% more to manufacture than the iPhone 14.
Personally, I expected the price of the iPhone 15 range to be much more than it was, and if these figures are correct, in looks like they should have been. It looks like Apple has decided to just take the hit this year with a smaller profit margin, perhaps we could see a similar leap to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro which saw £100 and £150 price increases.
Another reason the iPhone 16 could be more expensive is that it is the year we finally expect to see an iPhone 16 Ultra. This mythical model, rumoured to go beyond the Pro Max range, was rumoured for the iPhone 15 but never materialized. With the planned 2024 release of the Apple Vision Pro headset, we will likely also see a bunch of Vision Pro compatible features on the iPhone 16, further inflating the price.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Andy is T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming, AI, phones, and basically anything cool and expensive he can get his hands on. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide - where he got paid to play with ChatGPT every day. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
Pixel Watch 3 closing in on one of Apple Watch's best features
The complication race is on
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
This Sage coffee machine alternative is £100 off at Currys – but be quick
The Breville VCF153 Barista Max+ is exactly like the Sage Barista Touch Impress, just £800 cheaper
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
iPhone 16 "design changes" could impact Face ID on forthcoming handsets
No one's sure what it'll look like
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
All iPhone 16 models to get the same power boost, claims report
Current iPhones don't have the same processor generation as the Pro models
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple Intelligence just did what no other AI has managed
Apple has made a vague and scary term family-friendly with its new intelligence features
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Android users are also going to benefit when iOS 18 arrives
At WWDC 2024, a big change to the iPhone operating system was announced – but you probably missed it
By Sam Cross Published
-
The Next Apple Event 2024: what will Apple release in 2024? WWDC and beyond
WWDC 2024 is set for 10 June, with AI and software leading the fore. Will there be any unexpected reveals?
By Mike Lowe Published
-
I've used the Leica LUX app – my iPhone photos have never been better
This app is an iPhone photographer's best friend
By Sam Cross Published
-
UK iPhone owners could soon gain new app stores and game services like the EU
There could be great news for British gamers with iPhones on the horizon
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Yes, you can play PS1 games on an iPhone, here's how
Emulators are hitting iOS big time
By Max Freeman-Mills Published