
With the expected launch of the iPhone 15 range right around the corner, speculation about the devices is reaching fever pitch. We've been hearing rumours about the handsets for the best part of a year now, but those rumours are becoming far more frequent as the due date approaches.
One of the biggest talking points is the price. Multiple sources have suggested a price hike for the Pro models. Most recently, that's come from a Barclays analyst called Tim Long (via iMore).
According to Long, the Pro variant will retail for $100 more than the iPhone 14 Pro, while the Pro Max could be $200 more than its predecessor. That's a pretty significant generational jump, and has prompted some outcry online.
But how bad is it really? In the grand scheme of things, I don't see it making too much difference.
Most users will buy a new phone on a contract, rather than purchasing outright. That instantly spreads the price increase over a longer period – usually 24 months. At that point it equates to less than $10 a month. That's much more palatable.
It's also a relatively conservative price hike. Let's remember, prices for the top-tier iPhone model have stayed relatively stable since the launch of the iPhone XS back in 2018. That's a solid five-years of improvements at a price which hasn't been affected by spiralling inflation.
That was never going to last forever, though. This so-called hike is realistically more of a correction than anything else. In fact, based on the workings of a rather crude online inflation calculator, it's actually still less costly in real terms than the XS was.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Of course, that doesn't tell the full story. That inflation isn't just hitting businesses – individuals are arguably feeling the pinch even more. That extra cost could make the purchase too difficult to justify for some who would otherwise have been queueing up to take one home.
That is a shame, but it doesn't automatically make it a bad thing. If we look at this for what it really is – a long-overdue correction to the rough market value of the device – it doesn't seem too bad at all.
The new iPhone range has historically launched in September each year. That means we're only a few weeks away from the expected launch date for these handsets, where we'll know for sure what specs they will pack and what they'll cost.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Did Netflix just reinvent Black Mirror as a comedy series?
Bad Thoughts looks unique
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Smartwatches have never been smarter. Pebble’s betting that’s a problem.
What the quasi-resurrection of the cult-classic wearable brand means to modern smartwatches
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Your next MacBook Pro could be a game-changer for three good reasons
Apple will reportedly upgrade next year's MacBook Pro in three major ways
By Rik Henderson Published
-
M5 iPad Pro on schedule for release this year, claims expert
Apple's best tablet is reportedly getting even more power in late 2025
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
New evidence suggests Apple's taking its foldable iPhone seriously
And it might bring something different to the party too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
EU paves the way for iPhones and Android devices to ditch USB-C entirely
Clarification enables Apple, Samsung and others to switch to wireless charging only
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple's first foldable could come with an unexpected feature, claims expert
If it ends up being true, we'd be absolutely fine with it.
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google's Pixel 9a does one simple thing that could tempt me away from iPhones after a decade
Google's played a blinder here
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple could have two Studio Displays in the pipeline, but there's mystery behind the second
The great Apple monitor mystery – is Apple making two Studio Displays or something even bigger?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published