Non-Pro iPhone 14 models, particularly the iPhone 14 Plus, have reportedly underperformed, forcing Apple to redirect production resources to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. The company is reportedly formulating a strategy to increase iPhone 15 sales.
Apple deviated from its customary practice of equipping the entire iPhone lineup with its most recent smartphone chip and made the new front design and 48MP front camera exclusive to the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro models.
The end result was a lineup of two standard models – the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, which replaced the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini – that appeared to be part of the iPhone 13 series, so it’s not surprising that few people wanted to purchase them, especially at the same prices as the previous year.
According to Naver leaker Yeux1122, who has a mixed track record, Apple is considering a couple of changes for next year in an effort to improve matters (via MacRumors).
Apple is considering reducing the distinction between its Pro and standard models. The report confirms the rumor that all models will feature the Dynamic Island cutout. Uncertain is whether the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will also have a higher refresh rate. The standard models may also receive the iPhone 14 Pro’s 48MP primary camera.
Apple may also revise its pricing structure. An earlier report suggested that Apple may increase the price of its most expensive model, which will reportedly be called the iPhone 15 Ultra and not the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Yeux1122 hints that Apple’s pricing strategy for the iPhone 15 series will be aggressive. The company will likely increase the price difference between the Plus, which begins at $899, and the Pro, which begins at $999.
In addition, today’s rumor confirms that Apple’s suppliers have confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Ultra will feature different materials and cameras, lending credence to reports that Apple is seeking greater differentiation between its premium models. According to rumors, the iPhone 15 Ultra would feature a titanium chassis and a new periscope zoom camera.
In other words, the differences within the same lineup and between the basic and pro models are meticulously recreated so that the market can comprehend them. – Yeux1122 (Machine-Translated)
Apple desires to have iPhone 15 models that are clearly differentiated and aimed at distinct consumer groups.
The iPhone 15 may have rounded edges, though one rumor disputes this, solid-state buttons, and a USB port, and the iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra may feature a new Sony sensor, according to earlier rumors.
Story Timeline
- 28 DEC, 2022: Dismal iPhone 14 Plus sales could make Apple reduce iPhone 15 Plus price
- 09 DEC, 2022: The rumored iPhone 15 Ultra might be the priciest phone Apple has ever sold
- 05 DEC, 2022: Apple looks to be having second thoughts about the polarizing iPhone 15 design change
- 28 NOV, 2022: iPhone 15 could be armed with a new Sony sensor twice as capable as current cameras
- 17 NOV, 2022: Ming-Chi Kuo: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have notably different USB-C transfer speeds
- 26 OCT, 2022: New report tips ‘greater differentiation’ between Apple’s iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models
- 22 OCT, 2022: iPhone 15 Ultra may boast premium titanium construction
- 29 SEP, 2022: Here is how iPhone 15 Ultra may benefit from iPhone 14 Pro’s popularity [renders included]
- 26 SEP, 2022: Totally unexpected iPhone 15 Ultra feature suggests it will be a camera-focused phone
- 25 SEP, 2022: Redesigned iPhone 15 Ultra with bigger changes expected next year
- 18 SEP, 2022: Regular iPhone 15 models are tipped to get the Dynamic Island but not a high refresh rate