Apple widened the gap in specifications and features between the iPhone 14 non-Pro models and the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro line to boost the iPhone 14 family’s revenue. For instance, suppose you absolutely must have the Dynamic Island notification feature on your new iPhone. This means spending a minimum of $999 on an iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple achieved its objective by enhancing the distinction between the iPhone 14 Pro and non-Pro models.
Among the additional distinctions, the iPhone 14 Pro series features a new 48MP camera sensor for the Wide camera (as opposed to the 12MP sensor on the non-Pro models). The Pro models include the ProMotion display, which enables the screen to be redrawn 120 times per second (120Hz). The more expensive units also feature a superior OLED display and faster memory chips.
In terms of processors, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are powered by the new 4nm A16 Bionic, whereas the non-Pro models contain the 5nm A15 Bionic SoCs from last year. Moreover, the iPhone 14 Pro series includes a telephoto camera that is absent from the less expensive models.
Tom’s Guide’s statistics indicate that Apple achieved its objectives. While the iPhone 13 Pro series accounted for 51% of iPhone 13 demand, the iPhone 14 Pro line accounts for a whopping 64% of iPhone 14 series demand. Due to this and production issues at Foxconn’s largest iPhone 14 Pro series production facility in China, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max wait times are approaching “extreme” levels.
Similarly, the lower demand for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus has resulted in their immediate availability. The unknown is the success of Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPhone mini and replace it with a non-Pro version of its largest phone. Additionally, the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus has the largest battery capacity ever included in an iPhone (4325mAh vs. 4323mAh for the iPhone 14 Pro Max).
Nomura, a Japanese investment firm, predicts that Apple will narrow the differentiation gap slightly in the following year. According to Investing.com, Nomura has informed clients that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will feature the Dynamic Island, a 48MP Wide camera on the back, and the same 4nm A16 Bionic SoC as the iPhone 14 Pro line.
Analysts from Nomura add, “In the meantime, the upgrades to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra (or Pro Max) are less significant to consumers (except the periscope camera, 8GB DRAM, and haptic-feedback buttons).” Apple aims to balance the demand for Pro and non-Pro models in the coming year.
Will the iPhone 15 Ultra live up to its billing?
We anticipate that Apple will use the redesign of the iPhone 15 family as an opportunity to increase the price of its most important product. It hasn’t done this in a few years, but next year seems like a good time to resume. There is also a chance that Apple will include exclusive new features, such as the rumored solid-state buttons and a possible periscope camera, in a much more expensive iPhone 15 Ultra.
And while we haven’t heard any specific rumors about the iPhone 15 Ultra’s battery, Apple may be planning to cram a 5000mAh battery into the device. Imagine the potential screen time with such a battery. There is a feeling that if Apple replaces the Pro Max model with an Ultra, the device will need to have unique features to live up to the Ultra moniker. It will also need to have a price tag worthy of the name.
There is also a theory that Apple will reduce the price differential between its cheaper and more expensive phones next year to alleviate the strain on its supply chain. If demand is more evenly distributed between the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Ultra, and the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models, the latter may be able to serve Apple better.
