Apple is facing significant production issues with the camera sensors and titanium chassis for the iPhone 15 models, which may impact availability, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is experiencing delays in manufacturing, potentially causing problems for early upgraders.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to be announced on September 12, with pre-orders starting on September 15 and the release date set for September 22, 2023.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to have a $100 price increase over the current models, according to analyst Dan Ives, but promotional activities and discounts from U.S. carriers are likely to drive sales and offset potential resistance.
The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have the same storage capacity options as the iPhone 14 Pro models, with increased RAM for improved performance and a potential price increase for the Pro Max model.
Apple's iPhone 15 launch may face delays due to production issues, resulting in lower stock availability, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to be delayed by up to a month; leaked price details suggest a significant mark-up on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max; Apple is rumored to be preparing a cheaper MacBook to rival the Chromebook, but it risks diluting its brand; the European Union has designated the App Store, Safari browser, and iOS as "gatekeepers" and plans to introduce regulations to prevent anti-competitive behavior; Apple's stock has fallen following restrictions on Chinese officials' use of iPhones.
Various carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Visible, are offering discounts and deals on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, such as trade-in options and bill credits, ahead of the pre-order day on Friday.
Apple is expected to achieve year-over-year growth in Q4 thanks to better than expected iPhone revenue and profit, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus performing well, while the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro may face order cuts if their prices are not reduced, according to Ming-Chi Kuo's analysis based on supply chain sources.
Some iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices are being shipped with defects such as color issues, display misalignment, and scratches, prompting users to contact Apple for replacements.
The wait times for pre-ordered iPhone models in the U.S. have increased compared to previous years, while in China, wait times for the iPhone 15 quadrupled over the previous model due to fears about dampened demand from the introduction of Huawei's Mate 60 Pro 5G and the ban against using iPhones in certain government offices. However, the iPhone 15 line is still doing well in China, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is the most coveted model. Additionally, black market prices for the iPhone in China have remained restrained, indicating that many buyers are trading in their previous handsets, contributing to Apple's market dominance.
The iPhone 15/15 Plus offer the best features of the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max in a more affordable package, with impressive camera capabilities, good battery life, and a sleek design, making it a compelling upgrade option for iPhone users.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, with improvements in design, camera capabilities, and features such as the Action Button and USB-C, making it one of the best smartphones on the market.
Apple trade-in promotion for the iPhone 15 Pro Max through T-Mobile turns into a potential issue when package with old iPhone is lost by FedEx, necessitating an investigation and potential claim.
