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.
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.
The iPhone 15, set to be unveiled on September 12, may come with an Android-like charging port and improved camera zoom, potentially increasing its cost, according to analysts, with pricing for iPhone 15 models potentially being around $100 higher than previous models.
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, all featuring advanced features, improved performance, and new designs, with prices starting at $399 for the Apple Watch Series 9 and $799 for the iPhones. Additionally, the iPhone and AirPods will now have USB-C connectors, and iCloud+ will offer new storage options, while iOS 17 will be released as a free software update on September 18.
Verizon is offering new customers and existing customers adding a new line the opportunity to get the iPhone 15 Pro for free or up to $1,000 off any iPhone 15 model with a trade-in, while existing customers can upgrade and get up to $830 off the new iPhone 15 lineup with select trade-in on qualified Unlimited plans; Verizon is also offering deals on Apple Watch Series 9 and accessories.
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.
The iPhone 15 lineup, starting at $799, features upgrades such as a new camera system, USB-C port, and titanium chassis, with the 128GB storage option only available for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The major US carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, are offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone 15 if certain requirements are met, such as trading in a recent phone and committing to a financing plan with the carrier, providing an opportunity for carriers to entice customers to switch to their newer, more expensive plans.
Apple has made repairs easier and cheaper for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max by introducing a removable glass back, with back glass replacements costing $169 and $199 respectively, and those with AppleCare+ only paying $29, while the cost of battery replacements for Apple Watches has increased from $79 to $99.
People in China lined up at an Apple store in Beijing to buy the new iPhone 15, defying concerns about nationalist sentiment affecting Apple's sales in the country, with iPhone 15 sales via JD's Dada one-hour delivery app surging by 253% compared to last year's iPhone 14.
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.
