iPhone Prices Remain Steady While Competitors Hike Costs
In a year of rising prices for flagship smartphones, Apple has surprised many by keeping its iPhone 16 series at the same price points as their predecessors.
Journalists noted that nearly all major flagship smartphone releases this year have seen price increases compared to last year's models. The Google Pixel 9 now starts at $799, a $100 jump from the previous generation. Similarly, the OnePlus 12 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra saw $100 price bumps. Rumors suggest the upcoming Galaxy S24 FE will also be more expensive than its 2023 counterpart.
Against this backdrop, Apple's decision to maintain pricing across its entire iPhone 16 lineup is noteworthy. Many anticipated the company would discontinue the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro, mirroring the strategy employed last year with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, effectively raising the starting price by $100. It appears Apple decided against exceeding the psychologically significant $999 price point.
However, it's important to consider Apple's aggressive promotion of its installment plan. While advertised at $41.62 per month for two years, equating to $999, this option necessitates the purchase of AppleCare+ extended warranty. This ultimately results in a higher overall cost for the iPhone.
