THE next iPhone is due a significant price hike that would make it Apple’s most expensive model to date.
That’s according to tech experts, who say that the iPhone 14 will cost up to $100 more than its predecessor in the U.S. and beyond.
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That means the high-tech handset, which Apple is rumoured to be releasing in September, will cost up to $1,149.
Speaking to The Sun, UK analyst Dan Ives explained that rising iPhone prices are partly a result of factors outside of the firm’s control.
As a result of the global microchip shortage, it costs more than ever to build an iPhone.
That’s compounded by inflation, fluctuating exchange rates and the shut down of sales in Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
On top of that, Ives, of investment firm Wedbush Securities, expects the iPhone 14 to feature upgraded augmented reality technology.
The iPhone’s AR capabilities allow it to scan objects and map the real world. Apple is rumoured to be working on a pair of AR glasses.
“Apple will likely increase the price of the iPhone by $100 for iPhone 14,” Dan told The Sun.
He added that the rise is due to the firm “passing along price increases in the supply chain and more AR functionality.”
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Dan’s comments were echoed by fellow analyst Paolo Pescatore, who said that political and economic turmoil is already hitting consumers.
Current weak exchange rates are expected to continue for months and are likely to ramp up the cost of the iPhone 14.
“Typically we always see rumours of a price rise ahead of the new iPhone,” Pescatore, founder of PPForesight, told The Sun.
“This year already feels different given the ongoing political and economic challenges.
“All of this combined with supply chain disruption and the cost of living crisis, prices seem be heading in the wrong direction.
“Apple is fully aware to ensure that the new iPhone remains affordable, though some elements are out of its control due to exchange rate fluctuations.”
Apple hasn’t even confirmed it’s making the iPhone 14 yet, although it’s safe to presume that the device is in the works.
It’s expected to hit shelves in September or October and come with an upgraded camera and display, as well as AR upgrades.
According to rumours, four versions of the gadget will be unveiled by Apple.
They’re the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
If the projected $100 price rise proves accurate, the handsets would cost between $800/£750 and $1,149/£1,100.
Those prices would represent the base models and consumers would have to fork out even more for extras, such as additional storage.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
