The rumors are in and they suggest that Apple will be increasing the prices of its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro, set to be released later this year. This time, the increase in price will not be limited to just Europe, but to the international version of the iPhone as well. The rumor comes from a user on Weibo, who claims that the reason for the price increase is due to the new Apple A17 Bionic chip using TSMC’s new 3 nm process.
It’s a credible rumor, as with the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple will be offering a new chip that is expected to offer faster and more powerful performance than its predecessor. The new A17 Bionic chip will use TSMC’s new 3 nm process, which is considered to be one of the most advanced in the industry. However, the switch to 3 nm would be costly. TSMC has gradually increased its prices over the years, and the price of the 3 nm wafer is expected to exceed $20,000, compared to $16,000 for the same 5 nm wafer.
The other changes expected for the iPhone 15 such as the titanium chassis or the arrival of the periscope could also increase the cost of designing the device. So many costs that Apple should pass on to the consumer without affecting its margins.
It’s worth noting that Apple has always been known for its premium pricing strategy, and this price increase for the iPhone 15 Pro is likely to be in line with that strategy. The company is also expected to reserve a good part of the production for the chips of its iPhone and its Mac, which further supports the credibility of the rumor.