A major change is coming to the 2022 iPhone lineup, and it’s not just about the price. But how Apple distinguishes the “Pro” series from “non-Pro” models. It starts with the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro, the soon-to-be-announced iPhone that will differ significantly from the standard iPhone 14 in terms of both features and perception.
In an investor note, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated his prediction that Apple’s primary focus in 2022 will be selling more high-end iPhone 14 Pros to consumers to capture the market for Super -expand premium smartphones. According to Kuo, this isn’t a one-off approach, but the plan is to stick with the strategy for the iPhone 15 and beyond.
iPhone 14 Pro models offer better features
For the strategy to work, Apple will start reserving the new processors for the high-end iPhone Pro line. For the first time, the Cupertino giant will probably give its new iPhones different chip generations. Essentially, the A16 chip will be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro range, which will bring improved performance and battery gains over last year’s A15, which will power the standard iPhone 14. Expect Apple to follow the same strategy for next year’s iPhone 15.
That way, Apple will be able to justify why consumers should spend more money on the “Pro” range. Finally, a more powerful processor makes it easy for consumers to choose between two smartphones. Also, this move will keep prices down for “non-Pro” iPhone models needed to reach the masses.
Over the years, Apple has increasingly focused on establishing the market for ultra-premium smartphones. It all started with the $1000 iPhone X and later Apple added the “Pro” models to appeal to professional photographers and content creators. The strategy worked, but at the same time Apple was under pressure to differentiate between the “Pro” and “non-Pro” models.
Apple will launch four iPhone 14 models in 2022. (Credit: Jon Prosser/Front Page Tech)
Searches for “iPhone 14 leaks” are up 29,018 percent, according to ConsumerAffairs. The site analyzed Google Trends and search volume to determine how iPhone 14 leaks are affecting consumers. In fact, iPhone 14 Pro trends are up 1,349,900 percent, showing just how much the high-end smartphone is expected by users.
4 new models are coming, including the iPhone 14 Max
This year, Apple is building two high-end iPhone 14 models (a 6.1-inch version and a 6.7-inch version) and two low-end iPhone 14 models (of the same size) . The higher-end models not only get a punch-hole and pill-shaped design to accommodate the selfie camera and FaceID, but also include a widescreen camera upgrade to 48-megapixels.
There’s also talk of Apple dropping the Lightning connector for USB-C under new EU regulations, but the switch will likely come with the iPhone 15 next year. All four iPhone 14 models will run iOS 16, which is due to launch in the fall.
A $100 jump in iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max prices
Apple will most likely launch the iPhone 14 in September, ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season. However, rising inflation and rising component costs could put pressure on Apple to raise iPhone 14 prices. The buzz is that consumers will have to shell out more for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max as prices are expected to increase by $1000 to $1099 and $1199 respectively.