iPhone 14 with A15 chip
Apple is expected to announce four new iPhone models this year: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max (a larger 6.7-inch version that will replace the iPhone mini), iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the regular iPhone 14 models will keep the same design as the iPhone 13 with minimal internal upgrades, the Pro series will get more attention with a new screen design and significant camera upgrades. This wouldn’t be the first time Apple has kept major upgrades, such as a new design exclusively for the most expensive iPhone models. In 2017, the iPhone X was introduced with a brand new design, Face ID and other new technologies, while the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were simply better versions of the iPhone 7. However, both iPhone 8 and iPhone X were powered by the same A11 Bionic chip. Apple followed this strategy in the following years with iPhone XR and iPhone XS, iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro and so on. Now it seems that things will change. After Kuo’s report, both 9to5Mac and Bloomberg confirmed with independent sources that only two of the four iPhone 14 models will get a new, faster chip. Although some analysts believe that Apple will use a more powerful version of the A15 chip with 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB in the new phones, the architecture will be the same as that found in the iPhone 13 chips. Initially, we thought this could be a temporary move due to the global chip shortage, but Kuo now seems to think otherwise.
A new business strategy
In a report on his personal blog, Kuo noted that the huge differences between the mid-range iPhone 14 and the high-end iPhone 14 Pro should make the more expensive models even more popular with consumers. While the iPhone 14 Pro was previously expected to account for 40% to 50% of sales of the new models by the end of 2022, the estimate has now risen to 60%. But here’s something that’s never been said before: Kuo now claims that, from now on, Apple’s latest chips will be exclusive to high-end iPhone models. In other words, the analyst believes that Apple will no longer release entry-level and mid-range iPhone models with its latest and greatest chips. Keeping the new processor for the more expensive iPhone models will definitely lead to more people buying those models instead of the cheaper ones, which will result in an increase in the average iPhone price. This means that Apple’s profit from iPhone sales will be even higher. Of course, Kuo also notes that this will benefit camera suppliers for high-end iPhones as well. The latest processor chip will be exclusive to high-end iPhone models in the future, so a high proportion of shipments of high-end iPhone models will be the norm, favoring high-end camera component suppliers. If true, it looks like the days of having an entire iPhone lineup with the same new chip are over. On the other hand, this is not surprising since Apple does something similar with the iPad series. The more expensive models are equipped with the same chips as the Macs, while the cheaper iPad models remain with iPhone chips.
Presentation and availability of iPhone 14
If all goes as planned, Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro in September. It is worth noting that availability may be limited at launch due to supply issues. Read also: FTC: We use affiliate links that automatically earn you income. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
