Apple has increased the prices of many of its currently available devices, including the iPhone 16, 17e, 17, and Air models, by $100. These iPhone price increases are considered an unusual move in the technology world.

While it is normally expected that older phone models will become cheaper over time, Apple’s increase in the price of current models is noteworthy. This situation has the potential to change the overall pricing dynamics in the smartphone market.

Apple’s New Pricing Strategy

The newly introduced iPhone 18 Pro model with 256GB of storage is available for sale starting at $1,199. The iPhone 18 Pro Max model has taken its place on the shelves with a starting price of $1,299.

This represents a $100 increase compared to last year’s Pro models. Not only the new models, but also older devices like the iPhone 16 have a new price tag of $799.

The 256GB version of the iPhone 17e model increased from its launch price of $599 to $699. Similarly, the 256GB iPhone 17 model started selling for $899 instead of $799.

The iPhone Air model also received its share of this price increase, rising from $999 to $1,099. A $100 increase is observed at almost every step of Apple’s smartphone ladder.

This move by Apple also thwarts consumers’ expectation that a phone’s price will drop after its release. Just because a phone is on sale doesn’t mean its price will stay the same.

Possible Implications for Android Manufacturers

Apple’s price increase on currently available devices sets a new precedent for Android manufacturers. This could pave the way for Android brands to increase prices on their flagship devices.

Especially due to the ongoing RAM crisis, rising component costs are increasing pressure on manufacturers. Apple’s passing these costs on to consumers raises concerns that other brands may follow suit.

It’s not certain that manufacturers like Samsung or Google will directly add $100 to their current or future phones. Competition in the Android world, aggressive launch opportunities, and trade-in discounts could somewhat mitigate these price increases.

Nevertheless, this new pricing standard set by Apple could alter market stability. The increase in prices for both new and old models shows that this will not be a problem only affecting iPhone users.

Android brands may have found a new excuse to increase prices for upcoming flagship models and even currently available devices. What do you think about these price increases?