When we hear the word “iPhone,” we often think of how expensive they are relative to other brands.
While it’s well-known that iPhones are up there in price, the reasons why aren’t common knowledge. Here’s what I found!
Why Are iPhones So Expensive?
iPhones are expensive because they are designed and manufactured by Apple, a company known to charge high prices for product offerings. Additionally, increased demand, innovations in design, and camera quality contribute to the hefty price tag. Expensive components also play a role in dictating the price of these smartphones.
Keep reading to learn more interesting things about iPhones, from design to camera quality!
1. iPhones Are In High Demand
With over 56 million iPhones sold in the first quarter of 2022 alone, the demand for Apple’s smartphones is exceptionally high.
Because of this, Apple can charge upwards of hundreds of dollars for an iPhone.
Additionally, the company’s brand reputation tends to influence the demand for a product, which then contributes to how much it can be sold for.
2. Apple’s Brand Reputation Contributes To iPhone Pricing
Apple is known as a luxury tech brand; therefore, people have become accustomed to the idea of spending a small fortune to own Apple products.
For example, an iPhone 13 Mini can be bought for $699, while the iPhone 13 is available starting at $799.
Alternatively, there are higher-end versions of the flagship iPhone model; the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are sold for up to $1,499 and $1,599, respectively.
3. iPhones Are Designed To Look Expensive
Marketing costs aside, product design also has a role in driving up iPhone prices.
For example, iPhones are designed with minimalism in mind; the sleek glass and metal body and the slim width are a testament to this.
Because of these details, the work of product designers and other experts factors into the iPhone’s price.
4. Hardware & Software Bring Up Production Costs
Hardware and software trademarks can be costly to acquire, contributing to the high cost of iPhones.
That said, the circuits and parts that are needed to keep the iPhone slim, as well as the processor, contribute to its price.
At the same time, Apple iOS supports several features that make iPhones expensive.
5. iPhones Are Associated With Innovation
Since the production of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently built on and improved the iPhone and its capabilities.
That said, the current iteration of iPhones runs on A15 chips that provide computing power comparable to a laptop.
Also, this new chip supports all the functions of the iPhone, from basic calls and texts to the latest innovations in the built-in iPhone camera.
Moreover, iPhones are a large part of Apple’s environmental advocacy, with recycled metal and plastic being used for iPhones.
Further, using recycled materials often requires special equipment, which brings up manufacturing costs; this plays into the high price of the iPhone.
6. iPhones Seamlessly Connect to Other Apple Devices
One of the main selling points of iPhones is that they work seamlessly with other Apple devices. Because of this, it’s easy and fuss-free to switch from an iPad or MacBook to an iPhone.
For example, you can start writing a grocery list on your iPad at home and then continue to add to the list through your iPhone on the go.
That said, this requires software updates and changes to ensure compatibility between devices, which can drive up the price.
7. iPhones Are Convenient And Easy To Use
Similar to my point above, integration makes it easy and convenient to use an iPhone.
That said, iPhones are designed to be intuitive to use, which can be seen in features such as raise to wake, which brings the iPhone out of sleep mode by lifting it off a surface.
Additionally, Face ID technology has been updated, wherein you can now unlock your iPhone even with a mask on.
Naturally, this feature drives up costs because it uses facial recognition technology, which requires components like the front camera and additional software updates.
Therefore, these are among the components that make iPhones expensive.
8. The Built-in Camera Is Among The Best Today
Speaking of the camera, the iPhone’s camera is among the best on the market today.
With the latest iteration of the iPhone, the camera is the most technologically advanced found on a smartphone today.
For example, macro photography and video are new features available on the iPhone 13.
Also, changes have been made to the camera hardware that allows users to capture more vivid colors and textures.
Additionally, the iPhone’s front camera has been upgraded to support better facial recognition (as mentioned above)
Thus, these upgrades to the camera have contributed to the iPhone’s hefty price tag.
9. Data Security Is Guaranteed With The iPhone
More than just a trendy concept these days, data privacy is a very real and very serious issue today.
To address this, Apple continuously makes sure that iPhone users’ information is protected.
Further, this is done by implementing security measures such as end-to-end encryption and minimizing third-party access to data.
Moreover, these security measures are costly to implement and contribute to the high price of an iPhone.
10. iPhone Aftercare And Services Are Top-Notch
Aside from data privacy, Apple has been taking steps to ensure that devices remain in excellent condition.
Moreover, a large part of the user experience involves device aftercare, and Apple is no stranger to this.
So, when an Apple customer is unhappy with the device they purchased, it’s easy to get in touch with a customer care representative or technician to help resolve problems quickly.
Therefore, hiring enough people to ensure this level of customer care adds to the already high price of an iPhone.
11. Higher Duties And Taxes Depending On Where You Live
Depending on where you live, an iPhone can be more expensive than the prices I mentioned above.
That said, this is due to the cost of shipping goods by air or cargo, which incur import and customs taxes.
Moreover, other regional taxes are applied to iPhones, increasing the price.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Apple watches are so expensive, why Apple monitors are so expensive, and why Apple pencils are so expensive.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why iPhones are expensive, and these mostly have to do with branding, design, and features.
At the same time, demand is at an all-time high and only increasing annually. Therefore, it only makes sense that the iPhone is pricey today.