iPhone 14 Launch D-1... Even If Expensive, Buyers Will Pay $100+ More

Pro 'M-shaped Hair Loss' Disappears and Mini Vanishes
Watch and AirPods Also Expected to Be Unveiled

Expected rendering of iPhone 14 Pro. Photo by John Prosser

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Soo-yeon] Apple's new product launch is just one day away. With the mini model removed from the existing lineup and a focus on premium products, expectations for the new iPhone are growing. However, the top-tier models, Pro and Pro Max, are expected to see price increases of over $100 compared to their predecessors, drawing attention to how this might affect sales.

According to industry sources on the 7th, Apple is scheduled to unveil the iPhone 14 at 10 a.m. local time at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, during the "Far out" event. In Korean time, this will be at 2 a.m. on the 8th.

Major foreign media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Bloomberg, as well as IT tipsters, report that the iPhone 14 series will drop the mini model and add a Max model, launching four variants: ▲iPhone 14 (6.1 inches) ▲iPhone 14 Max (6.7 inches) ▲iPhone 14 Pro (6.1 inches) ▲iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7 inches).

With a stronger focus on premium products, price changes have also occurred. According to WSJ and other foreign media, the base iPhone 14 model will maintain the same price as its predecessor, but the Pro and Pro Max models are expected to increase by $100 each, reaching $1,099 (approximately 1.52 million KRW) and $1,199 (approximately 1.66 million KRW), respectively. The base and Max models are expected to be priced similarly to their predecessors at $799 (approximately 1.11 million KRW) and $899 (approximately 1.24 million KRW). Consequently, the domestic prices of the iPhone 14 series are also expected to rise. Considering the soaring exchange rate, the actual price increase in Korea will be even greater.

WSJ explained that although component costs have risen this year and consumer purchasing power has declined, consumers still buy premium devices. Especially in the U.S., telecom carriers compete to attract 5G subscribers, making it easier for consumers to purchase expensive devices.

Mini Removed, Pro Strengthened... Punch-Hole Instead of 'M-Shaped Hairline'

The biggest change in the iPhone 14 series compared to its predecessor is the stronger emphasis on the premium lineup (Pro and Pro Max). The entry-level mini model has been removed, and the Pro models have been enhanced. Apple is showing confidence as it has established itself as the absolute leader in the premium smartphone market.

Kim Kwang-soo, a researcher at Ebest Investment & Securities, stated, "Apple's market share in the premium smartphone market (over $1,000) was overwhelmingly dominant at 93.8% in Q1 and 91.9% in Q2 this year."

The premium models will be equipped with the latest Apple application processor (AP), the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will use the same A15 Bionic chip found in the previous iPhone 13. The rear main camera resolution will be significantly upgraded from 12 million to 48 million pixels.

Design changes are also significant. The notch design, commonly called the "M-shaped hairline," has been removed and replaced with a punch-hole design. This design features a hole for the camera module at the top of the screen and was first applied by Samsung Electronics in 2018 on the Galaxy A9 Pro. Additionally, premium models are reported to have improved battery capacity and support 30W fast charging. However, it is speculated that a USB-C port will not be included.

All four models will have 6GB of RAM. Internal storage options will be 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with Pro and Pro Max models adding a 1TB option. Colors will include Silver, Graphite, and Gold, with some models expected to add Dark Purple.

Will New Watch and AirPods Be Unveiled?

Alongside the iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 8 and AirPods Pro 2 are also expected to be unveiled. The Apple Watch Series 8 is likely to be released in three versions: standard, SE, and Pro. Features are expected to include body temperature measurement, women's health, sleep management, fitness, and medication management. However, blood pressure and blood sugar measurement functions are reportedly not included.

The price of the Apple Watch Series 8 has not been disclosed, but industry insiders predict the Pro model will retail for about $900 (approximately 1.25 million KRW).

Attention is also focused on whether the AirPods Pro 2 will be released. According to Bloomberg, Apple is expected to introduce the AirPods Pro 2 at this event. This will be the first new AirPods Pro model in three years since the previous version was launched. The price is expected to be the same as the previous launch price of $249 (approximately 340,000 KRW) or increased by $20 to $50 (approximately 28,000 to 70,000 KRW).

Meanwhile, this year's new product announcement is about one week earlier than usual. Last year, the announcement was made on September 14, and Apple generally unveils new products in mid-September.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.