The iPhone 16 launch event is just around the corner, with Apple expected to announce the keynote date soon. According to leaks, the 2024 iPhone lineup might be unveiled on September 10th, with preorders starting on September 13th and the official release on September 20th.
As is customary, when the iPhone 16 is introduced, Apple will likely make changes to its iPhone lineup by discontinuing certain models and reducing prices on others. This yearly adjustment is anticipated by some buyers who prefer to wait for the discounts on older models rather than purchasing the latest release. However, this year might be different from previous ones in Apple’s iPhone history. Instead of discontinuing the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, Apple might consider keeping them available at a reduced price.
Currently, the oldest iPhone available for purchase is the 2021 iPhone 13, which is priced at $599. However, this model is likely to be discontinued soon, with the iPhone 14 taking its place at the $599 price point. The iPhone 14, currently selling for $699, and the iPhone 15, priced at $799, will also see price reductions. Typically, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, starting at $999 and $1,199 respectively, would be discontinued once the iPhone 16 is launched.
This year, however, things might change. It’s worth considering whether Apple will break from tradition and keep the iPhone 15 Pro models available, especially given their ability to run Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 14 won’t support Apple Intelligence, but it could still be a good option for certain buyers at a reduced price. However, the best value might be found in waiting for the iPhone SE 4, which is expected to launch in early 2025 and will have similar power to the iPhone 16.
Only the iPhone 15 Pro models and the upcoming iPhone 16 series will be able to run Apple Intelligence, thanks to their advanced Neural Engine and RAM. This introduces the most significant software fragmentation in iPhone history, with AI and non-AI iPhones coexisting. The iPhone SE 4 will also support Apple Intelligence, joining the lineup of AI-capable devices.
While Samsung and Google can roll out AI features to older devices, Apple’s strategy is different, focusing on the more powerful models. Apple is likely considering ways to monetize Apple Intelligence in the future, making it beneficial to increase the number of iPhones capable of running this technology. One way to achieve this might be to keep the iPhone 15 Pro models in the lineup for another year.
Pricing for the iPhone 16 series remains uncertain, but it’s possible that Apple won’t raise prices this year. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus might start at $799 and $899, respectively, with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max potentially starting at $999 and $1,199. Apple might consider eliminating the 128GB option for the iPhone 16 Pro to bump the price up to $1,099, similar to what it did with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
If Apple does keep the iPhone 15 Pro models, it could offer them at a $200 discount, making them competitive alternatives to the new iPhone 16 and other flagship phones like the Pixel 9. This approach might make the iPhone lineup more complex, but it could cater to different buyer preferences—those who want the latest features and those looking for high-end models at a reduced price.
Even if Apple doesn’t keep the iPhone 15 Pro in its lineup, they will still be available through other retailers and carriers at discounted prices. This year’s lineup will likely become more streamlined with the release of the iPhone 17 series, which will phase out older models and make way for new technology.
