Apple is gearing up for another exciting lineup of the iPhone 16 series to be launched in September 2024. They have been tipped to be launched with potential improvements in lenses and AI capabilities, along with the increase in base storage for the iPhone 16 Pro model. The lineup is expected to comprise iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max set to debut at the Worldwide Developers Conference on 10th June.
Though Apple is tight-lipped about its 2024 lineup, it is rumored that it will dabble in new color options. Potentially there will be 4 for the iPhone 16 Pro and 7 for the regular models. The Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to increase in size to 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. Notably, there are rumors of a base storage upgrade. Apple is considering offering both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with a minimum of 256GB of storage, marking the first time the smaller Pro model will no longer have the 128GB starting option.
The inclusion of ProRes video support, limited to models with 256GB or more storage, adds another layer to Apple’s decision to standardize the base storage for the iPhone 16 Pro models. Ensuring uniform video functionality across all Pro models aligns with Apple’s goal of providing consistent user experiences. Industry insiders suggest Apple is considering the 256GB base storage option for the iPhone 16 Pro, reflecting consumer expectations and past trends.
According to The Mac Observer, there’s speculation that Apple might increase the base storage of the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro to 256GB, matching the minimum capacity of the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max, while retaining the starting price of $999 for the smaller Pro model. However, it’s worth noting that the source of this rumor lacks a reliable track record for accurate Apple predictions, making the claim somewhat uncertain.
Nevertheless, if Apple does decide to discontinue the 128GB base storage option for the iPhone 16 Pro, it would result in three storage tiers across the entire Pro lineup: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. This move could potentially offer consumers more storage right from the beginning, aligning with evolving user preferences for higher-capacity devices.
Despite these enhancements, Apple intends to maintain the $999 starting price for the iPhone 16 Pro. However, this move could impact the sales of the Pro Max variant, given the $200 price difference for primarily size variation.
As of now, Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 and includes a base storage of 128GB, while the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 with a minimum storage capacity of 256GB. This pricing and storage configuration has been consistent with Apple’s lineup for the iPhone 15 series.
Moreover, maintaining the $999 starting price for the iPhone 16 Pro becomes even more critical considering the significance Apple has placed on this price point since introducing it with the iPhone X in 2017. Apple’s past pricing strategies, like increasing the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s price due to production costs but doubling its base storage, offer insights into potential decisions for the iPhone 16 Pro. Deviating from this pricing strategy, especially in a market where sales might be challenging, could be seen as counterproductive.
By starting both Pro models at 256GB without a price increase, Apple not only aligns the lineup’s storage capacities but also ensures that all Pro users have access to advanced video features. This approach maintains Apple’s competitive edge while addressing consumer demands for enhanced functionality without compromising affordability.
As the September event approaches, anticipation builds around Apple’s pricing decisions and the impact on consumer preferences within the iPhone 16 lineup.
