Apple updates its iPhone lineup every fall, which includes the standard iPhones and the Pro models. The standard iPhone models target budget-conscious consumers, whereas the Pro models target high-end buyers.
However, in recent years, the standard iPhone models have become less appealing from a value standpoint due to minimal upgrades and the lack of some key mainstream smartphone features. So, here’s how we think Apple could improve these iPhones to make them more compelling to buyers.
1. Include the Same Processor as the Pro Models
In 2022, Apple put the same A15 chip that powered the iPhone 13 Pro into the standard iPhone 14 models, while the iPhone 14 Pro received the brand new A16 Bionic chip.
As expected, A16 delivers better performance and efficiency than the A15 Bionic chip. While the differences between these chips are hardly noticeable to the average user, selling a new phone with an older chip at full price is hard to justify.
There’s a huge possibility that Apple will continue this trend, and it can potentially hurt the standard iPhone’s perception and overall value to consumers, leading to part of the reasoning behind reviewers continuing torecommend the iPhone Pro modelsinstead.
2. Include a 90Hz Display
One of the cons we listed inour iPhone 14 Plus reviewwas the lack of a high refresh rate display. If you have ever used an Apple device with aProMotion display, you may notice the difference during regular usage.
Furthermore, several Android smartphones offer a 90Hz or even a 120Hz display for less than the price of an iPhone 14. For example, the Google Pixel 7a, which costs $499, sports a 90Hz refresh rate, whereas the iPhone 14, which starts at $799, comes with a 60Hz display.
For that starting price, the regular iPhone models should feature at least a 90Hz refresh rate. Potential iPhone buyers who can only afford the standard models should be able to enjoy a smoother display experience without having to spend at least a grand.
3. USB-C Support
In recent years, USB-C has become more prevalent among Apple’s devices. Specifically, almost all iPad models Apple offers feature a USB-C port, except for the iPad (9th generation). USB-C on the iPhone is a highly requested feature by many. If the iPhone came with a USB-C port, users would not have to carry a separate Lightning cable when traveling.
Instead, people who own a MacBook or an iPad can use the same charger to charge their iPhones. Switching to USB-C would also enable faster transfer speeds since the Lightning port still uses USB 2.0 speeds. Additionally, Android users would feel more comfortable switching to iPhones since USB-C as they won’t have to discard their existing chargers.
Withthe EU wanting all chargers to be USB-Cby the end of 2024, Apple will have to adopt the port across its entire lineup sooner rather than later. While it will be a hassle at first for consumers with multiple Lightning cables and accessories to switch over, the change will benefit them in the long term, especially for those who own multiple Apple devices.
4. Lower the Price
When the iPhone XR launched in 2018, it started at $749. A year later, the iPhone 11 came in at a reduced price; $699. Despite the phone not having a display resolution of at least 1080p, the iPhone 11 was a solid smartphone for people who didn’t want to spend $999 on the iPhone 11 Pro but also wanted great current hardware.
Now, you have to pay at least $799 to get a standard iPhone, effectively reducing the price gap since the iPhone Pro models still start at the same price.
Despite its superiorSuper Retina XDR display, the standard iPhone 14’s price tag is hard to justify compared to previous generations, as it’s only $200 less expensive than the Pro models. One would rather pay the extra money and grab the Pro model with all the hardware upgrades. However, if the price difference was higher, say $300, it would be a more thoughtful decision.
Apple Should Make the Standard iPhones More Appealing
The standard iPhones are arguably less compelling to most smartphone buyers, leading them to lean toward the expensive Pro models. The difference in value between Apple’s iPhone models is obvious, especially when you compare the standard iPhone 14 to the iPhone 14 Pro.
If Apple implements at least some of the changes we suggested, the standard iPhone models can once again become a fairly reasonable purchase.
Q: How Does Apple Sustain Its Competitive Advantage?
Several factors contribute towhy Apple is so successful. A loyal audience base, regular product releases, and strong branding all help Apple to maintain its advantage over other competitors. You could also argue that using its own operating systems, such as macOS and iOS, allows it to develop products that are more fine-tuned to its target audience than other manufacturers.
Q: Why Are iPhones So Expensive?
There are manyreasons why iPhones are more expensive than Android devices. Firstly, Apple can put a big price tag on iPhones because of how popular these devices are. Each year, new users will buy the iPhone on release day—and it’s not uncommon for people to purchase a new device each year. Other factors—such as manufacturing—also influence the iPhone’s price tag.
Q: Are iPhones Worse Now Than They Used to Be?
While some have argued thatthe iPhone isn’t cool anymore, to say that they’re worse now would be unfair. Nonetheless, there are many reasons why they don’t get as many upgrades as before. Part of this could be Apple focusing on its higher-end devices, whereas another factor could be that standard iPhones have evolved almost as much as possible.
