Here’s how much it costs to make an iPhone 15

The best smartphones are growing more expensive yearly, and this isn’t just the case for consumers. Device manufacturers are also facing higher component costs. Now, a new report sheds light on just how much more expensive the iPhone 15 series is to make for Apple.

With the aid of Japanese research firm Fomalhaut Techno Solutions, Nikkei Asia investigated the base storage models of the new Apple phones and provided a cost analysis of the components used. Interestingly, while Apple’s latest flagship series is pricier to make, the company did not pass these increases to consumers.

Find the component costs of the iPhone 15 series’ base storage models below:

• The base iPhone 15’s component cost reportedly rose 16% over the iPhone 14 to $423.
• The iPhone 15 Plus sees a modest 10% increase over its predecessor to $523.
• The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw a 12% increase over its predecessor. Its component cost jumps to $558.

How does this compare to the iPhone 15 alternatives? Per Counterpoint Research, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s components reportedly cost $469, the Pixel 7 Pro $413, and the Pixel 6 Pro $485.

The priciest iPhone 15 components

In its endless quest for performance and efficiency, silicon remains Apple’s main cash sink. The A17 Pro chipset, which now powers the Pro and Pro Max models, costs $130 — a 27% increase over the A16 used on their predecessors.

Other components are also costlier in 2023. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max’s new 5x telephoto camera now cost $30. That doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a 280% increase over the lens used in the previous model. Apple’s move to titanium frames costs the firm $50 per device — a 43% increase over the last-gen stainless steel models. Even though the Pro Max sees no major screen upgrades, the panel supplied by Samsung costs 10% more this year.

Finally, it’s also worth noting that storage continues to grow more affordable. The move to a higher base storage amount for the Pro Max doesn’t come with a significant price discrepancy. Nikkei Asia suggests the 256GB bank used on the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs just 5% more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 128GB store.

Usually, increased component costs come with an inflated retail price; however, this isn’t the case for the iPhone 15 series. Apple’s latest flagship series keeps the pricing structure of its predecessor at launch, suggesting that Apple is happy to carry some of the increases this year. It remains to be seen whether it can do the same for the iPhone 16 series, but considering the rumored swathe of upgrades, we wouldn’t hold our breath.