This time next month, iPhone 16 buyers will likely have one of the four new iPhone models in their hands. That’s how close we are to the iPhone 16 launch.

But unlike previous years, there are hardly any pricing rumors for the new generation. That could be a good sign for buyers planning to upgrade, as Apple could potentially keep the iPhone 15 prices the same for another year. And don’t worry, the iPhone 16 will offer some significant upgrades, especially if you’re coming from older iPhone models.

About two years ago, there were a lot of rumors that the iPhone 14 models would be more expensive, especially the Pro and Pro Max. It felt like the rumors were preparing buyers for the upcoming price hikes. The more expensive handsets featured a different design and an exclusive chip for the first time since Apple introduced the Pro models. A cost increase made sense.

Apple ultimately left iPhone 14 prices unchanged in the US. However, there were price increases in the EU and other regions, but only because the dollar was much stronger against local currencies at the time.

A year later, we witnessed a similar turn of events. This time, the rumors of price increases seemed to affect mainly the Pro models. Leaks led us to believe that the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be more expensive than before.

In reality, Apple kept the iPhone 14 Pro prices the same with one big change. Apple removed the 128GB iPhone 15 Pro Max from its lineup. Therefore, you had to pay $100 extra to get the cheapest iPhone 15 Pro Max. But the price was the same as the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max. It wasn’t really a price increase.

In addition, the dollar weakened, so Apple cut prices on all iPhone 15 variants in Europe and other regions.

Rumors about the iPhone 16

Fast forward to the iPhone 16 series, and there is a plethora of rumors covering almost everything about the device. These leaks routinely repeat the same claims, with multiple sources providing the same overall picture about the specs and designs.

The iPhone 16 models will look almost identical to their predecessors, with one big change for the Pro models in terms of screen size. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be slightly larger than the previous versions. This is all because Apple wants to bring the tetraprism zoom camera to the smaller Pro.

The main camera of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have a different design. Instead of the previous diagonal arrangement, there will be a vertical lens arrangement.

All four iPhone 16 models will come with A18 chip versions and 8GB of RAM. Almost all of them will also have larger batteries. Finally, the Pro models will also get a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.

As for the software, all iPhone 16 models will run iOS 18 out of the box. All will get Apple Intelligence via upcoming iOS updates. The AI ​​is important here because it is free. Reports say that Apple will not charge for the premium features of Apple Intelligence for several years. This means that iPhone prices will not increase because they can offer AI features.

Although there are rumors covering all of this, there are hardly any price leaks on the iPhone 16 compared to previous generations. This seems to indicate that Apple will not change the current prices.

The only question concerns the iPhone 16 Pro models, where Apple could change the starting price of the smaller variant. For example, Apple could discontinue the 128GB storage option and sell the iPhone 16 Pro for $1,099. If that were to happen, the $999 price point would disappear.

I’m just speculating since there are no price leaks for the iPhone 16. But if I’m right, the iPhone 16 will start at $799 (with carrier offers) or $829. The iPhone 16 Plus would be $100 more expensive, so it’ll be $899 ($929).

Depending on storage, the iPhone 16 Pro could start at $999 or $1,099. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, is likely to start at $1,199.

More expensive Androids

Apple sticking with last year’s prices makes even more sense given the events of this summer.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are both more expensive than before. Although they are foldable devices, Samsung has increased the costs.

Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series last week, and three of the four models are more expensive than ever. Pre-orders come with perks, including a free year of Gemini Advanced access worth $240, so keeping iPhone prices unchanged from last year would be a big win for Apple.

However, we don’t have to think too long. Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 in a few weeks. Invitations to the iPhone 16 event should be sent out at the end of August.