Jakarta –
Nikkei Asia just stripped down iPhone 16 Pro to examine component costs. They found that the cost of iPhone 16 Pro components was more expensive than the previous generation.
Nikkei collaborated with Fomalhaut Techno Solutions to research the innards of the iPhone 16 Pro. They used the iPhone 16 Pro with the smallest internal memory option (128 GB) to analyze component costs.
The iPhone 16 Pro, which is sold at prices starting from USD 999 (Rp. 15.7 million), turns out to be made with components worth USD 568 or around Rp. 8.9 million. The component costs are 6% higher than the iPhone 15 Pro which was released last year.
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The most expensive component is the A18 Pro chipset which is made using 3nm fabrication by TSMC. The cost of this chip is estimated to be around USD 135, about a quarter of the total component cost of the iPhone 16 Pro.
The second most expensive component is the OLED screen. The iPhone 16 Pro again uses an OLED panel from Samsung, but the size is slightly larger, namely 6.3 inches. The cost of this OLED panel is estimated to be around USD 110.
The iPhone 16 Pro frame uses titanium material which is USD 30 more expensive than the aluminum frame. For memory, Apple uses DRAM chips from Micron and NAND flash memory from Kioxia, as quoted from Nikkei Asia, Tuesday (5/11/2024).
Camera components iPhone 16 Pro Overall it is estimated at around USD 91. The iPhone 16 Pro is also equipped with a telephoto camera with tetraprism technology which enables 5x optical zoom for the first time.
When introducing the iPhone 16 Pro last September, Apple CEO Tim Cook said this cellphone was designed specifically for Apple Intelligence. However, Fomalhaut CEO Minatake Kashio said that despite improvements in microphone performance compared to the previous iPhone Pro, the overall structure of the phone has not changed.
Even though component costs continue to rise, Apple still does not pass on higher costs to consumers. Base price iPhone 16 Pro still USD 999 and unchanged since 2019.
Kashio said Apple will likely adopt 2nm chip technology in 2025. So iPhone component costs will continue to rise in the future.
(vmp/fay)
Breaking Down the iPhone 16 Pro: What’s Under the Hood and Why It Costs So Much
Ah, the iPhone 16 Pro. Just when you thought Apple couldn’t squeeze any more money out of your pocket, they unveil a device that somehow manages to cost more to produce than its predecessor! It’s almost like they’re saying, “We know what you like, and it’s expensive nonsense.” But let’s be fair, shall we? They’ve got the fine folks at Nikkei Asia and Fomalhaut Techno Solutions doing the dirty work—tearing down this shiny slab of gadgetry to show us what our dollars are really buying.
The Gourmet Components
Let’s talk about those components. The pièce de résistance is the A18 Pro chipset, crafted with TSMC’s 3nm fabrication technology. Costing around USD 135, this chip reportedly accounts for about a quarter of the total assembly cost. Now, this is where we can start to see the beautiful irony: the faster they make these chips smaller, the more you pay for them! Isn’t progress fabulous?
The second most expensive component? You guessed it, the OLED screen—because who doesn’t love staring at their “high-definition” selfies while your bank account plummets? This screen costs around USD 110 and measures at 6.3 inches. Because bigger is obviously always better, right? Unless we’re talking about my waistline, in which case, *smh*.
Titanium Frames and the Camera
Oh, and let’s not forget the frame. It’s made from titanium, which is a whopping USD 30 more than the aluminum version. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not just phone envy, it’s titanium envy! And who could ignore the camera? Overall estimated at USD 91, it’s got a telephoto camera boasting new tetraprism technology enabling a glorious 5x optical zoom. Finally, you can take a close-up photo of your friend stealing fries from your plate without them noticing!
“Apple’s innovation might be priced higher, but the structure remains fundamentally the same,” said Fomalhaut CEO Minatake Kashio. So, what’s the new update? My accountant needs therapy after every release!
The Price Is Still Right… But Is It?
Now, you might be thinking: “Great! So I can buy this masterpiece for the same price as last year!” But let’s not get too excited. Apple’s held the line at USD 999 since 2019. That means, while prices for components are climbing faster than a squirrel on Red Bull, they’ve decided not to pass this on to consumers—yet. Talk about playing the long game!
Future of iPhone Components
Kashio also mentioned that in 2025, Apple might adopt 2nm chip technology. So it looks like our dear iPhones will continue to head into pricey territory soon enough. At this rate, we might need to start a savings account specifically for *iPhone upgrades*! Or maybe just take up knitting? That could be cheaper.
Jakarta –
Nikkei Asia has conducted an in-depth analysis of the cost structure of the iPhone 16 Pro, revealing that the expense associated with its components has increased compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro.
Nikkei partnered with Fomalhaut Techno Solutions to dissect the iPhone 16 Pro’s internal mechanisms. For their analysis, they sourced the model featuring the smallest internal memory variant, which is 128 GB, to provide an insight into the breakdown of component costs.
The retail price of the iPhone 16 Pro starts at USD 999 (approximately Rp. 15.7 million), while the estimated total cost of its individual components is around USD 568, equivalent to about Rp. 8.9 million. This signifies a 6% increase in component costs over the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched the previous year.
The highest-priced component in the iPhone 16 Pro is the A18 Pro chipset, fabricated using advanced 3nm technology by TSMC. The A18 chip alone accounts for an estimated USD 135, representing roughly a quarter of the total component cost.
The OLED display, also a significant contributor to production expenses, is sourced from Samsung and measures 6.3 inches, slightly bigger than its predecessor. Production costs for this OLED panel are projected at around USD 110.
The iPhone 16 Pro features a robust titanium frame, which elevates production costs by an additional USD 30 compared to standard aluminum frames. For memory solutions, Apple incorporates DRAM chips from Micron paired with NAND flash memory from Kioxia, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
The overall cost for the camera components in the iPhone 16 Pro is estimated at around USD 91. Notably, this device also introduces a telephoto camera utilizing tetraprism technology, enabling 5x optical zoom for the very first time in an iPhone model.
When unveiling the iPhone 16 Pro last September, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the device was engineered with a focus on Apple Intelligence capabilities. In contrast, Fomalhaut CEO Minatake Kashio noted that while microphone performance has advanced, the overall structural design of the device has not seen significant alterations.
Despite rising component costs, Apple has opted not to raise the retail price for consumers, maintaining the base price of the iPhone 16 Pro at USD 999, unchanged since 2019.
Kashio anticipates that Apple will likely transition to 2nm chip technology by 2025, indicating that component costs are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the coming years.
He most significant individual expense in the iPhone 16 Pro is attributed to the **A18 Pro chipset**, which employs advanced 3nm fabrication technology provided by TSMC. This premium chip costs about **USD 135**, making it roughly a quarter of the total component cost. Following closely is the **OLED screen**, which, at **USD 110**, adds to the price due to its larger 6.3-inch size and top-tier quality sourced from Samsung.
Apple has opted for a **titanium frame** in the iPhone 16 Pro, contributing an additional **USD 30** compared to the aluminum frame used in previous models. In terms of storage components, **DRAM chips** from Micron and **NAND flash memory** from Kioxia are used, while the camera system, estimated at **USD 91**, features a telephoto lens with tetraprism technology that allows for **5x optical zoom**, marking a significant upgrade.
Despite the rising costs of components, Apple has maintained the retail price of the iPhone 16 Pro at **USD 999**, a strategy they have employed since the iPhone 11 series in 2019. This strategic pricing means that, while component costs are on the rise—6% more than last year’s 15 Pro—consumers haven’t felt the impact just yet. Apple CEO Tim Cook touted the iPhone 16 Pro’s design as being tailored for ”Apple Intelligence”, suggesting a focus on advanced features and capabilities.
Looking ahead, Fomalhaut CEO Minatake Kashio hinted at a potential transition to **2nm chip technology** by 2025, indicating that component costs for future iPhones could rise further, making the next generations even more costly to produce. As consumers continue to grapple with rising technology prices, the question remains: how long will Apple sustain its pricing strategy in the face of escalating production costs?
Component Costs: A Closer Look
According to their findings, the total components of the iPhone 16 Pro hit a staggering USD 568. That’s right, folks, that’s roughly Rp. 8.9 million for the bits and bobs inside! Of course, the price tag starts at USD 999, which leaves a rather chunky 43% profit margin for Apple. You could say they’re using that tasty margin to fund all the extra marketing about “Apple Intelligence”. By the way, when they say designed specifically for Apple Intelligence, does that mean it’s intelligent enough to convince you to buy it?