iPhone 16 Only Costs Apple $416 To Manufacture
- Apple's latest flagship is built for just $416—wait, what?
- Despite higher costs, iPhone prices stay the same—how does Apple do it?
- Conflicting reports question the real cost—so who's right?
The latest iPhone 16 has hit the shelves with much fanfare, but a recent report reveals it costs Apple just $416 to manufacture each unit. Investment bank TD Cowen has broken down the costs of individual components, shedding light on where Apple is spending—and saving—money.
Photo via Apple // Apple's iPhone 16 boxes are slightly thinner than previous models.
The Breakdown
Here's how the costs for the iPhone 16 compare to last year's iPhone 15:
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 Manufacturing Costs
| Component | iPhone 15 Cost | iPhone 16 Cost | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | $68 | $65 | -$3 |
| A-Series Chip | $35 (A16) | $45 (A18) | +$10 |
| RAM | $9 (6GB) | $17 (8GB) | +$8 |
| Camera Modules | — | +$3 | +$3 |
| Total | $395 | $416 | +$21 |
The most expensive part remains the display at $65, slightly cheaper than last year's model by $3. The A18 chip sees a $10 increase, reflecting the advancements in processing power. Notably, the RAM upgrade from 6GB to 8GB to support Apple Intelligence features results in an 89% cost increase for that component—from $9 to $17.
Photo via Apple // iPhone 16 (left) and iPhone 15 (right).
iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Similar Story
The iPhone 16 Pro Max isn't exempt from these cost hikes. It now costs Apple $485 to manufacture, up from $453 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Key Cost Increases for iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Display and Rear Camera: Each costs $80, topping the list.
- RAM and Storage: Even without increasing capacity, costs rose due to faster technology like LPDDR5X memory.
TD Cowen attributes 40% of the overall cost increase to inflation and 60% to new components.
Photo via Apple // Apple released iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in September 2024.
So, Why No Price Hike?
Despite rising production costs, Apple has kept the retail price of the iPhone 16 series the same as last year's models. This is somewhat surprising, considering Nikkei had predicted a price increase due to these escalating costs.
But before we applaud Apple's generosity, it's worth noting that not all analysts agree on these numbers. Firms like Fomalhaut Techno Solutions estimate higher component costs, especially for the display and chips.
A Matter of Perspective
The discrepancies in cost estimates might stem from different methodologies. TD Cowen is an investment bank, while Fomalhaut specializes in tearing down electronics to trace component origins and costs.
Final Thoughts
It's fascinating to see how much—or how little—it actually costs to make the devices we can't live without. While $416 is no small amount, it's a fraction of the iPhone 16's retail price. So next time you're holding that sleek device, you'll know a bit more about what went into making it—and perhaps ponder where the rest of your money is going.
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