Recently, there have been several offers and discounts on the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 15 models. Discounts have ranged from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 off the regular selling price, making them increasingly popular as consumers look to take advantage of last-minute deals before the iPhone 16 launch.
Read More: Apple Iphone 16 Event Live Stream Details
This raises a common annual question among tech enthusiasts: should one buy the current iPhone models at a discount or wait for the iPhone 16?
Massive discounts have been noted recently on models including the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 15. For example, the iPhone 15 was priced at Rs 63,000 on Flipkart, which includes bank offers, down from its original price of Rs 79,900. Just last week, it was available for an effective price of Rs 44,600. Last month, the iPhone 14 Plus was available for Rs 54,999 with bank offers. Such attractive offers often leave consumers pondering whether to purchase the current discounted models or wait for the new iPhone 16.
Recent price cuts, influenced by a reduction in import duties on components announced in the Union Budget 2024, have led to further price reductions. The duties were lowered from 20 percent to 15 percent, prompting Apple to reduce the prices of several iPhone models by 3-4 percent. For instance, the iPhone 13 saw a drop from Rs 59,900 to Rs 57,600, a Rs 2,300 reduction. The iPhone 14’s price was slightly reduced from Rs 69,900 to Rs 69,600, and the iPhone 14 Plus was reduced by Rs 300, now priced at Rs 79,600 instead of Rs 79,900.The latest iPhone 15 series also underwent price adjustments. The iPhone 15, initially set at Rs 79,900, is now offered at Rs 79,600. The iPhone 15 Plus, initially priced at Rs 89,900, is now available for Rs 89,600. The iPhone 15 Pro price dropped from Rs 1,34,900 to Rs 1,29,800, offering a Rs 5,100 savings. The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw a reduction from Rs 1,59,900 to Rs 1,54,000, a total decrease of Rs 5,900. These price cuts do not include additional discounts from bank offers and e-commerce platforms.Also Read: iPhone 16 sale date: Here’s when you could buy Apple’s latest series phone in India
“As someone who has been an early adopter of iPhones and has been using them for close to 15 years, I would say if you are already on the iPhone 15 series, you stick with it, and upgrade to the iPhone 16 only if you think you see something compelling in the new iPhones that you can’t resist. Otherwise, you will most likely have little reason to upgrade, especially if you are an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max user. You will have all the Apple Intelligence features too, and I am sure you will be able to live without the slight upgrades in the cameras and design,” an expert commented.
For those using older iPhone models or planning to switch to iPhones, it may be wise to purchase the current generation high-end iPhones, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. With significant discounts available, these models represent a robust upgrade from older generations and support the new Apple Intelligence features. “The iPhone 15 Pros are a significant upgrade from the older generation iPhones, but what makes it more significant is that it will support all Apple Intelligence features. So without costing a bomb, which the new iPhones likely will, you will be able to get in on the AI bandwagon with the current generation iPhone 15 Pros,” the expert added.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro details leaked: All you need to know about specs, price, and bold design changes
However, for those who can comfortably spend over a lakh on a phone, waiting for the iPhone 16 may be worthwhile due to the expected upgrades. The iPhone 16 lineup is rumored to include long-awaited Apple Intelligence features, though these may be delayed until October 2024. Additionally, the non-Pro models may feature the Action button previously reserved for the higher-end iPhone 15 versions. With iOS 18 introducing a more customizable Control Center and enhanced Lock Screen options, the utility of the Action button may diminish slightly as users will have greater flexibility in managing device settings and shortcuts through software.
“Apple is also reportedly adding a dedicated camera control button on the right side of the iPhone 16 Pro models. This new feature will mimic the functionality of DSLR cameras, allowing users to lightly press to autofocus and press harder to capture the shot,” the report revealed.
The iPhone 16 Pro models are also expected to sport slightly larger displays, with the standard Pro model expanding from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches and the Pro Max growing from 6.7 inches to nearly 6.9 inches. Under the hood, the iPhone 16 series is likely to be powered by the new A18 chip. All models in the series are expected to feature 8GB RAM to support the new Apple Intelligence suite, though details on camera and battery enhancements remain under wraps. Rumors suggest some improvements in these areas as well.
While specific details about the camera and battery upgrades are not yet available, the iPhone 16 series promises a host of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience. With the September 9 launch date approaching, consumers are eagerly awaiting more official information about the new lineup.
So to answer the question, whether to buy the current discounted iPhone models or wait for the iPhone 16 depends on individual needs, the current smartphone being used, and spending power. While attractive discounts and price cuts make current models enticing, the upcoming iPhone 16 series may offer significant advancements that could be worth the wait.
With significant price reductions and offers available on current models, and the anticipated features of the iPhone 16 series, consumers have multiple options to consider.
Stay tuned for the official launch and detailed announcements about the iPhone 16 series during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9.