The price of the iPhone 15 is now 11 percent lower than the iPhone 14 in some countries, while it remains the same in South Korea. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – The price of the iPhone 15 is now 11 percent lower than the iPhone 14 in some countries, while it remains the same in South Korea. In the United States, Apple has kept the iPhone 15 price identical to the iPhone 14. However, in other countries, the company adjusted the price based on exchange rates and product availability.
On October 11, during an audit by the National Assembly, Mark Lee, the head of sales and president of Apple Korea, was called as a witness by the Financial Services Commission. The assembly demanded an explanation for the price difference, noting that in Hungary, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, the iPhone 15 is cheaper than the iPhone 14, while in Korea, the price remains unchanged.
Representative Yoon Chang-hyun from the People’s Power Party presented data showing that the iPhone 15 is 11.1 percent cheaper in Hungary, 8.6 percent in Switzerland, 5.9 percent in the United Kingdom, 5 percent in Germany, and 4.9 percent in France compared to the iPhone 14.
In response, Lee explained that the iPhone price depends on various factors, including exchange rates, market conditions, and distribution structures in each country. He argued that it’s challenging to claim that the price in Korea is higher than in other countries.
Regarding concerns about the iPhone 15 overheating during gaming, Lee stated that the company has a software solution to address the issue. He assured those present that the software fix would be applied when Korean consumers use their iPhones.
However, Yoon criticized the approach, comparing it to trying to fix a car’s engine problem by limiting its speed without addressing the root hardware issue.
Yoon also questioned why Apple Pay was launched ahead of mobile ID. Lee defended this decision by emphasizing the focus on user convenience and mentioned that solutions to the issues raised were available on Apple’s developer website.
Finally, Yoon raised concerns about Apple’s corporate social responsibility and ESG management in Korea, suggesting that more attention is needed in these areas.
Many comments from netizens on the article were sarcastic, indicating a perception that the Korean market is often treated unfairly by foreign companies, including leading luxury brands, with frequent price increases.
Baek Hae-ryun, a Democratic Party lawmaker, urged Apple to pay closer attention to the Korean market and improve the consumer experience for Korean users who are passionate about their products. Lee committed to working towards a better consumer experience in Korea as a response to these concerns.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
