Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Likely to See 10% Price Hike as South Korea Joins First-Wave Launch

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – As Apple prepares to include South Korea in its initial launch of the iPhone 16, industry insiders predict a significant price increase for the Pro models, which are particularly popular among Korean consumers.

According to telecommunications industry sources, Apple plans to commence sales of its new iPhone 16 series in South Korea on September 20.

This marks the first time the country has been included in the first wave of iPhone launches, a move that recognizes the growing importance of the Korean market. 

While the final pricing for the South Korean market is still under negotiation between Apple Korea and local telecom carriers, industry analysts are closely watching U.S. market predictions.

In the United States, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to see a price increase of $100, approximately 135,000 won, compared to its predecessor. This 10% hike in the Pro model’s price is likely to be reflected in the Korean market as well. 

Apple Hub, a prominent Apple fan community in the U.S., reports that the expected U.S. pricing for the iPhone 16 series is as follows: $799 for the base model with 128GB, $899 for the Plus model, $1,099 for the Pro, and $1,199 for the Pro Max.

While most models maintain the same price points as the iPhone 15 series, the Pro model stands out with its $100 increase. 

The price hike for the Pro model is partly attributed to Apple’s decision to start the Pro lineup with 256GB of storage, eliminating the lower-priced 128GB option.

Additionally, market research firm Counterpoint Research suggests that the introduction of Apple’s proprietary AI feature, Apple Intelligence, may contribute to the overall price increase across the iPhone 16 series. 

The impact of this price increase could be significant in South Korea, where 47.9% of iPhone buyers opted for Pro models in the previous generation.

This preference for high-end models among Korean consumers means that the price hike will affect a substantial portion of the market. 

The telecommunications industry in Korea is expressing concern about the potential increase in household communication expenses.

They argue that while government policies aim to reduce these costs, the pricing strategies of device manufacturers like Apple play a crucial role as well. 

Unlike Samsung Electronics, which offers mid-range options like the Galaxy A series, Apple discontinued its budget-friendly iPhone SE line in 2022, focusing instead on a premium product strategy centered around flagship smartphones.

An industry insider commented, “While Apple has acknowledged Korean users’ loyalty by including the country in the first-wave launch, there’s a perception that the company is solely focused on maximizing profits without contributing much to the local market.”

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)