Smartphones aren't getting any cheaper, which is why it’s worth keeping the current crop of best iPhones in mind if you’re shopping for a new device. With the iPhone 15 expected to arrive next week at Apple's September event, you'll certainly have some brand new handsets to choose from — but also older iPhone 14 models that will remain available at reduced prices.
Yes, the iPhone 15 will introduce some exciting new features, such as the arrival of the Dynamic Island or even the rumored periscope telephoto lens slated for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But for some people, saving money is more important than having the latest hardware, and Apple will be happy to accommodate them with cheaper models.
At the very least, the iPhone 14 series will be getting iOS 17 — so they’ll be able to experience some of the software’s best features. Paired with the discounts going around for the best iPhone 14 deals, this could be enough to justify sitting out the new iPhone.
iPhone 14: How big a discount can you expect?
We only need to look at what Apple is currently selling to get an idea on what to expect with an iPhone 14 price drop when the iPhone 15 arrives. The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 remained in Apple’s rotation when the iPhone 14 came out last fall, with prices of $599 and $699, respectively. In contrast, the iPhone 14 currently sells for $799, while the iPhone 14 Plus — Apple's super-sized mini replacement — starts at $899.
Should history repeat itself following the September 12 event, the iPhone 14 would be expected to remain in Apple's lineup, but cost $100 less. We’re also anticipating the iPhone 14 Plus moving down to $799, seeing that it’ll essentially be replaced by the newer iPhone 15 Plus.
However, if you’re eyeing the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max instead, you might be out of luck because Apple traditionally doesn’t continue to sell its older Pro models. Meaning, you’ll have to look at carriers or other retailers if you want to find discounts on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max — which will be replaced by the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Interestingly enough, it looks as though wireless carriers also follow Apple’s strategy with older iPhone models. Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint Mobile, and Visible all sell the same models that Apple currently offers. Sometimes, though, you will find older models on sale even after they're dropped from Apple's lineup, as carriers look to clear our stock. If you’re looking for deals on the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone Pro Max brand new once the iPhone 15 series is released, you can also try retailers like Amazon, Target or Best Buy.
Plenty of iPhone 14 discounts and deals available right now
Are you hesitant about buying an iPhone 14 right now knowing that there could be even deeper discounts later on when the iPhone 15 series comes out? We don't blame you — right before an Apple event is the worst time to buy an iPhone.
The possibility of more expensive iPhones also complicates matters. Specifically, the iPhone 15 Pro Max could get a price increase as much as $200 over last year’s model due to all the new upgrades it’s expected to get, including a more durable titanium frame, faster USB-C charging, and perhaps a new “state-of-the-art” camera sensor. Many have penned it to be the biggest leap since the iPhone X, which adds credibility to the possibility of a higher price with this year's Pro phones.
That’s why it’s worth considering an iPhone 14 instead. As of this moment, you can find some generous discounts looking through some of the best iPhone deals around right now. For example, Verizon’s offering the iPhone 14 Plus at $5/month for 36 months online with a new line, while new and existing AT&T customers can get up to $1,000 off the iPhone 14 Pro Max with an eligible trade-in.
iPhone 14 price drop outlook
One thing’s certain: the iPhone 14 will definitely be getting the routine discount treatment once Apple releases the new iPhone 15. You can also expect another drop to the iPhone 13's price, if you don't mind looking at an even older phone. The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 12 will most likely disappear from Apple's lineup — small phones like the mini aren't very popular any more and the iPhone 12 will be two years old this month.
We also think that Apple will stop selling the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max next week since retailers are giving superb incentives on buying them right now — all in the hope of selling out their current stock. It’s also unlikely for Apple to extend the discount to anything more than $100 off its older iPhones once the iPhone 15 series is released, especially when the company saw slumping sales over last year’s critical holiday period.
