Although iPhones are the most popular brand of smartphone in the USA and have a vast global reach, there’s no denying that they’re expensive. The latest model of iPhone can run over $1000, leaving many people wondering why they cost so much and if it’s worth it to purchase one—especially if they’ve never had one before.
There are many reasons iPhones are so expensive. They use the latest technology to create a smooth interface and user-friendly experience, and Apple works hard to market them—spending a lot on advertising. Ultimately, they achieve a higher price by way of higher quality.
Most people who purchase an iPhone end up finding it’s worth it. So let’s take a closer look at why iPhones are so expensive so you can make a more informed decision on whether to purchase one.
Why are iPhones So Expensive?
The price point of an iPhone is the main reason many users will turn to Android (a more affordable alternative) instead. iPhones can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars, putting consumers off, and even “budget” models like the iPhone SE (on Amazon) can easily run between $400-$500, while a cheap budget android option like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (also on Amazon) can be had for between $200 and $300. Why is there such a gap here?
Apple’s User-Friendly Interface
Apple has worked hard to create a seamless and user-friendly interface. Even the least technically sound person can learn how to navigate their phone just from playing around with it, with clear directions and plenty of accessibility options in the menu so users can overcome challenges they may not be able to on other phones.
If their customers are still struggling, Apple also offers classes across their retail stores or private sessions where someone can go in and learn from a professional.
There’s no denying the work—and money—they’ve put into ensuring their phone is the best option for someone who may feel a little daunted by the idea of a smartphone.
Apple’s Network of Electronics (the “Ecosystem”)
Although other manufacturers, like Samsung, may have accessories that match their phones, no one does it quite like Apple. The Macbook, Apple Watch, Airpods, and iPad can match the phone, syncing messages, contacts, and notes across all devices. That means if you lose one, it’s easy to access the data on another device.
They also provide a ‘Find My’ app, which means if you’ve synced the devices, you can use them to find another. They’ll show you another device’s location, as well as play a sound from the device so you can quickly locate it.
This also makes things very secure. For example, if you lose your phone, you can wipe any confidential data using another device.
High-Quality Camera
With every model of iPhone that gets released comes an even better camera. They take high-resolution photos that are better than even many expensive, professional cameras and can handle any filter and effect you might want to think of. They even have ‘Portrait Mode’ to really up those professional photos and make people think you put huge effort into your photography.
Storage
The more memory an iPhone has, the more expensive it is. Of course, the difference of a few gigabytes can mean hundreds more dollars, but some iPhones on the higher memory side of things can hold as much as a small computer, making them extremely impressive.
Apple also innovatively paved the way for virtual storage with its cloud. You can purchase storage that doesn’t physically exist in the phone but saves photos and other data to your account so you can download them across devices—a lifesaver for those who have lost their phone with precious memories or confidential information stored there.
The Operating System
Apple uses an operating system called iOS and is constantly providing updates across phones to fix bugs and implement new features. Although the technology is innovative and impressive, with many features available you won’t find on other phones, the best thing about iOS is its speed.
It can handle big tasks like gaming without slowing down your phone. It also tends to last a long time, with many people using iPhones from years ago that run as well as they did when they first bought the phone.
Security
Although Android is now comparable in terms of its security, Apple was unparalleled for the longest time. As a result, they’ve made it extremely difficult for malware and hackers to get into your phone, focusing on security as one of their highest priorities.
Users should still use good safety practices like not clicking on suspicious links and using a unique and strong iCloud password. Still, it isn’t easy to get into the device itself (unless it’s jailbroken).
Another great security feature Apple puts a lot of effort into is its App Store. You must download any app on your phone from the App Store, and each app is vetted and checked to ensure it’s not dangerous to a device. Other smartphone competitors were far behind Apple on this, and took a while to catch up.
Apple is also careful to ask permission before utilizing any of its technology. For example, the Health app won’t collect data about you unless you explicitly permit it.
New Technology
It’s not just the camera and cloud with which Apple keeps beating other phones. They keep coming out with new technology, leaving Android and other software developers in the dust. For example, they were the first to invent paying with a digital method known on their phones as Apple Pay.
Although Android may have this now, Apple is setting the precedent that they’ll always be the first to think of these things, and if you want to be one of the first to use them, you need an iPhone.
Customer Service
Apple puts a lot of its budget into customer service.
Not only can you send your iPhone away for repair, but there are retail stores across the country where you can take it to get a same-day repair (if they have the parts in stock, of course). Apple also offers one-year warranties where you can get the phone fixed for free within that time if it meets the conditions of that warranty.
If you want to be safe, you can purchase more insurance for your phone. Apple Care is available to anyone buying a device from them, with different levels of protection.
It’s more than that, though. The company owns its faults. If a phone model is found to have faulty batteries, then they’ll replace them all for free. Back when iPods were popular, one model was found to overheat, and Apple offered everyone with that model a brand new iPod, free of charge.
What Does IOS’s Closed System Mean?
While Android is considered an open-source system, Apple is closed. This means developers don’t allow coders to change anything within the operating system when developing apps. This limits them more but also makes it safer and more secure for users and provides a consistently user-friendly interface.
Apple’s Branding and Advertising
One final reason iPhones can be so expensive is that Apple has put a lot into its branding and advertising. That means they need to justify the cost, but it also means they can afford to charge more, and because of that successful advertising, consumers will still buy the phone.
The Apple logo can be seen everywhere, and people instantly recognize it. For that reason, owning Apple products has become a status symbol.
People like to appear successful, and due to the notoriously high price of having an iPhone, Macbook, or another Apple product, people with those tend to enjoy the social status they have with them.
Overall, iPhones are undeniably expensive—which is why, although they may be the most popular phone in the USA, Android overtakes them in countries where people tend to have less income.
However, the people who can afford them tend to think they’re worth it due to a highly user-friendly experience, high-quality technology, and unbeatable customer service.