Imminent increases in the cost of manufacturing components could cause Apple to raise the prices of the iPhone 13 to offset them.
Earlier, it was reported that processor maker TSMC would prioritize Apple and the auto industry over other companies, as the global shortage of chips continues. Still, TSMC is believed to be on the verge of raising its prices, and Apple is now expected to pass on that cost increase to consumers for the next iPhone.
In accordance with Digitimes, unspecified sources in the supply chain say that TSMC will soon increase its quoted prices for sub-7 nm technologies. The “iPhone 13” range is believed to be based on a 5 nm processor, the A15.
TSMC is generally said to have notified customers of increases of up to 20%. However, sub-7nm processors should see increases between 3% and 10%.
Supply chain sources expect Apple, which accounts for a fifth of TSMC’s processor business, to raise prices by between 3% and 5%.
In all cases, the increases are said to take effect from January 2022. Instead of raising only the price of the iPhone 13, Apple is expected to launch with higher prices.
The current iPhone 12 is also based on a 5 nm processor, so if Apple retains a model in its range, it is possible that at some point it may face price increases. Currently, it seems, the iPhone 12 does not see the usual slowdown in sales that are typical before a new release.
Digitimes it has a poor track record for predicting Apple’s plans, but its track record of industry sources is much stronger.