88% Increase Compared to iPhone 14... Actual Purchase Price Expected to Decrease
"Stock Shortage of Higher Models... To Prevent Concentration Effect"
The three mobile carriers began pre-order sales of Apple's new smartphone, the iPhone 15 series, on the 6th, offering up to 450,000 KRW in subsidies. This is an unusual amount compared to the typically low official subsidies for new iPhone models, which have made purchasing costs burdensome.
According to the telecommunications industry on the 6th, the official subsidy for the basic Apple iPhone 15 model ranges from 45,100 KRW to 450,000 KRW depending on the plan. This represents an 87.5% increase compared to last year's official subsidy for the basic iPhone 14 model (maximum 240,000 KRW).
Additionally, when factoring in extra subsidies provided by retailers (15% of the official subsidy), the actual purchase price becomes even lower. The maximum subsidy consumers can receive is expected to reach 517,500 KRW.
An industry insider stated, "There is a concentration of demand for the higher-end Pro and Pro Max models, causing issues such as stock shortages," and analyzed, "To disperse iPhone demand and activate sales, the official subsidy for the basic model was set higher."
Among the carriers, LG Uplus offers the highest official subsidy at 450,000 KRW. LG Uplus's subsidies range from 259,000 KRW to 450,000 KRW, SK Telecom offers 301,000 KRW to 420,000 KRW, and KT announced subsidies from 280,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW.
The official subsidies for the higher-end iPhone 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models range from 50,000 KRW to 240,000 KRW depending on the plan, similar to last year. KT provides the highest number of subsidies ranging from 50,000 KRW to 240,000 KRW, SK Telecom offers 8,500 KRW to 138,000 KRW, and LG Uplus provides 56,000 KRW to 229,000 KRW.
However, these are preliminary official subsidies and may change before the official release date on the 13th of this month. There is also analysis suggesting that even with high subsidy levels, the selection discount (25% discount on fees) may be more advantageous.
When comparing the official subsidy and the selection discount over a two-year contract period, the benefits of the selection discount are greater. Especially for higher-priced plans, the selection discount is generally more favorable.
The official release date for the iPhone 15 series is the 13th of this month. The retail prices start at 1,250,000 KRW for the basic model, 1,350,000 KRW for the Plus, 1,555,000 KRW for the Pro, and 1,900,000 KRW for the Pro Max.
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