iPhone Pre-Order on 13th, Sales Start on 20th
Price Same as Previous Model...Base Model from 1.25 Million Won
AI Available in US from October...Korean Language Support Timing Uncertain
Apple, which unveiled its new smartphone series 'iPhone 16,' has included South Korea as a first-wave launch country for the first time, raising expectations among the telecommunications industry and consumers. The price, which was expected to rise, has been set at the same level as the previous model. However, some consumers expressed disappointment as the release date for the Korean version of Apple's artificial intelligence (AI), Apple Intelligence, was not clearly announced.
At 10 a.m. local time on the 9th, Apple unveiled the 'iPhone 16' series at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, and included South Korea as a first-wave launch country. In South Korea, devices can be pre-ordered starting from the 13th, with sales beginning on the 20th.
The telecommunications industry responded positively to the news of Apple's new product launch. Since there are many loyal users, there is an expectation that it will have a positive impact on the telecommunications market as well. According to market research firm Counterpoint, Apple's market share in the second quarter was 22%, ranking second after Samsung Electronics (76%), which holds first place. An industry official stated, "Including South Korea as a first-wave launch country is expected to increase domestic consumer interest."
On the afternoon of the previous day, promotional posters announcing pre-orders were already displayed in front of stores operated by the three major mobile carriers in the Jung-gu and Jongno-gu areas of Seoul. Some sales stores had already started recruiting customers for the 'iPhone 16 series' as early as last month. A representative from store A located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, said, "Demand for iPhones is guaranteed, so there is always anticipation at the time of release," adding, "We are worried that the supply might be less than the reservation demand." Kwon (30), who has been using a Samsung Electronics phone, said, "I am considering switching models due to the improved camera functions of the iPhone series and the addition of features like call recording."
Contrary to some expectations that the price of the iPhone 16 series would increase, the prices have been set the same as the previous model. The base model starts at 1.25 million KRW (128GB), the Plus at 1.35 million KRW (128GB), the Pro at 1.55 million KRW (128GB), and the Pro Max at 1.9 million KRW (256GB). The base and Ultra models come in five colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, while the Pro and Pro Max are available in Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Desert Titanium colors.
However, since the AI feature Apple Intelligence is scheduled to be released in English next month at the earliest, some consumers may hesitate to purchase. Apple announced that Apple Intelligence will be supported starting next month in American English, followed by local standard English in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in December, with Chinese, French, Japanese, and other languages planned for support next year. The timing for Korean language support has not been clearly announced. Lee (31), who uses an iPhone 14 Pro, said, "Korean support is expected to be no earlier than the first half of next year," adding, "Since it doesn't seem much different from the phone I am currently using, I am considering whether to replace the battery or switch to a new device."
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