iStore has officially opened pre-orders for the iPhone 15 series. Starting today, 22 September 2023, the latest iPhones can be secured through both cash purchases and contracts with Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom.
As was the case with the iPhone 14 series, the latest iPhone series comprises four devices: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Sporting the same size displays as their predecessors, the new handsets now all feature the Dynamic Island interactive pill cutout that first debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max as well as USB-C ports replacing the lightning port. The Pro and Pro Max now also feature titanium frames and a new A17 Pro chipset. All four iPhones also have slightly narrower bezels.
Trade-In
iStore customers who opt for pre-orders can significantly reduce the overall cost of their brand-new iPhone. With trade-in options available for Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom cellular contracts, customers can receive up to an impressive R20,000 in cashback directly into their bank accounts on the same day.
What sets iStore apart further is its commitment to maintaining these trade-in values until December 31, 2023. This move ensures that customers can secure their trade-in value now, even if they plan to upgrade later.
iStore says that it has identified a growing trend among customers who are veering away from traditional cellular contracts in favor of owning their devices outright. To cater to this shift, iStore is extending additional savings for those who choose to buy their iPhone 15 without committing to a contract.
For a limited time, customers will receive an extra R3,500 discount when trading in any iPhone 13 series device, and an additional R2,000 off when trading in any iPhone 12 series phone.
Online Convenience
Making the pre-order process more convenient, iStore is offering the option for customers to complete their contract paperwork online, bypassing the need to visit physical stores and endure long queues. Once the contract upgrade is finalised, customers will have their new iPhone delivered directly to their doorstep.
As an added bonus, iStore is also offering a complimentary iCare Plus package to those who upgrade to the iPhone 15. This package includes a free screen replacement and a 1-year Extended Warranty, providing a total warranty coverage of 2 years, valued at R1999.
Pricing
While the increased discounts provided by iStore — for select trade-in models — are impressive, they raise an obvious question: Why is the latest-gen iPhone’s launch pricing so much more expensive in South Africa compared to international prices?
Apple did not raise prices for the iPhone 15 series in its home country keeping the starting price at $999 (R18 934,85) for the 128GB iPhone 15 Pro and $1199 (R22 725,61) for the 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max, matching the launch pricing for 2021’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. In the UK, the iPhone 15 Pro starts at £999 (R23 275,56), making it £100 cheaper than the launch price of the iPhone 14 Pro.
This pricing blow follows the trend of undesirable pricing from Apple’s competitors — the likes of Samsung and OPPO — who launched premium Android handsets with far higher-than-expected pricetags earlier this year.
