Nothing like tearing up a next gen iPhone, counting the bits, and watching Apple get richer. We have the cost teardown and component prices here.
Now we know the next gen iPhone is expected to cost Apple only $18 more than its $157 3G S predecessor.
Indeed, according to Jeffrey Brown, VP of Business Intel at UBM TechInsights, the “Gen4” 16GB iPhone will likely carry a $175 price tag for the Cupertino-based company. This is based on Jeffrey’s own cost breakdown, teardown, and smackdown of the Gen4 iPhone.
Meanwhile, the 32GB iteration is expected to weigh in at a grand total of $200, while the 64GB model could cost Apple as much as $250.
“Seeing as the phone costs more than the 3GS (approx. $157), Apple is giving its customers more bang for the buck this go around – a new processor, better casing and newer touchscreen,” Brown told TG Daily.
“They’ve also redesigned the PCB boards so that they’re now featuring double-sided chip construction on a narrower surface. This was probably done to reduce manufacturing costs further.”
Brown – who performed the detailed cost analysis – also pegged the 3.5″ 720×480 LCD at $25, the enclosure at $20 and the A4 Processor at $16.
“[However], if the screen resolution is wrong and the casing is not as fancy as assumed, one could lop off $20,” noted Brown.
“But frankly, much of the $ estimate depends on what you assume for Apple’s $/GB for NAND. [The pricing] is very volatile and hard to know Apple’s price, [which could range] from $25/$50/$100 for 16, 32 or 64GB NAND.”
The full iPhone 4G price breakdown includes:
- 16 or 32 or 64GB NAND: $25/$50/$100
- 3.5″ 720×480 LCD: $25
- Capacitive Touchscreen: $10
- 5MP AF Camera Module: $10
- CIF/VGA front cam: $2
- 256MB Mobile SDRAM: $5
- A4 Processor: $16
- PMU: $1.50
- GPS: $1.50
- Audio CODEC: $1.50
- Touchscreen Controller: $2
- 3-Axis Accelerometer: $1
- Wi-Fi/BT Combo chip: $4
- Compass: $1.50
- 3G Baseband: $15
- 3G Radio: $3
- Dual-mode / Tri-Quad Band PA FEM: $5
- Other ICs: $3
- Li-Poly Battery; ~1400mAh according to leaked photos (5.25WHr): $6
- Enclosures: $20
- Connectors: $2
- PCBs: $3
- Earpiece + Speaker: $1
- Vibrator: $0.50
- Passives: $3
- Antennae: $1
- Other Modules/Oddforms: $3
- ALS/ProxSense: $1
- Small actives: $1.50
- Other: $1
– Total Gen4 iPhone BOM costs less NAND: $150
– Gen4 iPhone BOM Costs with NAND:
- 16GB: $175
- 32GB: $200
- 64GB: $250
