As the tech world eagerly anticipates Google’s upcoming Pixel 8 event on October 4th, the question arises: did the recent iPhone 15 launch influence Google’s decision to provide enticing preorder deals for its new Pixel 8 smartphones?
In the lead-up to the iPhone 15 reveal, rumors swirled about potential price increases for Apple’s Pro models, much to the concern of prospective buyers. However, Apple defied expectations by maintaining its existing pricing structure for the iPhone 15 series, albeit with some adjustments.
On the Apple side, the notable change was the absence of the $1,099 128GB iPhone 15 Pro Max, which had been an option in the previous lineup. Instead, the base model now starts at $1,199 for 256GB of storage, a price point on par with the previous year’s 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Meanwhile, prior to the iPhone 15 launch, speculations around Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro suggested potential price hikes. While some wild price rumors emerged, a more grounded leak eventually provided purported pricing details for the 2023 Pixel devices. These prices appeared to be relatively reasonable, especially when compared to the iPhone’s cost structure in Europe.
However, after Apple lowered iPhone prices across Europe for both the iPhone 15 series and older models, the landscape changed. Apple’s decision to reduce prices appeared to be a strategic response to the challenging market conditions experienced by most smartphone manufacturers, although Apple itself remained an exception.
In particular, the iPhone 15 Pro Max garnered strong demand, demonstrating Apple’s unique position in the market. However, it’s essential to note that the US dollar’s relative strength played a significant role in last year’s iPhone price hikes in Europe and other regions.
Fast forward to the present, with just a week left until Google’s Pixel 8 event. Leaked marketing materials have revealed various aspects of the Pixel 8 phones, dispelling concerns of substantial price increases. Notably, Google is set to offer Pixel 8 buyers seven years of software updates, a move aimed at enhancing the value proposition of its devices.
As for pricing, the leaks suggest that while the Pixel 8 will start at $699, marking a $100 increase compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro will maintain its $899 starting price. Furthermore, Google plans to sweeten the deal for Pixel 8 buyers with incentives such as six months of free Google One Premium 2TB, six months of Fitbit Premium, and three months of YouTube Premium.
Perhaps the most enticing perk is reserved for Pixel 8 Pro buyers: the opportunity to receive the new Pixel Watch 2, which is expected to be priced similarly to its predecessor at launch.
While it remains uncertain whether these preorder deals will be available internationally, they indicate Google’s commitment to expanding the appeal of the Pixel 8 series, even in a year where consumer spending on Android phones may not reach previous levels.
Google’s decision to offer attractive preorder incentives for the Pixel 8 series raises intriguing questions about the dynamic between Apple and Google in the competitive smartphone market.
