Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL). has once again raised the bar with its latest offering, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which debuted with a host of advanced technological features. The flagship smartphone, introduced at Apple’s Far Out launch event in September, commands a base price of ₹1,59,900 ($1,199 or approximately ₹99,000 in the US), reflecting its premium components and build.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with its Bionic A17 chipset, fabricated using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) sophisticated 3nm process. This new processor is not only a hallmark of innovation but also comes with an increased production cost of $30 compared to its predecessor. The device also boasts an upgraded telephoto camera that is 34% more expensive than the previous model, and a durable titanium alloy casing frame that has contributed to an overall cost increase of 18%.

Despite these enhancements leading to an 8% rise in production costs for the base variant compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple has managed to maintain profitability. This is partly due to strategic cost reductions, such as a 4% decrease in display expenses achieved by using LTPO displays from Samsung (KS:005930) Display and LG Display (NYSE:LPL).

Notably, Apple’s self-designed components, which now make up 25% of the total bill of materials (BoM) cost—a slight increase from the previous model’s 22%—underscore the tech giant’s commitment to innovation and market leadership. These proprietary parts include enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) and power management integrated circuits (ICs).

The increased RAM capacity of 8GB compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 6GB RAM further underscores Apple’s push towards providing consumers with powerful and feature-rich devices. The balancing act between incorporating cutting-edge technology and managing manufacturing costs demonstrates Apple’s ability to meet consumer expectations while maintaining its position at the forefront of the smartphone industry.