iPhone for $199?
30 04 2008
Looks like American iPhone buyers will be in for a treat when the ‘everyone thinks it’s due in June’ 3G iPhone launches. The latest gossip is that AT&T will heavily subsidise the device on a two year plan, bringing the price of an 8Gb 3G version down to $199. The story started at Fortune, so head over there to get all the details.
Other claimed details of the next gen iPhone include it being 2.5mm thinner than the current version, and will have a GPS chip for navigation and other location-based services. While this all sound good, I’m thinking there’s not much chance of us brits getting the 3G iPhone for the equivalent £99.
I’m not sure why Apple would allow AT&T to sell the iPhone for $199 because a price that low just devalues the brand. The iPhone is a premium product, and Apple products in general get a high quality perception from consumers. I don’t know why Apple would want to mess with that formula, but we’ll see.
Steve
http://www.iphonebysteve.com
Selling a premium product cheap would seem to diminish it’s appeal, but I’m wondering if Apple have hit their target for the first generation iPhone. If the market didn’t roll over and show Apple it’s belly they may be changing strategy and going for large numbers rather than just the top end. Every other phone manufacturer has a large touchscreen phone due soon so maybe Apple needs to go for mass appeal before Nokia takes over.