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More speculation about possible $99 iPhone
A recent post on Barron's Tech Trader Daily suggests that Apple plans to "attack the low end of the smartphone market" by offering a $99 version of the 8GB iPhone.
According to Barron's, RBC Capital analyst Mike Abramsky believes that Apple will reveal updated 16GB and 32GB iPhones at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8 (as expected), keeping $199 and $299 price points. The article suggests that "Abramsky thinks even an evolutionary upgrade will drive a healthy upgrade cycle; he estimates 20 percent of the 21 million iPhone-installed base will upgrade within the first year."
But the most interesting part of this report reads:
The company could leverage its component and manufacturing efficiencies by offering an 8GB version of the phone at $99, down from $199 currently. He thinks the result could provide a major lift to unit demand, with 5 million additional iPhones in FY 2009, and 22 million in FY 2010.
Additional information about this story was also posted at AppleInsider, reiterating the rumor that there will be new models of the iPhone, but that Apple would split the iPhone into regular and "pro" editions.
According to AppleInsider:
Next month's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference will see the introduction of an "iPhone Pro" that will sell for $199 and $299 with storage capacities of 16GB and 32GB, respectively. Inside, he [Abramksy] expects a new 3G wireless chip capable of connecting to wireless networks that support download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, a 600MHz Samsung ARM processor, 3.2-megapixel camera with video capabilities, a magnetometer, and other features already found on the current iPhone 3G.
(Credit:
RBC Capital Markets)
It is also noted that "Apple will continue to sell its existing iPhone 3G in an 8GB configuration, only pricing it down to $99 from $199 in a bid to broaden its share of the worldwide smartphone market, boost its multitouch install base, and poke holes in any price umbrella rivals may seek out in their own bid for market share."
The iPhone hasn't really been around long, and in order to gain market share, Apple may well consider introducing different models, lowering prices, adding more features, and growing geographically. (China would be a good place to start.) All this could be accomplished with a $99 starting price.
We know that you've heard the $99 iPhone rumor before--including after Walmart started selling the iPhone--and never seen it materialize. What do you think this time around? Would you be interested in a $99 iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Shoot, my E71 on ATT's network is much cheaper (10 dollar medianet data plan)
Ok, right now there are only, what, 2 or 3 phones on the market that have 12mp cameras. 3.2 MP for a phone is considered ok, but not impressive. You are blowing things way out of proportion.
If you want to use a Phone/PDA get a smartphone if you really want pictures or video buy a Camera..
Give me an AT&T-free iPhone...then we'll talk. In the end it always comes down to the network, not the phone.
maybe if u actually used their products, u would think otherwise
i had many PCs and windows based laptops and they all broke down about a year and half...
my macbook is still running as new after 2 years
You can only grow so much with one phone carrier. Signing a long term exclusive contract that lasts years = fail.
If you really want an iPhone, you have to go to AT&T. Otherwise, you've got another 3 years of waiting.
You are so incorrect its not funny. Everyone speculated that AT&T had a 5 year exclusivity but that was incorrect. If it was correct it would be 2012 btw not 2011 since the iPhone came out in 07.
That being said it was just reported last year that AT&T extended its contract one more year. Verizon will not get the iPhone untill end of 2010 maybe 2011 not because of exclusivity but because of their network. Once Verizon moves to LTE you will see a Verizon iPhone. It really doesnt make sense for Apple to create a CDMA phone for such a small market.
Yes in the US Verizon is a large market, but world wide CDMA doesnt even carry 10% of the worlds cell traffic.
As a VZW sales rep, the one thing that the iPhone brings to the table is a horde of rabid, blind spenders that will do whatever Apple says. I wouldn't mind having people camp out in front of my store, spend hundreds of dollars for already outdated hardware, and six months later do it again.
Buy a dSLR, or a point-and-shooter in your case, 'cause I really doubt any cell phone you get can really give your 12MP camera pics the quality they should have... then again, your probably not looking for quality, just a bunch of 1600+ ISO blown-up photos that you're gonna upload to Facebook to feel good about yourself.
2. Want HD Video?
Get a laptop, netbook, or any device with a screen that's really worth watching HD video in. Seriously, an iPhone's screen is great to watch video and all kinds of stuff, but is HD really necessary? Let me think about that for a second... NO! Think! We're talking about mobile devices. HD is HEAVY, and there are close to none chances that you'll really get that much better quality.
3. About the "all the standard mobile data stuff like email, internet, facebook, etc."...
Wait... doesn't the iPhone have that already? Oh yeah, now I remember! It does! How on Earth did that slip my mind? Oh... oh wait.... it didn't! I just pay attention to what's going on around me! And guess what, I don't even have an iPhone!
Please. Pleeeeease pay more attention to what you're writing about. Especially the part about the 12MP camera, 'cause seriously, I'm amazed how all you Sony Ericsson users think you're the bomb! Look around! There are almost NO MOBILE PHONES with 12MP cameras!
I understand that the iPhone might be outdated in some ways, but in other ways it really isn't. I mean, first off is the touch screen. That is the whole point of the phone. I have yet to find a smoother touch screen. Internet: 3G and WiFi. sounds good. I mean it is't completely horrible. I would buy it.
Funny how when Apple comes up with a slighter better product than the competition, then everybody is like "Woa, that just made History period". However, when it's one of Apple's competitors, then it's just "get a laptop, get dSLR". C'mon man, stop drinking the Kool Aid. Apple, if the rumor is true, has made a pretty bad choice with that $99.
On to point number two, on ATT's website you can buy a refurbished 8gb iphone for 100 dollars right now anyway (and a refurbished 16 gb one for 150). If the sticking point was really the two hundred dollar phone, wouldn't people be flocking to the website and buying these phones? I will say this tho. If you could buy a phone from the apple store without having to sign a contract like before, i guarantee they would have very impressive sales even by their own standard because a ton of t-mobile users (myself included) would go ahead and buy one and use it for t-mobile. Also they would make a ton of sales to people looking to buy an ipod, because it can be used an identical substitute for the ipod touch for 100 dollars as opposed to 230 they want for the touch.
I can confirm that because I work in a wireless company.
- by stunna3098 June 2, 2009 8:46 AM PDT
- I don't see myself buying the $99.00 iPhone. It seems like a "watered down" version.
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