$100 Price Drop on iPhone and iPod Touch?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

9to5Mac believes (http://9to5mac.com/ipod-iphone-price-drops-coming-soon-299-399-16GB-32GB-453677) that the iPhone and iPod touch will be seeing $100 price drops in the next two months, simultaneously discontinuing the low capacity models.

Their belief is that the 8GB Touch and 8GB iPhone will be discontinued, leaving a 16GB iPhone at $399, 16GB Touch at $299, and 32GB Touch at $399.

The move would be reminiscent of the $200 iPhone price drop (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/05/8gb-iphone-price-drop-4gb-iphone-discontinued/) and discontinuation of the 4GB iPhone that took place in September, 2007. The surprise iPhone price drop -- only 3 months after the introduction of the iPhone -- caused an outcry amongst early adopters. The outcry was so great, that Steve Jobs posted an open letter (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/06/steve-jobs-open-letter-to-iphone-owners/) to explain the decision and gave existing iPhone owners a $100 Apple store credit.

Based on this experience, it seems Apple would be reluctant to make a similar move when they could have easily timed the price drop to coincide with iPhone/Touch updates last week (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/05/apple-announces-16gb-iphone-and-32gb-ipod-touch/). This being said, the iPhone is still expected to receive further updates this year with the introduction of a 3G model in 2008. It's possible that any future price drops could correlate with the introduction of the 3G iPhone. AT&T has already committed (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/06/atandt-expanding-their-3g-network-in-2008/) to expand their 3G network to more U.S. cities in 2008.

While 9to5mac had an excellent early rumor record, their record has not been perfect, with their recent claims (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/12/21/apple-to-reach-5-million-iphones-sold-by-macworld/) of 5 million iPhones sold by Macworld failing to come true.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/09/100-price-drop-on-iphone-and-ipod-touch/)

[lyngo]

That's just great. First $20 for an ipod touch update... now this... sheesh.

- Jay

[hayduke]

Such an early price drop seems really unlikely given what happened last time, but any price drop is good for me!

[irun5k]

This wouldn't be such a surprising price cut. The cheapest iPhone on the market would still be $399. This is pretty much the trend as I see it in technology- mainstream computers and gadgets stay about the same price but you get more and more for your money.

The thing that happened last year was bizarre because after only three months they orphaned the 4GB model and made the 8GB model $200 cheaper, and $100 cheaper than the previously least expensive model.

[Zneo11]

I don't think a price drop this soon is going to happen. Its more likely that a 32gig comes in and bumps the 8 out. However, I think that is unlikely this soon as well. I also don't trust 9to5. Lately they have had some sketchy reporting.

[ziwi]

I can not see a price drop, especially after what happened the last time. I think it will be timed with a dropping of the old and some update...

[Merkuryy]

The surprise iPhone price drop -- only 3 months after the introduction of the iPhone -- caused an outcry amongst early adopters. The outcry was so great, that Steve Jobs posted an open letter (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/06/steve-jobs-open-letter-to-iphone-owners/) to explain the decision and gave existing iPhone owners a $100 Apple store credit.


God!!! I believe that's really true, the 32G version go on stage 7 months earlier than I expected (I used to think that the Sansa View and Creative Zen were the only device which use 32G Nand Flash), so a price drop is truly possible!

But I doubt AAPL will again give check to customers, the additional cash for the software update of the iPod Touch mean that AAPL don't have such respect to them as the iPhone users.

Also in this way, we won't see a Nano mixed with Touch style iPod this year, AAPL will still use the current iPod Touch style to conquer the market.Damn!! I really wish they can give me a store credit;), one can never have enough Apple product

[B. Hunter]

Let the whining begin!

I bought my 16gig Touch back in November.
Oh well, I am still pleased with my purchase.

[harrisone23]

Im probaly going to sell my 16GB touch on eBay when these "price drops" happen and then get myself a nice shiny 32GB touch.

[jbernie]

I guess the concern would be that once the 3G models become available the current Edge models will be viewed as obsolete. So reducing production to reduce the amount of unsold inventory and a price reduction to encourage sales of said inventory is likely to occur prior to the 3G models being officially announced.

That said, I won't consider an iPhone until the 3G model is available.

[basesloaded190]

That's just great. First $20 for an ipod touch update... now this... sheesh.

- Jay

you realize this is a good thing right?

[corywoolf]

That's just great. First $20 for an ipod touch update... now this... sheesh.

- Jay

Surprise surprise. This is excellent news though. You can't complain on a price drop, I mean you can obviously afford it in the first place. If you can't, then you are probably not a financially savvy individual. It's simple, don't spend what you can't afford. Save and buy when the time is right, and don't complain about depreciated value. Virtually all electronics loose value over time. It's smart of Apple, get the people that can afford to pay more for having the gadget earlier then everyone else, then drop the price when demand slows and repeat. Oh and this is probably a troll.

[juanster]

i don't see it happening, i just bought a 16Gb touch a couple of weeks ago and i am still happy about the purchase, if they get a discount then whatever I don't care...;)

[Merkuryy]

BTW, Does anybody knew which Nand flash the Creative Zen, Sansa View and iPod Touch is using? Can not find a image, is this a 16G duo like the one we have in some 1st generation iPod Nano(2G duo)?

[syklee26]

after going through $200 price cut debacle, I highly doubt Apple will cut the price in Feb 26th event. They just released the 32gb touch and 16gb phone for 499 each.

I would say probably sometime in April or May (or around when new iPhone is released)

[Grimace]

I think they are both priced quite competitively. But, Apple may be going for the chokehold and want to simply kill everyone else on price.

[mas90guru]

Is this prediction really that much of a leap of faith?

Haven't there been a significant number of rumors of production cutbacks on iPod and iPhone lines? This would all be a rather obvious off-shoot of such rumors.

Personally I think the EDGE line must be phased out at the time that 3G is introduced -- unless they drop the existing EDGE to Refurb status.

As someone pointed out, once there is a 3G model, who will buy EDGE?

[surgedc5]

that would suck for those that already ordered/bought the 32gb touch or 16gb iphone :mad:

[sellitman]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

I will wait for a 32 gig 3G iphone then give my 8 Gig to my son.

[basesloaded190]

i guess i just don't see why people can get so upset about something like this. i think it was almost inevitable this was going to happen. these types of things do occur quite frequently and people should realize that technology moves so quickly that its impossible to keep up. i wish we could all just take what we have and enjoy it without having to whine about it constantly

[macman2342]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. This will be more expensive, include 3g and GPS. Maybe some other surprises, portable iwork or something to make it more like a PDA. (and in my dreams, a built in isight for portable ichat, but that part is unlikely)

With the announcement of Garmin's Nuvifone with real GPS, Apple's under pressure to offer a device with that capability. Since not everyone needs GPS or a pda, why not have an iphone pro with pro-like features. This will be marketed as a handheld computer, not a phone.

Anyone agree?

[SirOmega]

Unlikely, at least until May. Then Apple can say its sufficiently far from Christmas and the introduction of the larger capacity phones as to not make those folks angry.

The collapse of flash prices helps out a lot - 16GB of flash now is about the same price as 8GB was a year ago. This sets the stage for the 16GB iPhone 3G at $400.

I expect the price points to stay where they are. I dont expect a cheaper phone until mid-09, and a cheaper touch until around the same time.

[clevin]

huh, I sure would reconsider a $199 8G iPT, I would love a $99 4G iPT as well.

[Frisco]

Dear Lord Apple is just as delusional in the late 80s and early 90s. If the Pats were given this many second chances they would be 19-0.

[Grimace]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. This will be more expensive, include 3g and GPS. Maybe some other surprises, portable iwork or something to make it more like a PDA. (and in my dreams, a built in isight for portable ichat, but that part is unlikely)

With the announcement of Garmin's Nuvifone with real GPS, Apple's under pressure to offer a device with that capability. Since not everyone needs GPS or a pda, why not have an iphone pro with pro-like features. This will be marketed as a handheld computer, not a phone.

Anyone agree?

No. Apple isn't stupid enough to announce two new updated models, then drop the prices $100 two weeks later. The issue last fall was far longer than that, and Apple learned from it.

[jojasary]

ok quick question... I just bought the 8gb iphone on monday. I kind of want to return it for the 16gb but I don't really want to spend the extra hundred. Can I return my 8gb and by the 16gb if the price drops? Basically, how long is my return policy??

[s.hoz]

Hurray for me. I planned on getting a touch, but I didn't want to spend the $$. Mwah.

[EmTeeZ]

If we whine and whine, can we get a hundred dollars like last time?

[lyngo]

you realize this is a good thing right?

Not for those of us who just purchased an iPod touch before MacWorld and have to pay $20 to use the apps that it should have come with in the first place. Now, I get screwed out of a possible $100 price reduction. YIPPEE!

- Jay

Surprise surprise. This is excellent news though. You can't complain on a price drop, I mean you can obviously afford it in the first place. If you can't, then you are probably not a financially savvy individual. It's simple, don't spend what you can't afford. Save and buy when the time is right, and don't complain about depreciated value. Virtually all electronics loose value over time. It's smart of Apple, get the people that can afford to pay more for having the gadget earlier then everyone else, then drop the price when demand slows and repeat. Oh and this is probably a troll.

Not trolling. Long time lurker, just haven't posted much. I don't take issue with the depreciation of value. I take issue with the depreciation of value AND the additional $20 I had to spend to have my iPod touch have additional applications. Make sense? That's my complaint.

- Jay

[SkippyThorson]

"ok quick question... I just bought the 8gb iphone on monday. I kind of want to return it for the 16gb but I don't really want to spend the extra hundred. Can I return my 8gb and by the 16gb if the price drops? Basically, how long is my return policy??"

I literally bought my iPhone 48 hours ago - and if this does happen, you can bet I'll be at my AT&T store before the employees. Expecially if there's a return policy for it or a price gifting type of thing. No difference to me. Same phone, except with more space I'll probably never use.

Oh, and no Frisco, Windows Mobile is horrible. The only other phone I would EVER even consider is that rumored Google device. When Windows is as seamless as Mac on any front, get back to me. Until that day, keep on squirting your music.

[iMpathetic]

This would be a good idea. However, anyone who whines about it gets shot by a firing squad.

[thechidz]

I doubt this will happen soon... unless they also gave 100 dollar credits to those they screw

[basesloaded190]

Not for those of us who just purchased an iPod touch before MacWorld and have to pay $20 to use the apps that it should have come with in the first place. Now, I get screwed out of a possible $100 price reduction. YIPPEE!

- Jay

i would be in that group of people. i didn't pay the 20$ i had mine jailbroken, but thats not the point. no bitching from me. this happens, get over it

[surferuke]

That said, I won't consider an iPhone until the 3G model is available.[/QUOTE]

me too. i just hope the 32gb 3G has the same look and feel as the current model.

i wonder if wireless sync and power recharge will ever happen.

[nimbuscloud]

People that complain about price drops with electronics need to be slapped.

Seriously, do they want things to be expensive forever? People complain that Apple stuff is too pricey and when they drop the price...people complain??!!

Amazing.

:apple:

[nimbuscloud]

Not trolling. Long time lurker, just haven't posted much. I don't take issue with the depreciation of value. I take issue with the depreciation of value AND the additional $20 I had to spend to have my iPod touch have additional applications. Make sense? That's my complaint.

- Jay

You had to pay $20 because the iPod isn't accounted for like the iPhone and AppleTV. If you don't know what I'm talking about, do some research. And you didn't HAVE to pay for anything. You CHOSE to pay for it. You wanted the software, correct?

Also, what electronics (or cell phone) do you know that stays the same price forever? Price drops happen all the time. Do you complain when Wal-mart puts bread on sale the day after you went shopping? Not trying to be rude, just honest.

:apple:

[surferuke]

You had to pay $20 because the iPod isn't accounted for like the iPhone and AppleTV. If you don't know what I'm talking about, do some research. And you didn't HAVE to pay for anything. You CHOSE to pay for it. You wanted the software, correct?

Also, what electronics (or cell phone) do you know that stays the same price forever? Price drops happen all the time. Do you complain when Wal-mart puts bread on sale the day after you went shopping? Not trying to be rude, just honest.

:apple:

dude, he's right. i know it's painful when you just got something and then something better comes along. that's why you should follow me on this one: i own NO APPLE PRODUCTS but damn, when the 3G 32gB comes along, i'm hitchin on big time.

it's just that my girlfriend re-did her verizon contract right after they released the stupid iphone. talk about painful, now i will have to pay the 175$ termination fee.

[drb6]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. .


Rumor is for two months actually..

And anyone receiving such a rumor should be well aware the unlikeliness that Apple would do something like this after last year's debacle. So I'm thinking maybe this makes their source that much more reliable??

:rolleyes: just thinking positive

[Prof.]

*glances back to what I said earlier*

THIS JUST IN:

"Apple lowers price of all three iPod touch's by one hundred US dollars - gives fifty dollar rebate to early adopters."
I am so smart, I am so smart - s-m-r-t I mean s-m-a-r-t.:D

[naroola]

"ok quick question... I just bought the 8gb iphone on monday. I kind of want to return it for the 16gb but I don't really want to spend the extra hundred. Can I return my 8gb and by the 16gb if the price drops? Basically, how long is my return policy??"

I literally bought my iPhone 48 hours ago - and if this does happen, you can bet I'll be at my AT&T store before the employees. Expecially if there's a return policy for it or a price gifting type of thing. No difference to me. Same phone, except with more space I'll probably never use.

Oh, and no Frisco, Windows Mobile is horrible. The only other phone I would EVER even consider is that rumored Google device. When Windows is as seamless as Mac on any front, get back to me. Until that day, keep on squirting your music.

You have 14 days return policy from the date you purchased the iPhone. If you opened the box and try to return the phone within those 14 days, then Apple will charge you a 10% restocking fee, i.e. $40 for the 8GB.

So if you want to swap the 8GB version with the 16GB version and you've opened the box already, you will end up paying $140 instead of $100 for the upgrade.

[surferuke]

idiot me. nimbus cloud was right (not jay)

[Lancetx]

At least this time around there would be a precedent for a price drop like this. The $200 drop on the iPhone last September came totally from left field as Apple had never done anything like that before so quickly after a new product launch. So it definitely wouldn't shock me at all if this rumored drop happens, but I severely doubt it'll be before April or May though.

[basesloaded190]

*glances back to what I said earlier*


I am so smart, I am so smart - s-m-r-t I mean s-m-a-r-t.:D
you could be right on the price drop, but i honestly don't think they are going to give people money back like they did with the iphone. i would be nice, but i don't think they would do that..

[dbam987]

I just got the 8 gb touch today a this news comes up. I hope apple gives some credit towards it but I can see them not. Either way I made the choice to get the touch at the current price.

[akadmon]

Not gonna happen until June, unless sales lag far behind projections across the board. If early adopters complain en masse (a la Sep 2007), there may be a $50 'go away' check for them (good toward a purchase of a 3G iPhone). Again, only if price drops before June.

[DanB91]

awesome :)
ive been always begging for an iphone but never really wanted to slap out 400 bux. maybe i can snatch one of the 8gb for 300 bux b4 they are discontinued (i really have a small music collection and dont need much space)

[surferuke]

if apple stock sees a downslide for the next few months, can we expect the 3G 32gB iphone 2.0 sooner?

[Pukey]

I'll wait for the 64GB iPT. When it gets down to $399.

[basesloaded190]

if apple stock sees a downslide for the next few months, can we expect the 3G 32gB iphone 2.0 sooner?

doubt it. the stock has been on a downslide for a while. apple likes to stick to their guns and they won't release anything until the date they wanted to (or later) begin with

[chr1s60]

Again? How many times is Apple going to drop prices and discontinue models? It is getting kind of ridiculous. I understood the first one for iPhone in order to help sales, but I don't see the point of dropping the 8GB model. Right now if I didn't already have an iPhone I wouldn't buy one after hearing this rumor. Not only will those who just bought a 16GB be pissed off by a price drop, but who knows if the 16GB will even be around in a few months. However, the price drop and the discontinuing of the 8GB would allow for the possibility of a $399 16GB w/EDGE and $499 16GB with 3G.

[sterlingindigo]

Can't believe AAPL would do another price drop/apology letter/store credit and not learn from last time. Bleeding edge - the only right time to buy. But boy, to get a 32GB iPhone with 3G at the end of this month would be bombastic! I'll be trading up fo sho.

[surferuke]

doubt it. the stock has been on a downslide for a while. apple likes to stick to their guns and they won't release anything until the date they wanted to (or later) begin with

i really think that the only reason we are seeing price drops is because of stock price drops. what other reason is there for it but to bump up sales?

[sterlingindigo]

i really think that the only reason we are seeing price drops is because of stock price drops. what other reason is there for it but to bump up sales?

Get rid of channel inventory maybe...

[chr1s60]

i really think that the only reason we are seeing price drops is because of stock price drops. what other reason is there for it but to bump up sales?

Hopefully Apple doesn't panic and realizes that the entire market is crap right now and they aren't the only stock dropping. Give it some time.

[basesloaded190]

i really think that the only reason we are seeing price drops is because of stock price drops. what other reason is there for it but to bump up sales?

i understand your thoughts here, but apple is not the only one seeing drops in stock prices. everyone is right now! until the market makes a move upward, stocks are going to continue to be lower than what they should be

[tuneman07]

I just got a 16gig Ipod touch a few days ago and I have to say it is an awesome device. I would be surprised if they dropped the price as there is nothing really comparable out there. Why don't they drop the price on their Macbooks so I can buy one of those :)

[ifudge]

>really think that the only reason we are seeing price drops is because of stock price drops.<

But we aren't seeing price drops - it's just rumor. The 16 GB iPhone will cost the same tomorrow as it did today, and there won't be a price drop until one is announced.

[nimbuscloud]

Again? How many times is Apple going to drop prices and discontinue models? It is getting kind of ridiculous. I understood the first one for iPhone in order to help sales, but I don't see the point of dropping the 8GB model. Right now if I didn't already have an iPhone I wouldn't buy one after hearing this rumor. Not only will those who just bought a 16GB be pissed off by a price drop, but who knows if the 16GB will even be around in a few months. However, the price drop and the discontinuing of the 8GB would allow for the possibility of a $399 16GB w/EDGE and $499 16GB with 3G.

You should NEVER buy a house, or a car for that matter.

:apple:

[Tosser]

I just got a 16gig Ipod touch a few days ago and I have to say it is an awesome device. I would be surprised if they dropped the price as there is nothing really comparable out there. Why don't they drop the price on their Macbooks so I can buy one of those :)

I know that the Touch can do "stuff" others can't do, but when people (not you) seem to imply that most of the price is because of the hardware, they ought to look up the prices of Sansas products. Especially the 32GB View.

Hell, even the cheapest, crappiest MP3-player from china can do "stuff" the Touch can't: Disk mode.

But anyhoo – congrats (not being tongue in cheek – you hopefully bought it because it does _everything_ you want it to).

[add2mac]

I mean if it's coming from other companies who are not so uptight about the price, I understand. But this kind of 100$ cut every now and then is quite annoying and they will say sth like... Oh the memory price is dropping so quickly so we had to do it FOR THE CUSTOMERS.

Now I can sort of understand the 20$ update but 100$ price cut? NO NO NO
Steve Jobs you are crazy if you do this(he should have made it cheaper in first place if he knew this was coming)

And why not price cut on their MB, MBP etc? Do they not think computer parts get cheaper continuously?

[chr1s60]

You should NEVER buy a house, or a car for that matter.

:apple:

Not even close to the same thing. Don't compare the hosing market with iPhones or iPods.

[kabunaru]

This is interesting. Will be good for those who haven't bought the iPod Touch or iPhone yet.

[jmadlena]

Emphasis mine. Not for those of us who just purchased an iPod touch before MacWorld and have to pay $20 to use the apps that it should have come with in the first place. Now, I get screwed out of a possible $100 price reduction. YIPPEE!

- Jay

If you feel that the features at the time weren't worth the money, why did you buy it?

[sushi]

My bet, after the recent iPhone price drop fiasco, is that Apple will wait until when they update the iPod line before they drop the price. I would expect this to happen sometime around September.

[MacGeek7]

Again? How many times is Apple going to drop prices and discontinue models? It is getting kind of ridiculous. I understood the first one for iPhone in order to help sales, but I don't see the point of dropping the 8GB model. Right now if I didn't already have an iPhone I wouldn't buy one after hearing this rumor. Not only will those who just bought a 16GB be pissed off by a price drop, but who knows if the 16GB will even be around in a few months. However, the price drop and the discontinuing of the 8GB would allow for the possibility of a $399 16GB w/EDGE and $499 16GB with 3G.

Welcome to the wonderful world of ever changing and advancing technology... ;)

[DTphonehome]

Until the 3G iPhone is released, I think the prices will stay exactly where they are.

[tuneman07]

I know that the Touch can do "stuff" others can't do, but when people (not you) seem to imply that most of the price is because of the hardware, they ought to look up the prices of Sansas products. Especially the 32GB View.

Hell, even the cheapest, crappiest MP3-player from china can do "stuff" the Touch can't: Disk mode.

But anyhoo – congrats (not being tongue in cheek – you hopefully bought it because it does _everything_ you want it to).

Well the view appears to suck basically. It doesn't do half what the touch does so of course it costs less. Apple charges a lot for everything but with something as unique as the touch/Iphone it at least makes more sense.

[Spritey]

Let the whining begin!

I bought my 16gig Touch back in November.
Oh well, I am still pleased with my purchase.

Me too! Got a 16GB and I couldn't have been more satisfied.

Wish people could learn that there's this thing called 'early adopter tax' before they whine.

And it's the same with everything you buy more or less. You know that the shirt (or whatever) that you really really want will go on sale for 75% off in 3 weeks, but you still have to get it as soon as you see it. Same goes with technology where you always see a price drop or improvement. Granted, the cycle's a bit longer.

[kaykhanittha]

9to5Mac believes (http://9to5mac.com/ipod-iphone-price-drops-coming-soon-299-399-16GB-32GB-453677) that the iPhone and iPod touch will be seeing $100 price drops in the next two months, simultaneously discontinuing the low capacity models.

Their belief is that the 8GB Touch and 8GB iPhone will be discontinued, leaving a 16GB iPhone at $399, 16GB Touch at $299, and 32GB Touch at $399.

The move would be reminiscent of the $200 iPhone price drop (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/05/8gb-iphone-price-drop-4gb-iphone-discontinued/) and discontinuation of the 4GB iPhone that took place in September, 2007. The surprise iPhone price drop -- only 3 months after the introduction of the iPhone -- caused an outcry amongst early adopters. The outcry was so great, that Steve Jobs posted an open letter (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/06/steve-jobs-open-letter-to-iphone-owners/) to explain the decision and gave existing iPhone owners a $100 Apple store credit.



At least iPhone should even be $200 cheaper!
Thanks for the link
http://www.buythismobile.com/APPLE-IPHONE/Price-Drop-on-iPhone-and-iPod-Touch-why-should-Apple-offer-cheaper-devices

[La Porta]

Whatever. I bought my 16 GB iPod Touch in advance and received it in September. It is now February. I have been loving it ever since. Sure, the $20 upgrade was kind of bogus, but it's made me use the thing a lot more. Fact is: I was willing to pay $399 for it when it came out. That's it folks, you pay for something at one point in time when that is it's price. If you buy a new car, and then suddenly when next year's new and improved model comes out yours is worth less just because it isn't as flashy, you didn't get screwed. It was what it was when you bought it. Now it isn't. As for me, they can drop the price on the 32 GB...hell, make a 64! I'm still happy with my 16 and think it is worth just what I paid for it, when I paid for it.

[franzmueller]

I dont get it .....

I understand if Apple keeps the ipod line at the same price level but offering more features AND more GB which is fine ..... it goes with the industry

But keeping the iphone at 399.- ( $ or € ) is just to expensive , i dont know how good it will do in Asia when it is finally released but in Europe it is not doing very well ( 500.000 sold in the 3 mayor European markets ? )

Apple needs an entry level price phone at € 199.- if the want to succeed .


Franz

[arn]

How many times is Apple going to drop prices and discontinue models?

Hopefully they will never stop doing this. Otherwise you're suggesting they sell the same iPhone at the same price forever?

arn

[basesloaded190]

Hopefully they will never stop doing this. Otherwise you're suggesting they sell the same iPhone at the same price forever?

arn


amen to that...a voice of reason. go home whiners

[archurban]

the price dropping is just matter of time. just like the past. but I am not sure whether price will be $100 off or not within two months. I think that high end flash memory is not easily dropped. so I could say that it will be coming summer.

well, at that time I maybe need more space. but now I am just satisfied with my 8GB touch.

[Tosser]

the price dropping is just matter of time. just like the past. but I am not sure whether price will be $100 off or not within two months. I think that high end flash memory is not easily dropped. so I could say that it will be coming summer.

well, at that time I maybe need more space. but now I am just satisfied with my 8GB touch.

We're not talking high end flash here. We're talking two 16GB flash chips in the biggest touch right now. And I am willing to bet they have used far from something akin to Sandisks Extreme III, let alone the IV. No, it's propably in the speed range of the Ultra II, and priced accordingly (well, when they buy it –*of course they sell it to you as "high end flash", lol).

[arn]

the price dropping is just matter of time. just like the past. but I am not sure whether price will be $100 off or not within two months. I think that high end flash memory is not easily dropped. so I could say that it will be coming summer.

The prices of flash have been dropping for months now, this price drop hasn't yet been reflected in the iPhone or iPod Touch.

The 8GB iPhone ($399) goes the the same it did in September 2007.

arn

[Delia]

I am praying so hard that this price drop happens at the Feb Event! I would much rather get my hands on a 16gb ipod touch than an 8 for the same price!:D

[twoodcc]

i think this needs to happen. it should have happened with the updates

[Michael CM1]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. This will be more expensive, include 3g and GPS. Maybe some other surprises, portable iwork or something to make it more like a PDA. (and in my dreams, a built in isight for portable ichat, but that part is unlikely)

With the announcement of Garmin's Nuvifone with real GPS, Apple's under pressure to offer a device with that capability. Since not everyone needs GPS or a pda, why not have an iphone pro with pro-like features. This will be marketed as a handheld computer, not a phone.

Anyone agree?

Lord no.

Apple wants to sell MORE iPhones, not fewer. The more likely item is something along the lines of an "iPhone nano," which would perhaps be a bit smaller or maybe not have all the Internet features. The "SmartPhone" market is much smaller than the overall cell phone market. Releasing a product that just does calls, voicemail, calendar, and iPod features would get tons of buyers.

[mackiwi]

Lord no.

Apple wants to sell MORE iPhones, not fewer. The more likely item is something along the lines of an "iPhone nano," which would perhaps be a bit smaller or maybe not have all the Internet features. The "SmartPhone" market is much smaller than the overall cell phone market. Releasing a product that just does calls, voicemail, calendar, and iPod features would get tons of buyers.

I agree with macman, the iphone pro would be a sound business decision, with the current 8GB & 16GB edge iphone falling in price (effectively becoming the 'nano').

Iphone Pro will be 3G, larger screen, ichat - in essence it will be the fabled mactablet. Especially if it packs one of the upcoming intel ULV chips.

And eventually a dock device for your desk will enable you to attach a full size keyboard, mouse & Monitor to your iphone/ipod touch, which will replace the macmini as apples entry level mac OS X device.

[corywoolf]

Not for those of us who just purchased an iPod touch before MacWorld and have to pay $20 to use the apps that it should have come with in the first place. Now, I get screwed out of a possible $100 price reduction. YIPPEE!

- Jay



Not trolling. Long time lurker, just haven't posted much. I don't take issue with the depreciation of value. I take issue with the depreciation of value AND the additional $20 I had to spend to have my iPod touch have additional applications. Make sense? That's my complaint.

- Jay
Ok, well did Apple ever say they were included in the original price? They need to make money somehow. IMO $20 is not a bad price for the increased functionality. Since the iPhone and iPod Touch were designed to be devices that rarely see a form factor change, just bumps in storage, they need to charge money for major upgrades because normally with regular iPods, you'd have to buy a whole new one. It's actually in benefit of the consumer, since instead of shelling out $300 for a new iPod (just to gain a few new software features like you'd have to do with the iPod Video), you just pay small amounts of money to gain cool new features and apps.

[MacRoom]

Now this. Really bad timing on that one. Should have expected it. But I love my new 3.2GHz 32GB 3.7TB Quad Display Mac Pro. :D

[Pukey]

I've seen a lot of posts mentioning how expensive flash memory is in this and other threads and some saying prices have been dropping. I'll admit I haven't been following prices especially since you have to dig deeper to find costs companies pay for the materials used in their devices, such as flash chips, rather than just look up a flash drive on Newegg (which will obviously be different). When people say expensive I think $100 or more (for flash memory alone) per iPhone or Touch because of how much Apple charges for these products. However, according to this Business Week article an 8GB flash chip in the Touch is $32. (I think this is for the 1st gen 8GBTouch).
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2007/tc20071217_113525.htm
Not sure where Toshiba chips rank in quality.
Maybe $32 is expensive per 8GB flash chip (perhaps it's gone down since), but it is cheaper than I had expected. Although maybe I'm too tolerant in this sense.

Also a nice tear-down by iFixit:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPod/iPod-Touch/130

I suppose this might be old news to most, but thought I would post it in case anyone found it useful as I did.

[Reverov]

I don't understand how people can get pissed off about price drops. You pretty much signed a contract that said you were willing to pay the price you paid for your product at the time you purchased it. If it's not worth it, then don't buy it!!!!

[ltldrummerboy]

I think iPod prices won't be cut until around September, the usual time for new models and better specs.

[Nology]

Man, they should've dropped the price as soon as this was released.

[Jphillippe]

I don't understand how people can get pissed off about price drops. You pretty much signed a contract that said you were willing to pay the price you paid for your product at the time you purchased it. If it's not worth it, then don't buy it!!!!

I agree, people should stop complaining, and when you commit your self to something, make sure you won't have any regrets. Don't stop paying your rent to by the iphone for $500 and then complain because it was cheaper. everything loses their value, look at cars...except my wife, she gets better everyday (lol she's next to me).

[hexonxonx]

Let the whining begin!

I bought my 16gig Touch back in November.
Oh well, I am still pleased with my purchase.

Same, it's what we can always expect by being some of the first to purchase a new product release.

If I would have waited a year to buy my GPS, I could have gotten it for $400 cheaper than getting it the day it went on sale. I don't mind paying the price to have something on day one.

[SeeLos]

My 16GB iPhone was shipped yesterday. I originally wanted to wait for a 3G model but after they updated to 16GB, I just have a hard time believing in the 3G model for a little while. Next major "update" will probably be an 'iPhone nano' as stated above. I heard that 3G will have to be at least 6 months out anyway because the FCC has to clear the plans...anyone know if this is true or not? I just hope I didn't buy my iPhone at a bad time, I've been waiting for long enough for more memory...

[Marx55]

Apple, put Intel Silverthorne inside iPhone and iPod touch to have a full Mac OS X 10.4.1 inside. Plus Firewire. The complete and ultimate Mac in your pocket. Then we will buy.

[Tosser]

Apple, put Intel Silverthorne inside iPhone and iPod touch to have a full Mac OS X 10.4.1 inside. Plus Firewire. The complete and ultimate Mac in your pocket. Then we will buy.

LOL, they first dropped fw on the older ipods, then tried to discontinue FW800 on the MBP, then they dropped it entirely from the Airbook-series (well, "series" might be saying too much), and you hope for them to put a firewire connection into the Touch and iHoe (there's a joke in there somewhere …)?

Hell, the next step will be selling you a 800MHz ARM Processor at a premium. Then after you bought it, it will turn out it has been down-clocked in order to save on batteries. And then after a month, they'll "update" it to said 800MHz for a measly 120 bucks, having all the apologists will say that is swell and dandy and it's because of they had to, because of the new set of laws.
But that's not half of it. After having promised that the device will be capable og USB-host to do backups – a year after, they will still have failed to make the device do that, so they simply abondon the idea and introduce a new product, that can do that out of the box (think Airport Extreme/Time Capsule).

Apparently that is the new Apple way: Think Differently, indeed.

[skellener]

Just think, in a year there will be a 64GB iPod Touch! That'll just piss off everyone buying a 32GB now! ;)

[Pukey]

Just think, in a year there will be a 64GB iPod Touch! That'll just piss off everyone buying a 32GB now! ;)

A year? Perhaps mid to late 2008? It's possible I think. The 64GB is the one I'm waiting for (when it gets under $400). And THAT will most likely be next year. However I would have to wait and see how crippled it still is and what features are available. Hopefully by that time Apple will resurrect disk mode and support Flash Player among other things.
As far as the speculated price drop this month, on the one hand it seems too close to the recent RAM update on the other hand I could see Apple testing our limits with their "creative" marketing strategies.

[KarlRoos]

If they do this, I want a 100 € Apple credit ! :D

[wesk702]

Lord no.
The more likely item is something along the lines of an "iPhone nano," which would perhaps be a bit smaller or maybe not have all the Internet features.

confused, I thought this is what made the iphone so unique, take that away and ...

[Eduardo1971]

A year? Perhaps mid to late 2008? It's possible I think. The 64GB is the one I'm waiting for (when it gets under $400). And THAT will most likely be next year. However I would have to wait and see how crippled it still is and what features are available. Hopefully by that time Apple will resurrect disk mode and support Flash Player among other things.
As far as the speculated price drop this month, on the one hand it seems too close to the recent RAM update on the other hand I could see Apple testing our limits with their "creative" marketing strategies.

Wow, and to think that I 'just' have 87 GB (and counting) of songs on my Macbook. This does not include videos and podcasts that I've bought and downloaded from iTunes.

I wonder how many years until a 100GB+ iPod Touch?

[Michael CM1]

confused, I thought this is what made the iphone so unique, take that away and ...

It does, and there are many people (like me) who would utilize a bunch of the Internet through cell stuff.

BUT, there are also millions of people who think almost all cell phones are complicated. Many people just want a phone that will call people easily. Apple does well with Leopard by making new stuff easy (hello Time Machine). With Apple taking the existing technology of portable media devices and making those uber simple, why not think they could do it with cell phones?

Notice Apple's lines of iPods and Macs. You have the Touch/iPhone, which cater to the "ooh, gotta have it" folks, down to the Shuffle, which caters to a market that just wants a little thing to play music and not much else. You then also go from the hoss Power Mac down to the Mac Mini.

I doubt most of us on here would want something like this "iPhone Nano" I'm describing, but I also don't want an iPod Nano. Yet it apparently sells pretty darn well.

[Ged']

I love my iphone and I am going to enjoy using it over the next few weeks or so till the price drop. I'm going away for a week so assuming my iPhone takes all my video ( really need to catch up on the first season of heroes!) I will have no need for the extra space.

I know there's always the option to sell my phone on ebay. Unlocked an iPhone seems to sell for over the odds!

Anyways... Predictable move by apple, good one when it happens. Certainly be a good move against the n95.

[Cheffy Dave]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. This will be more expensive, include 3g and GPS. Maybe some other surprises, portable iwork or something to make it more like a PDA. (and in my dreams, a built in isight for portable ichat, but that part is unlikely)

With the announcement of Garmin's Nuvifone with real GPS, Apple's under pressure to offer a device with that capability. Since not everyone needs GPS or a pda, why not have an iphone pro with pro-like features. This will be marketed as a handheld computer, not a phone.

Anyone agree?

I concur, could possibly happen, if so I'm in

[Max_Walker]

The problem with the iphone is the lock-in plan.

I use a mobile phone only lightly and I therefore can't justify the cost of the contract.

That leaves the jailbreak as the only viable alternative - sacrificing access to a few of the best features.

What's required is a low use tariff + 'all you can eat' monthly charge or a PAYG option

[michaelsviews]

AT&T said a while back 3G iPhone in June, Rumors say May - June.

Me Personally, Drop the 8gig iPhone, 16gig or 32gig iPhone with 3G, Wifi, BT, and GPS.

Lets see how fast AT&T can kick out 3G to major cities and keep it up and running.

[Nik]

AT&T said a while back 3G iPhone in June, Rumors say May - June.

Me Personally, Drop the 8gig iPhone, 16gig or 32gig iPhone with 3G, Wifi, BT, and GPS.

Lets see how fast AT&T can kick out 3G to major cities and keep it up and running.

AT&T said: "You wll have a 3G iPhone in 2008"
They did not mention a month or more exact timeframe!

[Project]

Apple always introduces higher capacity iPods and then moves them down the price points. I'd be amazed if the 16GB iPhone wasn't $399 in a few months.

For the people moaning - get a grip already. Unbelievable.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

If this is true, it stinks for those who went out and purchased a 16gb model last week. I think they should have done it when they released the new model. It would be a bit of a stan in the back for the consumer.

[rdas7]

Originally, I estimated a price drop in the 8GB iPhone would come around September '08, along with the release of a 16GB model, in order to make that one push for Christmas in order to fulfill their stated goal of 10m units sold by the end of 2008.

I suppose the slightly-lower-than-expected sales in Europe pushed that forward, surprisingly to February, in order to keep the sales trends up. Interestingly, they didn't drop the price of the 8GB and introduce a 16GB at the old price point, instead they added a higher price point for the 16GB model.

This makes total business sense: give people the option that if they want more, they can pay more. Also, since apparently Flash Memory prices haven't come down sufficiently for them to shift the price points, introducing the 16GB model at a higher price is simply the economy to-scale.

I wouldn't expect a price drop in the 8GB model until September, when the market has matched the value of the Flash Memory, or they introduce a new model.

With regards to the new (possibly 3G model), it's obvious that Apple are going to have to go through the same FCC application process as before, and will want to announce the unit 6 months before it ships. The obvious time to do this would be MacWorld 2009, with a ship date of June 2009. Since once the iPhone 2.0 model is announced, they can expect a sharp drop off in sales (as people hold off their purchases for the new model), that would be the time to be "giving iPhones away", in terms of really cheap prices, and adding a slew of new features to make them as attractive as possible and make that decision to "hold off" as difficult as possible :)

While we're on the topic, let me just go ahead and put my 2¢ in that other than 3G, it's likely that the iPhone 2.0 will focus more on photography (ie. a 3MP or 5MP camera) with tighter integration with iPhoto. After all, there's only so much you can do with music & videos... That is, assuming that Calendar/ToDo/Notes & iChat functionality are rolled out on the current iPhone (Apple FTW!)

[gnasher729]

Apple, put Intel Silverthorne inside iPhone and iPod touch to have a full Mac OS X 10.4.1 inside. Plus Firewire. The complete and ultimate Mac in your pocket. Then we will buy.

I'd prefer two ARM chips, running at higher speed with lower power consumption, and actually available today.

[Surely]

This is good news..... if there is any meat to it.

Now I'm not sure what to do- I was planning on buying the 16GB iPhone on Friday when I get to LA, now I think that maybe I'll wait a bit to see if this rumour plays out at all. There's always something that will get you to wait....just....a....bit....longer.... Ah well.

However, I won't be waiting long- maybe a week or two at the most. I've been waiting long enough!

/Hello from Chicago....

[unconcious]

I can't believe people are complaining about a price drop on either the iPhone or the iPod Touch!!!! Just a little while ago people complained both products were a little bit over prized, now that apple is rumored to drop prices people complain again... :confused:

[seedster2]

Apple needs to stay competitive in the cellphone industry and that requires frequent price cuts!

Why all of you who complained about the initial pricecuts and were subsequently appeased is beyond me. One should not expect the iphone to follow the same pricing scheme and update patterns as other :apple: devices because its a totally unique space which evolves exponentially faster.

If you all desire to see the phone succeed you would deal with the pricecuts and enjoy what you have. Imagine BB users expecting a rebate everytime a new model was announced or a price drop occurred:rolleyes:

[tillathenun]

Apple will do a price drop (but not yet - not immediately after announcing the larger capacity iPhone), get rid of the 8gb one and then introduce a 32gb iPhone with 3G and GPS. They'll keep the 16gb model as a cheap option and the 32gb will be iPhone 3G (or something like that anyway).

It's possible someone else has written exactly the same as this, so apologies if that's the case. I felt like writing something but couldn't be bothered to read previous comments on the subject before adding my "two cents"!

Good day!

[kwajo.com]

You can all thank me for the price drop, I just bought my first new iPod in over 3 years this week, so it stands to reason that after waiting that long, that the price would drop after I finally ordered :rolleyes:

Oh well, it's all good...

[skellener]

Wow, and to think that I 'just' have 87 GB (and counting) of songs on my Macbook. This does not include videos and podcasts that I've bought and downloaded from iTunes.

I wonder how many years until a 100GB+ iPod Touch?

I'd say 2010. I will be 128GB and be $100 more than whatever is available at the time.

[EagerDragon]

Now that 100 drop would be really welcomed.
I hope it is true.

[gkarris]

I would say probably sometime in April or May (or around when new iPhone is released)

Just in time for Graduation gift buying...

Don't send your student off to school without that new Macbook Air and 16 Gig iPhone!!! :eek:

(all I had back in the day was a color TV...) :mad:

[theGAPkid]

It seems to me that there are a lot of people complaining about how they'll be "Screwed over" if there's a price drop.

How many iPod Touches / iPhones do you reckon are sold A DAY???

Apple, as much as they try, are never gonna make every person happy, and it doesnt matter if they update prices now or 4mths down the line. There will still be people who moan cos people buy these products on a daily basis.

People should just not fret ocer the fact that they may not get the biggest capacity for their money. They should be thankful they've got one at all.

I am still trying to scrape together funds to buy one!!! :o

[Xtremehkr]

If the old Nano shape isn't brought back, I'll probably get an iPod Touch. The iPod Touch so many other useful things outside of being an iPod it's more like a PDA. I really hope that more programs are developed so it can be used like a PDA, since it would be a cinch to sync. They could even call it the iPod Touch - Newton Edition.

[Virgil-TB2]

This wouldn't be such a surprising price cut. The cheapest iPhone on the market would still be $399. This is pretty much the trend as I see it in technology- mainstream computers and gadgets stay about the same price but you get more and more for your money.

The thing that happened last year was bizarre because after only three months they orphaned the 4GB model and made the 8GB model $200 cheaper, and $100 cheaper than the previously least expensive model.I think it makes sense for the lower end models, but if the (presumed) purpose is to create room at the top of the pricing chart for a newer iPhone model, it fails to makes sense in regards the new capacity models so recently introduced.

All those customers that bought into the double capacity models for an extra hundred bucks will be caught out, and the whining that ensues could make the last price cut debacle look like a cake-walk.

They could do that razzamatazz about the rebate again, but given the time frame, why wouldn't they have just doubled the capacity for the same price instead of the extra hundred in the first place?

[jackc]

The $100 price drop will certainly happen, but probably within 4-6 months I'd guess.

But sooner is better, maybe it would be good to set a new precedent after the iPhone fiasco that they'll drop the price whenever they darn well feel like it. And if consumers don't like it, either keep waiting until you're really sure you want it, or just pay more!

[greenbags125]

Guys, Apple has a very delicate pricing system, with each tier or product carefully thought out.

Entry level shuffle $79
4GB nano $149
8GB nano $199
8GB Touch $299
16GB Touch $399
8GB iPhone $399
32GB Touch $499
16GB iPhone $499

Look at that pricing structure. A price drop will have to incorporate all the flash based iPods. There is no way Apple can drop the price of the touch to $199 and have it be the same price as the much less capable nano. If you double the memory but keep the prices constant, then it will kill nano sales. 8GB nano $199, 16GB Touch $299. Apple will lower prices once a year like they've been doing for years, around September time. Before then, I wouldn't expect any price drops.

[jhershauer]

I agree that, for the most part, it makes no sense to complain about a price drop. I'd love to see Apple make regular price drops across their product line. It would be silly, as a consumer, to want to pay more. On the other hand, it would seem a little sleazy on Apple's part to introduce a new product or product update, then wait until just past the price guarantee period (14 days in this case) to drop the price on that new product.

I bought a 16GB iPhone on Friday, and I understand that I'm paying a luxury tax on it. I fully expect a price drop in 3 to 6 months, along with the introduction of a newer, better model. The irrational gadget freak inside me has won out over my sensible side and I've decided I can live with that luxury tax for the enjoyment I'm already getting out of a great product.

I've been an early adopter of a number of Apple's products, including the first flat-screen iMac and the 40GB Apple TV. I've never had a problem with the fact that better, lower priced versions have come out a few months down the road. I expect it. However, if they lower the price of the 16GB iPhone at the February event, it will forever change the way I approach buying new Apple products. At some point, there could be a financial impact on Apple if too many people start feeling that way.

Jeff

[MacGeek7]

Guys, Apple has a very delicate pricing system, with each tier or product carefully thought out.

Entry level shuffle $79
4GB nano $149
8GB nano $199
8GB Touch $299
16GB Touch $399
8GB iPhone $399
32GB Touch $499
16GB iPhone $499

Look at that pricing structure. A price drop will have to incorporate all the flash based iPods. There is no way Apple can drop the price of the touch to $199 and have it be the same price as the much less capable nano. If you double the memory but keep the prices constant, then it will kill nano sales. 8GB nano $199, 16GB Touch $299. Apple will lower prices once a year like they've been doing for years, around September time. Before then, I wouldn't expect any price drops.

good point...

[Orng]

I was going to buy a touch this week!

Now I'll hold off a bit.

[Eric Lewis]

i just want this damm device in canada!

[happydude]

Until the 3G iPhone is released, I think the prices will stay exactly where they are.

agreed. apple isn't going to change prices less than a month after releasing the 16GB model. most rumors have pointed toward the 3G model not coming out until at least june. and besides, with FCC patent rules, wouldn't we all know when apple has finally developed and building 3G iphones?

[billabong]

i just want this damm device in canada!

me too!

[kugino]

hmm, i just bought a 16GB iphone last night...but haven't opened it yet since i've been so busy and i know my day will be shot if i do open it.

anyway, i think a 3G iphone comes out in september/october in time for the holiday season...that's at least 6 months of use for me before a new model comes out, which is perfectly acceptable IMO.

[Eric Lewis]

me too!

well at least 1.1.3 is unlockable

[farmboy]

That's just great. First $20 for an ipod touch update... now this... sheesh.

- Jay

Sorry you can't afford the 20 bucks, but Apple is required by federal law to charge for that type of upgrade. They're not being greedy or trying to rip off students--it's the law.

[michaelsviews]

AT&T said: "You wll have a 3G iPhone in 2008"
They did not mention a month or more exact timeframe!

Your right on that but I heard the time frame from the local AT&T Corp store, and the people saying it have not steered anyone wrong yet. If its BS its bs, dont care either way. Just wish that 3G for data was as good as EVDO RevA which its not and 3G is still not available in all areas

[Rhosfelt]

I could use a $100 store credit/rebate for my 16gb. I just don't think it will happen with the open letter and all last time. Seems like toouch of a hastle to go through for apple.

[forafireescape]

Sorry you can't afford the 20 bucks, but Apple is required by federal law to charge for that type of upgrade. They're not being greedy or trying to rip off students--it's the law.

Really? I didn't know that. Could you explain it more? I think a lot of people just thought Apple was being greedy.

[brucebrendon]

that would suck for those that already ordered/bought the 32gb touch or 16gb iphone :mad:

indeed. a rebate certainly would be required to win me back, but then i doubt apple exactly require me (unfort.).

love/hate

[Matthew Yohe]

indeed. a rebate certainly would be required to win me back, but then i doubt apple exactly require me (unfort.).

love/hate


It's bound to happen and stop this "win me back" talk.

Pathetic.

[joejoejoe]

My theory:

3G iPhone comes later this year, 16g replaces the 8g and 32g replaces the 16g... prices stay the same.

[sam10685]

Bring back the 4 gig iphone at $199.

[pedroistheman]

as much as we all love to b*tch and whine about these price cuts, one can't deny that some day we will all have to replace our iPhones and these cuts will benefit the consumer in the long run. Also, I can't imagine fitting all my new apps on my 8 gig, although I am in no position to buy a new iPhone no matter the price cut.

Regarding the validity of this rumor...I believe it! It follows apple's usual pattern of releasing a bigger iPod, keeping it for about $100 extra for a few months, then discontinuing the smaller version and making the larger version a new standard. One last note: I don't believe this move will correlate in amy way with the 3g version but I could be wrong as maybe a larger hd means more battery...(correct me if I'm wrong but isn't battery life the only reason apple chose edge in the first place...)

[brucebrendon]

It's bound to happen and stop this "win me back" talk.

Pathetic.

yep true :) done

(i'll put 'jokes' in future so you know)


Ps. jokes

[GQB]

that would suck for those that already ordered/bought the 32gb touch or 16gb iphone :mad:

ANYONE who buys a 32/16 right now and then goes thermal in a couple of months from now when the next step in a VERY fluid feature/price evolution happens deserves every bit of the name-calling and bashing they will get on this forum. Be forewarned.
Buy now because the features work for you, or wait until the one you need is availble. Those are the options. Whining is not.

[whatever]

Not going to happen.

Apple will discontinue the 8GB iPod touch in the next six months and at that time either introduce a 40GB iPod Touch and move everything down in price or just move the 16 and 32GB iPod Touches to the 8GB and 16GB price points. There will be no $100.00 drop.

At the same time expect to see the iPhone do something similar. It was always Apple's plan to have to model iPhones (4GB and 8GB).

Do not expect to see both an Edge and 3G based iPhone at the same time.

[shen]

Apple will discontinue the 8GB iPod touch in the next six months and at that time either introduce a 40GB iPod Touch and move everything down in price or just move the 16 and 32GB iPod Touches to the 8GB and 16GB price points.

Do not expect to see both an Edge and 3G based iPhone at the same time.

ok, in general i think you are right, but why a 40GB? is that really the next flash size? :confused:

[whatever]

if apple stock sees a downslide for the next few months, can we expect the 3G 32gB iphone 2.0 sooner?

No, because the stock price at Apple has nothing to do with there release schedule. If it did then they would never release a product, because every time they do the stock price drops, only to start rising a few weeks later.

Having a high stock price is important, but Apple has made a wise decision not to allow the stock price manage their day to day activities. Companies that base all decisions on stock value often find themselves failing over time. When Apple's stock dropped to under $15.00 a share (before split), Apple wisely stuck to their plans and look at the results less than 8 years later.

[chr1s60]

They mention that the 8Gb will be discontinued and that the iPod Nanos are set for an update as well

Why would Apple update the iPod Nano again? I have nothing against Apple or other companies constantly updating their products, but I think they should at least leave about a year in between updates. Sometimes I just think Apple is in a big hurry to keep upgrading some products while they kind of ignore updates to others.

[smitty078]

This is all fine and dandy but I personally won't buy any Touch device if it doesn't have GPS. I'd buy an iPhone with GPS, iPod Touch with GPS or iGPS (either of these would basically be iPod touch with GPS but no phone) even if it cost $699 but I can tell apple I won't buy until there's a touch with GPS. Anyone else with me on this?

[whatever]

ok, in general i think you are right, but why a 40GB? is that really the next flash size? :confused:

Just guess like everyone else. In the past Apple has doubled the size of their flash drives (4, 8, 16, 32), so following that pattern the next would be 64. However, the problem there is that the MacBook Air uses 64GB and that tends to be the starting point for the larger flash drives in computers.

So unless Apple can quickly get a larger Flash drive for the Air, I don't see them releasing a Flash based iPod/iPhone with the storage of a computer.

But like I said, this is just a guess on my part, based on nothing.

[BlakTornado]

Well 9to5mac is almost as good a source as Apple itself xD I'm excited about this as I'm dying to get an iPod (Of any sort but especially a touch) after playing with an iPhone in The CarPhone Warehouse today so fingers crossed!

[StophMac24]

i'll believe it when i see it. hopefully there wont be a huge uproar of iphone owners like there were last time...

[guzhogi]

Meh. I don't really care about the price drop. Means more people will be able to afford it. Only thing is why not just use the same capacity flash drive in the iPhone & Touch? Don't know how much that'll increase the price of the iPhone, but it would be a lot simpler if the 2 products used the same capacities. Maybe 16 & 32 GB options and than 64 when the MBA gets 128 or whatever.

i'll believe it when i see it. hopefully there wont be a huge uproar of iphone owners like there were last time...

Only problem I had w/ that price drop was it was too much and too soon after the iPhone's original launch. Now, a price drop is fine as long as it's only $100. If they started selling 64 GB 3g iPhones for only $99, then I'd have a problem.

[charles4515]

Meh. I don't really care about the price drop. Means more people will be able to afford it. Only thing is why not just use the same capacity flash drive in the iPhone & Touch? Don't know how much that'll increase the price of the iPhone, but it would be a lot simpler if the 2 products used the same capacities. Maybe 16 & 32 GB options and than 64 when the MBA gets 128 or whatever.



I read somewhere that the iPhone has one memory slot because the space is used for the phone internals and the iTouch has two memory slots.

[justflie]

Disclaimer: I don't know too much about this subject.

Now, on to my idea. What if Apple incorporated two flash drives that are partitioned for ZFS? From my understanding, ZFS is a pooled storage scheme so the computer would see 2 32gb flash drives as a single 64gb flash drive. It would take up more space inside the iPod/iPhone, but it would be a much cheaper way to go than a single 64gb SSD. I understand that ZFS write is not enabled in Leopard (yet) and I'm pretty sure Windows can't read/write it.

However, I could see this as an option that has at least passed through the minds of Apple engineers. Thoughts?

[hexonxonx]

I read somewhere that the iPhone has one memory slot because the space is used for the phone internals and the iTouch has two memory slots.

Yes that's true. This is the reason the Touch will always have more memory than the iPhone. Also from the photos I have seen, the memory used in the Touch and the iPhone are different as in manufacturer and they didn't appear to be the same dimensions.

[hexonxonx]

This is all fine and dandy but I personally won't buy any Touch device if it doesn't have GPS. I'd buy an iPhone with GPS, iPod Touch with GPS or iGPS (either of these would basically be iPod touch with GPS but no phone) even if it cost $699 but I can tell apple I won't buy until there's a touch with GPS. Anyone else with me on this?

I already have a full function Garmin Nuvi GPS. I don't need one in my phone as well. Plus, the Garmin pairs up to my iPhones handsfree so I don't even have to pull out my iPhone to take and make calls. It's already as convenient as it can get.

[jhsfosho]

As much as I'd like to see the iphone and ipod touch drop in price, I know it would be unfair to the people who bought the larger versions as soon as they were released.

Oh, who am I kidding. The sooner the price drops the sooner I can get one!

[obeygiant]

This new is just brilliant considering I just upgraded my iPhone 2 hours ago to the 16gig. I love the iPhone but why punish the early adopter so much. Aren't they jsut shooting themselves in the foot?

[Jetson]

Whatever. I bought my 16 GB iPod Touch in advance and received it in September. It is now February. I have been loving it ever since. Sure, the $20 upgrade was kind of bogus, but it's made me use the thing a lot more. Fact is: I was willing to pay $399 for it when it came out. That's it folks, you pay for something at one point in time when that is it's price. If you buy a new car, and then suddenly when next year's new and improved model comes out yours is worth less just because it isn't as flashy, you didn't get screwed. It was what it was when you bought it. Now it isn't. As for me, they can drop the price on the 32 GB...hell, make a 64! I'm still happy with my 16 and think it is worth just what I paid for it, when I paid for it.
One of the most sensible attitudes I've read in here.

[penter]

that would really be amazing, but it'll be a big upset for many who have already made purchases....

[hexonxonx]

This new is just brilliant considering I just upgraded my iPhone 2 hours ago to the 16gig. I love the iPhone but why punish the early adopter so much. Aren't they jsut shooting themselves in the foot?

It happens with anything you buy, it's not punishing you, it's just the way things are.

Last February, Garmin released the Nuvi 680 GPS. I bought two of them the day they went on sale and BestBuy was the exclusive seller for that model for a few months. Price = $1000. Go look up the price now for that model. A few days ago, I saw it listed for $599. Should I get upset? No, I could have saved $800 since I bought two but I don't care, I got to use it from day one.

Your cars price probably dropped a great deal a few months after you bought it as well. I know mine did, heck they didn't even make my cars model this year but it's being improved on and will be better than what I bought for the next year. Not mad at all. I bought it for what it had in it at the time and that's what I paid for.

Price drops and new models are a way of life. Don't like it, just don't buy anything anymore.

[compuguy1088]

well at least 1.1.3 is unlockable

Only if the bootloader is 3.9.

[wildmannz]

If you REALLY believe that Apple with drop the price - then I have some land that I'd like to sell you.

I am still amazed at some of the people who post here.
Just because you REALLY want it - doesn't mean that it's gonna happen.

I did find one post interesting - if Apple is bringing in a 3G phone for June/July - then it does make sense to lower their orders for the current version iPhone.
I'm looking forward to seeing when the 3G version is released - and seeing if it will have as much impact as some people seem to think it will.

[aswitcher]

I can see this happening. 3G iPhone appears and bumps down iPhone line, and touch like moves as well maybe with its own formfactor/feature update to match whatever they add to the 3G iPhone.

Maybe GPS. Maybe they put the camera, blue tooth and speaker back into the new touch.

[Pukey]

A measly $100 price drop? Is this a joke? I have come to expect more than that from Apple. I expect such an innovative company to be pushing the boundaries of creative marketing like they did last year with a $200 price drop two months after initial release! Come on, where is the gusto from last year?!

[manhattanboy]

A measly $100 price drop? Is this a joke? I have come to expect more than that from Apple. I expect such an innovative company to be pushing the boundaries of creative marketing like they did last year with a $200 price drop two months after initial release! Come on, where is the gusto from last year?!

At first I thought this price drop thing was a joke, but now I realize it's the consumers pressing Apple into giving them what they want--BRILLIANT!!!

Now all we need is public pressure saying the price drop is coming SOON so that iPod/phone sales drop and the price drop WILL actually happen.
Spread the word: Nobody buy any Apple products:rolleyes:

[eastcoastsurfer]

I can see a price drop based on their last earnings conference call. Apple is first and foremost the company which sells ipods. In their last conference call they said that ipod sales were slowing. It makes sense when you figure that most people who want an ipod probably have one by now. So, they have get to people who already have an ipod to be willing to buy a touch. They are in effect their biggest competitor. Lowering the price will get people who are happy with their current ipod to take another look at replacing it with a touch.

[Delia]

I can see a price drop based on their last earnings conference call. Apple is first and foremost the company which sells ipods. In their last conference call they said that ipod sales were slowing. It makes sense when you figure that most people who want an ipod probably have one by now. So, they have get to people who already have an ipod to be willing to buy a touch. They are in effect their biggest competitor. Lowering the price will get people who are happy with their current ipod to take another look at replacing it with a touch.

Thats exactly what I'm thinking-- Ive had my ipod video for about 2 years and while it's been decent, I would like to be able to do more things, like with the touch.

[ryanasimov]

...that if GPS is ever to make an appearance in an iPhone, we'll hear rumors or see leaked prototypes of a redesign. Any mobile device with GPS that I've seen has a plastic top or actual antenna. The top of the iPhone is metal, and the radio-transparent antenna cover is at the bottom. The redesign could be mild (antenna opening like the iPod touch) or pronounced (like my BlackBerry 8310, which has a radio-transparent strip across the top.

[Eidorian]

I'm still waiting for a price drop Apple. I don't want to have to carry a Touch and a cell phone.

[drummingcraig]

This new is just brilliant considering I just upgraded my iPhone 2 hours ago to the 16gig. I love the iPhone but why punish the early adopter so much. Aren't they jsut shooting themselves in the foot?

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last eight months the price drop shouldn't come as a total shock. Not sure for the reason behind your upgrading, but I think that anyone who currently owns an 4-8GB iPhone and upgrades to the 16GB knowing full and well that a true v2.0 is probably not far off is more of the person "shooting themself in the foot".

If you REALLY believe that Apple with drop the price - then I have some land that I'd like to sell you.

I am still amazed at some of the people who post here.
Just because you REALLY want it - doesn't mean that it's gonna happen.


So, the price drop when they 86'd the 4GB is a mass-hallucination? Why is it so far fetched that Apple would discontinue a superfluous model and drop the price on other subsequent models (especially in preparation for adding yet another higher model)??? :confused: Seems like a very common business model for pretty much any/all consumer product(s).

A measly $100 price drop? Is this a joke? I have come to expect more than that from Apple. I expect such an innovative company to be pushing the boundaries of creative marketing like they did last year with a $200 price drop two months after initial release! Come on, where is the gusto from last year?!

I am really hoping that you forgot to put a "[/sarcasm]" tag at the end of that post. The initial pricing of the iPhone was high enough to allow for such a drastic price cut. The fact that we won't see another $200 cut is not due to a lack of "creative marketing", but rather, its due to that fact that Apple wants to make money selling their products and succeed as a business. Perhaps they could give the iPhone away...:rolleyes:

Craig

[diamond.g]

Interesting news on a potential price drop. At least there is some forewarning. Those poor early adopters didn't get a whole lot of that :(.

[eastcoastsurfer]

Interesting news on a potential price drop. At least there is some forewarning. Those poor early adopters didn't get a whole lot of that :(.

Early adopters always get hosed when it comes to price. It just is what it is, and even more so with electronics. I remember when I built my own computers through the 90s. I would order all the parts and then not look at prices again because I knew within weeks the prices would have fallen.

What makes Apples price drops so 'evil' (mainly on the computer side) is that they are sudden and sharp. The other computers makers like Dell have their prices drop almost continuously once they release a product. Apple on the other hand leaves the specs and prices the same for months until one day they do a huge upgrade or price change. This type of behavior from them means I'll always wait for the 'next' version before buying any Apple computer.

[chillywilly]

I know I may be echoing some of the comments out here, but even though a price drop will elicit scores of complaints from iPod touch early adopters, I think dropping the 8gb and leaving the 16gb and 32gb models at $299 and $399, respectfully, will be a good thing.

I was very surprised it didn't happen this last week, when they announced the new 32gb iPod touch. In fact, as much as I would love to have a 32gb touch, I'm willing to wait a bit to see if price drop rumors happen. At $499, it's a bit too rich for my needs and wants at this time.

[chillywilly]

I can see a price drop based on their last earnings conference call. Apple is first and foremost the company which sells ipods. In their last conference call they said that ipod sales were slowing. It makes sense when you figure that most people who want an ipod probably have one by now. So, they have get to people who already have an ipod to be willing to buy a touch. They are in effect their biggest competitor. Lowering the price will get people who are happy with their current ipod to take another look at replacing it with a touch.

Well stated.

[sachxn]

This time 9to5mac will be wrong because I think prices will not be dropped until the release of iPhone 2.0 (3G)

Sachin (http://editorial.co.in)

[winterspan]

This would be a good idea. However, anyone who whines about it gets shot by a firing squad.

HAHHAHAHA. sounds great!

There are many important things to be done in your short lifetime, and bitching about an essentially meaningless circumstance is not one of them...

[winterspan]

Ok, I actually think this rumor is right. Two weeks lines up with the rumored apple event at the end of February. I predict that this event will be the launch of the iphone SDK and a new model of iphone, an iphone pro if you will. This will be more expensive, include 3g and GPS. Maybe some other surprises, portable iwork or something to make it more like a PDA. (and in my dreams, a built in isight for portable ichat, but that part is unlikely)

With the announcement of Garmin's Nuvifone with real GPS, Apple's under pressure to offer a device with that capability. Since not everyone needs GPS or a pda, why not have an iphone pro with pro-like features. This will be marketed as a handheld computer, not a phone.

Anyone agree?

I think the 3G iPhone will be here Q3, and it will not be a "pro" model. There will be only one iPhone.

[bruk201ib]

People that complain about price drops with electronics need to be slapped.

Seriously, do they want things to be expensive forever? People complain that Apple stuff is too pricey and when they drop the price...people complain??!!

Amazing.

:apple:

AMEN!!

[bruk201ib]

It's normal that the price is eventually going down. I would agree that it would be dumb to drop it on the 26th only 2 weeks after the new models got presented. What I think (hope) that would happen is that on the 26th Steve will present the 3G iphone with the new price. But this new iPhone and new price will happen in a 6 months period, since he needs at least 6 months to be approved before selling it - like he did with the first version of the iPhone in first place (presented in January/February - on sale June/July).

[alekona]

It is what it is. When it comes to all types of things electronic price drops will happen. I'm fine with paying 399 and I'll be fine paying 299. If they lower the price, it's just their way of keeping up with the market. Things change over time and when they do so does their price. It's just up to you to decide if you really want it for the current price or wait till it drops. Since watching the first time around when they dropped in price I am willing to wait but not too long. I'll be sporting my iphone by the end of April when my current contract is up.

[smallfield]

This time 9to5mac will be wrong because I think prices will not be dropped until the release of iPhone 2.0 (3G)

Sachin (http://editorial.co.in)

I agree with those who say AAPL should decrease prices as frequently as possible. It would keep them competitive and give us better prices. Currently the pricing scheme only changes once or twice a year. Wouldn't it be awesome if you could get a better price ever quarter?

Those who buy electronics and whine about the price drop should be executed (maybe in public).

This discussion is irrelevant. There's no way AAPL will drop prices because their consumers (all of us) whine too much. When was the last time Dell or Sony gave rebates for a price drop after you already bought their product? Apple is directly affected by the whining. They'll have to wait at least 4-5 months.

I wish the rumor was true... if only.

I'll be we get SDK announcement, maybe MBP if we're lucky this month.

[eastcoastsurfer]

I think this rumor has some legs. Analysts on CNBC this morning were talking about it and the other rumor of a new iPhone in May. When these guys start to talk about something then there is generally a lot of smoke coming from somewhere.

[smallfield]

It is what it is. When it comes to all types of things electronic price drops will happen. I'm fine with paying 399 and I'll be fine paying 299. If they lower the price, it's just their way of keeping up with the market. Things change over time and when they do so does their price. It's just up to you to decide if you really want it for the current price or wait till it drops. Since watching the first time around when they dropped in price I am willing to wait but not too long. I'll be sporting my iphone by the end of April when my current contract is up.

Agreed.

Why do people want everyone to have to pay what they paid for eternity. Have some consideration for the fellow man, let the prices drop.

[smallfield]

I think this rumor has some legs. Analysts on CNBC this morning were talking about it and the other rumor of a new iPhone in May. When these guys start to talk about something then there is generally a lot of smoke coming from somewhere.

I think announcing new products is possible, changing pricing weeks after the release of updated products would be atypical for AAPL.

[charles4515]

It's normal that the price is eventually going down. I would agree that it would be dumb to drop it on the 26th only 2 weeks after the new models got presented. What I think (hope) that would happen is that on the 26th Steve will present the 3G iphone with the new price. But this new iPhone and new price will happen in a 6 months period, since he needs at least 6 months to be approved before selling it - like he did with the first version of the iPhone in first place (presented in January/February - on sale June/July).

I does not take six months to be approved by the FCC. Probably six to eight weeks. Then maybe another six weeks to ramp up production. I think a phone announced at the end of February could be out in May. I would bet that the first one took six months from announcement to shipping because it was the first one. Now that the ecosystem is in place I think new versions can come out faster.

[thedoctorlee]

To be fair, improving the features on a $399 model isn't a price drop. The cost is still $399, not $299. The technology is getting better, but the prices are staying the same.

Yes, I understand that the 16GB model is currently $499. There are 2 models of the iPhone. One is $399 and one is $499. They are not being reduced to $299 and $399 respectively; they are simply getting hardware improvements.

[eastcoastsurfer]

To be fair, improving the features on a $399 model isn't a price drop. The cost is still $399, not $299. The technology is getting better, but the prices are staying the same.

Yes, I understand that the 16GB model is currently $499. There are 2 models of the iPhone. One is $399 and one is $499. They are not being reduced to $299 and $399 respectively; they are simply getting hardware improvements.

The $100 price drop is a rumor on top of the improvements that were just announced.

[thedoctorlee]

The $100 price drop is a rumor on top of the improvements that were just announced.

Understood that this is a rumor. Just going under the assumption that it could come true.

[bruk201ib]

I does not take six months to be approved by the FCC. Probably six to eight weeks. Then maybe another six weeks to ramp up production. I think a phone announced at the end of February could be out in May. I would bet that the first one took six months from announcement to shipping because it was the first one. Now that the ecosystem is in place I think new versions can come out faster.

Six to eight weeks is even better. I thought that the time elapsed last year was the actual time to get approval. If the new phone will be out in May, it will be aweome.

[chillywilly]

It's normal that the price is eventually going down. I would agree that it would be dumb to drop it on the 26th only 2 weeks after the new models got presented. What I think (hope) that would happen is that on the 26th Steve will present the 3G iphone with the new price.

I see the new 3G model coming out selling at the current price of the 16gb model, but having the older (current) 16gb model having a price drop and seeing the 8gb model get discontinued.

[charles4515]

Six to eight weeks is even better. I thought that the time elapsed last year was the actual time to get approval. If the new phone will be out in May, it will be aweome.

It would be.

I am not predicting though that a new 3G phone will be announced at the end of February or that such will be out in May. Just that if it is announced that May is possible. Time will tell. I would be happy for the 3G phone to be out at any time this year as expected. May would be great but even December would be okay as long as it comes out.

[smallfield]

It would be.

I am not predicting though that a new 3G phone will be announced at the end of February or that such will be out in May. Just that if it is announced that May is possible. Time will tell. I would be happy for the 3G phone to be out at any time this year as expected. May would be great but even December would be okay as long as it comes out.

They'll release a 3G phone this year. The question is when. I vote for ASAP. May would be nice.

Do you think they'd announce the next gen iphone before they are ready to ship? This would essentially stop the sales of their current models (not only US sales, but internationally). They just released the 16gb iphone. I'm sure they made a few of them to sell. I'll bet the assumption was the boosted memory would improve the sales rate until their 3G phone is ready.

[bruk201ib]

It would be.

I am not predicting though that a new 3G phone will be announced at the end of February or that such will be out in May. Just that if it is announced that May is possible. Time will tell. I would be happy for the 3G phone to be out at any time this year as expected. May would be great but even December would be okay as long as it comes out.

uhmmmm December is a long way to go... I don't think I will be able to wait since then, I've been waiting and waiting for more HD space, for the applications to be added, now i'm waiting for the 3G, but if it will be announced to come out in December I think i'll fold and buy the 16gb.

[charles4515]

They'll release a 3G phone this year. The question is when. I vote for ASAP. May would be nice.

Do you think they'd announce the next gen iphone before they are ready to ship? This would essentially stop the sales of their current models (not only US sales, but internationally). They just released the 16gb iphone. I'm sure they made a few of them to sell. I'll bet the assumption was the boosted memory would improve the sales rate until their 3G phone is ready.

I think they will announce it before it is ready to ship since they have to get FCC approval. I don't think that the FCC will keep the application confidential. One scenario is that they might have it available right away in Japan or Europe where 3G would really help sales and would ship in the US after FCC approval.

[charles4515]

uhmmmm December is a long way to go... I don't think I will be able to wait since then, I've been waiting and waiting for more HD space, for the applications to be added, now i'm waiting for the 3G, but if it will be announced to come out in December I think i'll fold and buy the 16gb.

I can wait. I still have a contract with Verizon for a few more months. But of course the sooner the better. If I can't wait I will pick up a iPod Touch to tide me over and get the iPhone later.

[Maccus Aurelius]

Again? How many times is Apple going to drop prices and discontinue models? It is getting kind of ridiculous.

How many? Your guess is as good as mine, but if Apple Inc. lasts for a few more decades, you can be sure that it will happen very often. If you have been a regular user/consumer of electronics for a while, you should already be familiar with this sort of thing. What's ridiculous is that people expect the business to stagnate to suit them and them alone.

I understood the first one for iPhone in order to help sales, but I don't see the point of dropping the 8GB model.

Competitors are pushing out phones with higher and higher capacity as we type this, and Apple likely wants to keep in the higher tier. If they release an iPhone with 16GB and keep the 8 at a close price, they now run the risk of having lots of extra inventory sitting around doing nothing and costing more.

Right now if I didn't already have an iPhone I wouldn't buy one after hearing this rumor. Not only will those who just bought a 16GB be pissed off by a price drop, but who knows if the 16GB will even be around in a few months. However, the price drop and the discontinuing of the 8GB would allow for the possibility of a $399 16GB w/EDGE and $499 16GB with 3G.

In my opinion, there are too many consumer brats buying these things. Consumer envy is silly, and if you didn't hold out for a better deal, then it's best to just grin and enjoy your purchase, because obviously it was well worth the coin at the time. Even with a price drop and model discontinuation, nothing has changed.

[Tosser]

Bill: "W-what's that?" > Steve: "It's an iHouse!" > Bill: "But it's got no windows." > Steve: "Exactly! Hahahaha...hahahahaha!"



Oh! Hahaha! :D

[3Tabernacles]

Slow down! AT&T hasn't even begun to roll this out yet and there is mention of May? End of 08 Q3 maybe but no sooner. Steve will mention it in February, but your not getting one anytime soon. This 3G stuff is old hat, the future is WiMax and AT&T just purchased 12Mhz Spectrum for Nationwide WiFi. Now this is what Steve Jobs is interested in. Once Apple can get the iPhone on a Wifi world, they can build an iPhone with more mem because they can get rid of all that cellular garbage in the phone.

[Pukey]

Slow down! AT&T hasn't even begun to roll this out yet and there is mention of May? End of 08 Q3 maybe but no sooner. Steve will mention it in February, but your not getting one anytime soon. This 3G stuff is old hat, the future is WiMax and AT&T just purchased 12Mhz Spectrum for Nationwide WiFi. Now this is what Steve Jobs is interested in. Once Apple can get the iPhone on a Wifi world, they can build an iPhone with more mem because they can get rid of all that cellular garbage in the phone.

Yeah, and then they'll start charging outrageous amounts of money for Wi-Fi.
Goodbye free Wi-Fi.

[DiamondMac]

When the original price drop occured, I kind of felt for the new owners just because the initial drop was so quick and such a sizable amount (at least, in my opinion it was)

Assuming this is true (price drop that is), I fail to see why ANYONE would be mad. It has been several months now, newer iPhones have come out size wise and rumors of more to come.

Are you all happy with the iPhone? Is it an upgrade of your last phone? Does it work properly? If so, stop worrying so much.

I have an iPhone that I bought on the first week but I could not care less if version 2.0 is released tommorrow as I will continue being VERY HAPPY and VERY SATISFIED with the iPhone. The slew of future updates seems very exciting

Original iPhones are not going to just be left in the dark the new few months

[Delia]

Im confused as to what the Starbucks card is.

If they stop free WiFi, odds are it will leave a door open for other providers. San Francisco has a free service being tested (Meraki) and while service is sparse at the moment, something like this could help drive it's popularity up.

[hatzalot]

Nothing surprises me! I am all for a decrease.

[smallfield]

I think they will announce it before it is ready to ship since they have to get FCC approval. I don't think that the FCC will keep the application confidential. One scenario is that they might have it available right away in Japan or Europe where 3G would really help sales and would ship in the US after FCC approval.

You've made my morning. I'm now hopeful.

I like this theory because now I can hope for a 3G iPhone announcement. AAPL really needs 3G for China/Japan. You're right the FCC has to release the request by FOIA unless AAPL gets an exemption. Ahhh, the possibilities. The mysterious new product code in the SDK... I'm liking this more and more.

[ydb1914]

that would suck for those that already ordered/bought the 32gb touch or 16gb iphone :mad:

:( and that would me be ME! just got my 32 Gb Ipod Touch...or should i say TOUCHE:eek:

[theGAPkid]

Well 9to5mac is almost as good a source as Apple itself xD I'm excited about this as I'm dying to get an iPod (Of any sort but especially a touch) after playing with an iPhone in The CarPhone Warehouse today so fingers crossed!

Lol - exactly the same as me - I went to the CarPhone Warehouse the other day and played on the iPhone and decided there and then I wanted a touch!!!

iPod 2G Nano on eBay as I type this

Anyone wanna buy it!!! ;)

lol

[Richardismac]

if the 100$ price drop does happen i am for sure getting the 32GB body

[RebelScum]

Anyone notice that the iPod Touches have already dropped $20 (noticed today, Feb 14). On the Canadian site, they were $519/$419/$319, and are now $499/$399/$299.

That means anyone who paid $20 for the software upgrade has been marginally screwed :)

EDIT: Never mind...the Canada store linked me back to the US store for some reason. Ignore that post. Sorry :(

[bobbak]

I know, Apple has been very successful recently, but, even though I don't know much, I can guess, they have forgot how they got here. The idea of the iPhone was great, but don't you think, they should have waited a few months and then released a solid and complete product? Also, I think pairing up with AT&T was the dumbest move that they could have ever made. Apple should start going back to its old ways, selling good, solid and accurate products with class and personality.

[drummingcraig]

I know, Apple has been very successful recently, but, even though I don't know much, I can guess, they have forgot how they got here. The idea of the iPhone was great, but don't you think, they should have waited a few months and then released a solid and complete product?

What exactly is "not solid" or incomplete about the iPhone in your opinion?

Also, I think pairing up with AT&T was the dumbest move that they could have ever made.

Jobs approached Verizon early on and they weren't interested. Aside from Sprint, AT&T seems to be a logical alternative. If you haven't read this article you should: The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry (http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphone?currentPage=all)

Apple should start going back to its old ways, selling good, solid and accurate products with class and personality.

Would also be curious to hear how exactly the iPhone lacks "class and personality"? :rolleyes:

Craig

[chrono1081]

Ya if they drop $100 ill probably be getting one too. As for anyone crying that they just bought something and the price dropped, um...

Its technology, it happens. You wanna be the first to own something, expect it. No business WRONGED you just because you bought a product at the price they specified, and then manufacturing became cheaper for them so they dropped the price so that others could enjoy the product you and your rich self have been enjoying all along.

And yes, it has happened to me. A $4500 camera dropped $1200 3 weeks after I bought it. Did I care? NOPE cause I knew it would drop soon but felt having it sooner was worth it. Its how technology works.

[Bondobob]

Geez, After reading this thread, you'd think getting better products at cheaper prices is oh such a horrible thing. Yeah Yeah I know. you just bought your 8G iphone two weeks ago and apple had the audacity to charge you full boat on a product they knew full well they were improving and dropping the price on. So What? You wanted the iphone, you knew how much they cost, you bought it. Were you happy with it when you bought it? I was. I still am. it's a great phone.

I bought mine last month. 2 weeks after my 14 day return was over, they rolled out a 16gig model. Great. A better product. I decided I'm waiting for the V2 phone to upgrade. I want a GPS, 32 gig phone and I'm willing to pay for it. I know it'll be obsolete in 4 months. I guess I'll just have to sell my old 8gig clunker on ebay. Get over it. Enjoy!!

Bob

[manhattanboy]

chant out loud with me:
PRICE DROP PRICE DROP
FREE IPHONES FREE IPHONES:D

[ydb1914]

Anyone notice that the iPod Touches have already dropped $20 (noticed today, Feb 14). On the Canadian site, they were $519/$419/$319, and are now $499/$399/$299.

That means anyone who paid $20 for the software upgrade has been marginally screwed :)

EDIT: Never mind...the Canada store linked me back to the US store for some reason. Ignore that post. Sorry :(

fyi...circuit city offers a $25 discount on IPodTouch 32G- o well...i'm enjoying my new touch since the first day i got it....no regrets but a cashback will make me even happier:D:):D:) thanks in advance :apple:

[one1]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=10740

[Intarweb]

What exactly is "not solid" or incomplete about the iPhone in your opinion?

Gee I don't know.....No video recording, no GPS, crippled speed non-wifi net access, no Flash support, were FORCED to implement a SDK, etc. on and on.....

[natejohnstone@g]

Okay, I need some help from those of you who seem to know everything :)

I'd REALLY like an iPhone, but will be moving to either Japan or Europe some time next year (Air Force). From the mixed info I've received from AT&T and Apple, it seems that the current iPhone WILL NOT WORK in those locations. Can someone confirm this? Is there a hack or workaround for the current US version iPhone to be used in Europe / Japan? I realize that I'll still need to get a carrier in whatever county I end up in.

Assuming that the current iPhone will not work:
It seems likely that we'll see the 2nd iteration of iPhone sometime in the next 6 months, likely a 32GB version with 3G I'd imagine. Do you think that would take care of my international needs from a hardware point of view?

Thanks!

[diamond.g]

Okay, I need some help from those of you who seem to know everything :)

I'd REALLY like an iPhone, but will be moving to either Japan or Europe some time next year (Air Force). From the mixed info I've received from AT&T and Apple, it seems that the current iPhone WILL NOT WORK in those locations. Can someone confirm this? Is there a hack or workaround for the current US version iPhone to be used in Europe / Japan? I realize that I'll still need to get a carrier in whatever county I end up in.

Assuming that the current iPhone will not work:
It seems likely that we'll see the 2nd iteration of iPhone sometime in the next 6 months, likely a 32GB version with 3G I'd imagine. Do you think that would take care of my international needs from a hardware point of view?

Thanks!

The phone won't work in Japan. It will work in Europe (but it will be in roaming).

[drummingcraig]

Gee I don't know.....No video recording, no GPS, crippled speed non-wifi net access, no Flash support, were FORCED to implement a SDK, etc. on and on.....

While I will agree that some of the lacking features you've mentioned would be nice and/or are oversights, they are not necessarily "standard" cell phone/smart phone features. As such, I think writing off Apple and the iPhone, which has many features which are light years ahead of most other devices as being half-baked is a bit dramatic.

[chillywilly]

Gee I don't know.....No video recording, no GPS, crippled speed non-wifi net access, no Flash support, were FORCED to implement a SDK, etc. on and on.....

Not supporting Flash (I'm assuming you mean the web-based Adobe Flash) is something that needs to happen.

The touch and iPhone need to get some major 3rd party program support. That would get me to switch over from my Treo if I could have programs like Pocket Quicken (or something that syncs with my desktop Quicken), eWallet, List Pro and a slew of other apps that make my day productive.

Oh yeah, and Notes syncing would really help.

[Intarweb]

While I will agree that some of the lacking features you've mentioned would be nice and/or are oversights, they are not necessarily "standard" cell phone/smart phone features. As such, I think writing off Apple and the iPhone, which has many features which are light years ahead of most other devices as being half-baked is a bit dramatic.

Every new smart phone over the past year or two has the features I described. The omission of them was clearly intentional to force an upgrade when the iPhone 2 drops. Other companies do it, but Apple gimped the iPhone to below what was the market norm at the time.

[drummingcraig]

Every new smart phone over the past year or two has the features I described. The omission of them was clearly intentional to force an upgrade when the iPhone 2 drops. Other companies do it, but Apple gimped the iPhone to below what was the market norm at the time.

Every smartphone? Funny, seeing as how my iPhone replaced a Treo 650 which to my knowledge does not have GPS or flash support and used the same 2G (EDGE) data system as the iPhone. Same can be said for the 680.

You seriously think Apple intentionally left all of those things out just so they could sell more phones down the road? (as if there wouldn't be more advanced features developed later on to help marketing) :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Again you're just being dramatic. Happy hating!

Craig

[Intarweb]

Every smartphone? Funny, seeing as how my iPhone replaced a Treo 650 which to my knowledge does not have GPS or flash support and used the same 2G (EDGE) data system as the iPhone. Same can be said for the 680.

You seriously think Apple intentionally left all of those things out just so they could sell more phones down the road? (as if there wouldn't be more advanced features developed later on to help marketing) :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Again you're just being dramatic. Happy hating!

Craig

Um, yes I believe Apple held stuff back, which is the same practice all companies do.

When was your 650 released? 2005? Kinda doesn't fit into the year or two range I clearly stated in my post. And yes, the 680 can act as a GPS, with turn by turn read out. Not a faux triangulation kinda pinpoint my location BS.

Happy obliviously reading and stating false information.

Intarweb

[drummingcraig]

Um, yes I believe Apple held stuff back, which is the same practice all companies do.

When was your 650 released? 2005? Kinda doesn't fit into the year or two range I clearly stated in my post. And yes, the 680 can act as a GPS, with turn by turn read out. Not a faux triangulation kinda pinpoint my location BS.

Happy obliviously reading and stating false information.

Intarweb

2007(when the iPhone was released)-2005=2 year window. Less than that if you count the 680 release. Don't flame me because you're having trouble with your own math problem.

The 680 will indeed function as a GPS...with the addition of a GPS receiver and a 3rd party app. Actually the 650 can do this as well. So are we talking about the built-in features of the device or what??? The "faux triangulation kinda pinpoint my location BS" is far more then what the Treo's can do out of the box.

When you are ready to throw some more biased apple-to-orange, nit-picking my way just let me know. :rolleyes:

[Intarweb]

2007(when the iPhone was released)-2005=2 year window. Less than that if you count the 680 release. Don't flame me because you're having trouble with your own math problem.

The 680 will indeed function as a GPS...with the addition of a GPS receiver and a 3rd party app. Actually the 650 can do this as well. So are we talking about the built-in features of the device or what??? The "faux triangulation kinda pinpoint my location BS" is far more then what the Treo's can do out of the box.

When you are ready to throw some more biased apple-to-orange, nit-picking my way just let me know. :rolleyes:

Can the iPhone act as a GPS 3rd party or built in? No

Can the iPhone record video? No

Is the iPhone marketed as a smart phone and fails to meet some pretty basic benchmarks? Absolutely.

Is the iPhone lacking in major features that most phones have as standard that came out a year or two before it? Absolutely.

Did Apple intentionally hold back features? Absolutely, just like all companies, but they failed to meet the norm to begin with.

Do I own an iPhone? Yes.

Next....! :rolleyes:

[knelto]

Can the iPhone act as a GPS 3rd party or built in? No
Can the iPhone record video? No
Is the iPhone marketed as a smart phone and fails to meet some pretty basic benchmarks? Absolutely.
Is the iPhone lacking in major features that most phones have as standard that came out a year or two before it? Absolutely.
Did Apple intentionally hold back features? Absolutely, just like all companies, but they failed to meet the norm to begin with.
Do I own an iPhone? Yes.
Next....! :rolleyes:

Can the iPhone act as a GPS 3rd party or built in? Not yet but a 3rd party dongle is in the works.
http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/17/gps-dongle-coming-for-iphone/

Can the iPhone record video? Not yet, but people have managed to make proof-of-concepts and get small videos running. (And this is just me, why is video recording even useful on mobile devices other than recording something funny to show other people? Is there a functional purpose?)
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/iphone-gets-video-recording-capabilities/

Was the iPhone lacking in features initially? Yes.

Did Apple intentionally hold them back? To an extent but I was surprised they actually shipped the thing on time. If anything, they intentionally held things back so they could release the product on time. Anything they left off software-wise can be implemented via a new version/firmware. Flash? Software update. Video recording? Probably software update (since the proof-of-concept hack shows that it's possible to an extent). A2DP? Software update. Editing Office/iWork docs? Software update. COPY AND PASTE? Software update.

GPS can be solved by a 3rd party add on if you want it. Hell, I'm sure someone if they were bored and smart enough could figure a way to make a 3G add-on.

And with the SDK if Apple doesn't put it in via an update, and the terms allow 3rd party devs to do it, then someone could write an app to do it.

I see where you're coming from with the whole "hold back features to sell future versions" argument, but you should know what you want in something when you buy it. If it doesn't have the features you want, then don't buy it and complain that it doesn't do something this other phone does.

[Tosser]

Can the iPhone act as a GPS 3rd party or built in? Not yet but a 3rd party dongle is in the works.
http://www.tuaw.com/2007/12/17/gps-dongle-coming-for-iphone/

A proof of concept. Who says Apple won't cripple it? Or that it will ever see the day of light?

Can the iPhone record video? Not yet, but people have managed to make proof-of-concepts and get small videos running. (And this is just me, why is video recording even useful on mobile devices other than recording something funny to show other people? Is there a functional purpose?)
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/iphone-gets-video-recording-capabilities/

Ah, yes, another proof-of-concept. What good does that do? As of now, there is no iPhone that can record, and the ones that say "the iphone is capable of recording" by means of that proof of concept, doesn't really get it: It doesn't record. Full stop. The mere notion that "it can – in theory" should somehow mean that it is a real feature is hilarious, to say the least.

Was the iPhone lacking in features initially? Yes.

Still is.

Did Apple intentionally hold them back? To an extent but I was surprised they actually shipped the thing on time. If anything, they intentionally held things back so they could release the product on time. Anything they left off software-wise can be implemented via a new version/firmware. Flash? Software update. Video recording?Probably software update (since the proof-of-concept hack shows that it's possible to an extent). A2DP? Software update. Editing Office/iWork docs? Software update. COPY AND PASTE? Software update.
Wow, you certainly have a lot a trust of in Apple. I think that is the best I can say about that quote. Although some things might be considered time-restraints, it has now been more than a year. And lest we forget: Apple certainly had the time to cripple the thing, just like they had the time to cripple the Touch.


GPS can be solved by a 3rd party add on if you want it.
Really? Show me where I can buy one for the iPhone. That statement has o base in reality whatsoever.
Hell, I'm sure someone if they were bored and smart enough could figure a way to make a 3G add-on.

Way to go. So your solution for a product that is crippled and doesn't have features the competitors have is to hack the firmware, hack the hardware, and basically bring a 3rd party add-on to market, just so you can enjoy the same features like the competitors?


And with the SDK if Apple doesn't put it in via an update, and the terms allow 3rd party devs to do it, then someone could write an app to do it.
That's a whole lot of ifs, should you ask me. As it stands, noone knows, and why would apple, who intentionally crippled the Touch and the iPhone suddenly provide a more or less open platform?

There's a reason Apple is pushing web apps: You don't have to fiddle with the firmware and look at the insides.

I see where you're coming from with the whole "hold back features to sell future versions" argument, but you should know what you want in something when you buy it. If it doesn't have the features you want, then don't buy it and complain that it doesn't do something this other phone does.

Sigh. Yet another person who can't handle critique of the products being pushed by their favourite company. It's beginning to sound like a JW-meet, where their "discussions" are JW's-only. I guess it easier to shut out reality and pretend everything and anything is the best thing since the assembly line (yes, you're allowed to use "sliced bread" there – the assembly line was variation).

[Intarweb]

If it doesn't have the features you want, then don't buy it and complain that it doesn't do something this other phone does.

It was a gift. I wouldn't have bought it.

[a104375]

i really hope that they do drop the prices because people who bought recently might get a store credit :D

[Rhinestorm]

Doesn't Apple like make an $80 profit from every iphone sold?

[tonyshucraft]

Im probaly going to sell my 16GB touch on eBay when these "price drops" happen and then get myself a nice shiny 32GB touch.

do it before, you'll get more money. Then once you get the 32 gig, you will have a little more benefit.

[mathiasparks]

I believe that around the month of June (the iPhones 1 year anniversary), Apple will discontinue the 8GB iPhone, and make a 16GB 3G for $399 and a 32GB 3G for $499. If the touch already has 32GB's in it then i'm sure the phone will too.

And Apple won't sell anymore standard edge phones.

Just a hypothesis...

[chickenninja]

if they just gave them away for free, macs would be #1 in market share by next year

[Daphtdazz]

I like your thinking, chickenninja...

Apple would be sensible to keep updating the touch and iPhone as quickly as they can. Especially with something as basic as storage, and considering that flash storage seems to be popular at the moment and the tech is increasing pretty dramatically all the time: Apple need to keep the edge in that respect.

With such a fantastic interface and utility the only thing stopping someone like me from buying one is the fact that my current HDD iPod holds more. When that's no longer an issue then there'll be nothing holding me back.

[chillywilly]

if they just gave them away for free, macs would be #1 in market share by next year

How about a free 1Gb shuffle with each iPod touch or iPhone purchase?

[D-Love]

I was reading a story on the disassembly of the iPhone and when they took out the sim card it had a 3g logo on it...and the iphone was a 8 gb model. What would be the deal with that?

[chillywilly]

I was reading a story on the disassembly of the iPhone and when they took out the sim card it had a 3g logo on it...and the iphone was a 8 gb model. What would be the deal with that?

Pretty much every SIM for AT&T is 3G ready.

[D-Love]

Pretty much every SIM for AT&T is 3G ready.

so the phone is already compatible with the network?

[diamond.g]

so the phone is already compatible with the network?

No, just the SIM.

[chillywilly]

No, just the SIM.

Diamond is correct. I should have clarified further. All SIMs are 3G-ready and work in phones that have 3G modems (ie. HSDPA) and phones that don't have 3G modems (ie. compatible with GPRS or EDGE network)

[TravisReynolds]

I don't think they should drop the 8GB. Not everybody is going to need the 16GB. I'm sure a lot of business people won't use it for music and video and such

[chillywilly]

I don't think they should drop the 8GB. Not everybody is going to need the 16GB. I'm sure a lot of business people won't use it for music and video and such

True, but if they can drop the price to $299 for a 16gb model, even if someone doesn't use all that space, the value of the iPod touch would be worth having.