Why is Apple a status symbol?

Everything is relative, status symbol of what?

The resale value is higher because the market is willing to pay more for them, meaning they have higher value.
The way I see it, is that more than likely you can update to a newer version of iOS in old devices and with the Android devices you are stuck with the old OS, not all of them are like that, but that is the general impression or reality.

It's only a status symbol to the blind followers and the ignorant. Funny how these people also know full well that a lot of kids in elementary school have an iPhone. And they brag about how it's the single biggest selling phone among the masses. But when something is so commonplace, it's far from being a product that shows high status. Yet they still chose to believe an iPhone shows off how "elite" they are. And they like to compare it to owning a Ferrari or a Yacht. What a joke.

cnguyen0320 said:

People always say Apple products are a status symbol meaning like if you have it, you're just telling everybody you're rich.. Why is that? There are Android and Windows 8 phones that cost $200 on contract (same as the iPhone) and there tablets that cost more than iPads. Why is Apple seen as a status symbol?

Also, why is it that Apple products have a higher resale value than Android handsets 2 years down the road?

I'm not asking rhetorical questions to make a point... I just want to know. Thanks.

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It's a status symbol because pop culture has made it one. People today buy iPhones because their friends have them, and those who try something else are often faced with odd looks and questions like "why wouldn't you get an iPhone though???...." from people who don't even know what android is.

Apple products have higher resale value because 1) releases are less common on apple products. Buy an iPhone and in two years you're only two models away from the newest one. Buy and android and in two months you're already 15 models (including all carriers) off of the newest one. 2) Apple does have a great reputation for build quality, and also they update products, which helps maintain value as opposed to android where you get stuck waiting months for a release of software that may or may not come your way.

Also, people just want apple products more than android.. those people who really couldn't care less about what phone they get will pay more for a phone they've heard lots about than one that they know nothing about.

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Timzer said:

It's only a status symbol to the blind followers and the ignorant. Funny how these people also know full well that a lot of kids in elementary school have an iPhone. And they brag about how it's the single biggest selling phone among the masses. But when something is so commonplace, it's far from being a product that shows high status. Yet they still chose to believe an iPhone shows off how "elite" they are. And they like to compare it to owning a Ferrari or a Yacht. What a joke.

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I agree with you that owning an iPhone should not be seen as owning anything special. There was a time when that was the case I believe, but these days it's so commonplace that seeing it that way is quite stupid. On the other side of that, apple should be thrilled that it has been adopted by so many, it's not like they've brought down the price, people are just making sacrifices/going into debt to finance these choices.

AppleAlfred said:

I agree with you that owning an iPhone should not be seen as owning anything special. There was a time when that was the case I believe, but these days it's so commonplace that seeing it that way is quite stupid. On the other side of that, apple should be thrilled that it has been adopted by so many, it's not like they've brought down the price, people are just making sacrifices/going into debt to finance these choices.

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They're far more popular in subsidized markets. It's only a big jump in cost if it required going to a more expensive plan.

Timzer said:

It's only a status symbol to the blind followers and the ignorant. Funny how these people also know full well that a lot of kids in elementary school have an iPhone. And they brag about how it's the single biggest selling phone among the masses. But when something is so commonplace, it's far from being a product that shows high status. Yet they still chose to believe an iPhone shows off how "elite" they are. And they like to compare it to owning a Ferrari or a Yacht. What a joke.

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HAHAHAAAA!!! This!

I laugh every time I read how some fankiddie likes to compare owning an iphone to owning a Ferrari. They truly believe they have a device that only "Wealthy" people can own. Yet all high end device cost pretty much the same accross the board. In fact you'll even see squeegee kids with an iPhone. When's the last time you seen a mass of squeegee kids driving a Ferrari. Ohhh, ignorance is bliss indeed.

thekev said:

They're far more popular in subsidized markets. It's only a big jump in cost if it required going to a more expensive plan.

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Yeah I won't argue that, but none the less you can buy some of the more recent android phones for 150-200 less than iPhones, which almost never decrease in price while they are still the most recent model. A small difference but for some people 200 dollars is more than others.

AppleAlfred said:

Yeah I won't argue that, but none the less you can buy some of the more recent android phones for 150-200 less than iPhones, which almost never decrease in price while they are still the most recent model. A small difference but for some people 200 dollars is more than others.

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Android covers a huge range. The nicer phones still start around $200 subsidized just like the iphone. There are "free" with contract phones, but generally if you're trying to save money, you should look at one of the pay as you go plans and something that doesn't cost a lot off contract.

It's usually only online idiots that think of them as status symbols in my experience. I don't really see people in real life who think they're cool because of their phone.

I can see schools being like that though.

I think it started because before the line-up of Premium Android phones the iPhone was much, much more expensive than them, having bought every phone (minus the 3GS) off contract I felt that pain.

The answer is evident and it isn't all price related.

Technarchy said:

The answer is evident and it isn't all price related.

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Are you saying that it is a status symbol?

If you ever met some of the weirdos that wait in line for the new iPhone you'd quickly realize its not a symbol of status.

Maybe people that literally can't afford them might think its some sort of status symbol but it really isn't.

Put it this way. The company I work hands them out for "work phones", there are some guys below my (in position) that job title is maintenance..... Just saying....

Not everyone can use a smartphone, but anyone can use an iphone. And that is pretty much the antithesis of a 'status symbol'.

TBH, I wouldn't call any phone a status symbol, well, perhaps a Vertu, but even then, it's just a phone, albeit, a very expensive phone.

Apple is a status symbol because of all the bully lawsuits it files against others. It stands more for scaring and intimidation than anything.

Apple was a status symbol and for a legit reason. Now its different, but reputation dies hard.

thekev said:

Android covers a huge range. The nicer phones still start around $200 subsidized just like the iphone. There are "free" with contract phones, but generally if you're trying to save money, you should look at one of the pay as you go plans and something that doesn't cost a lot off contract.

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Agreed, but most people aren't looking for that, and they want the latest and greatest android or iPhone. In which case, overall android is generally cheaper, on a plan.

cynics said:

If you ever met some of the weirdos that wait in line for the new iPhone you'd quickly realize its not a symbol of status.

Maybe people that literally can't afford them might think its some sort of status symbol but it really isn't.

Put it this way. The company I work hands them out for "work phones", there are some guys below my (in position) that job title is maintenance..... Just saying....

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Ummm, by labeling them "weirdos" you have given them status.


I don't see Apple as a status symbol. Perhaps when I was running around with the first iPhone or something like that but even then it wasn't a status symbol for me. To me status is gained by what you do and not what you buy.

Why is it a status symbol? They are so cheaply priced (just as most other phones). Heck, I just read that you can get the iphone 5 refub for $99 with a 2 year, that's the latest and greatest.

Go get a Vertu or some golden lined phone to really have a status symbol, otherwise whipping out your iphone just makes you look like every single other person in the room including the homeless guy plugging his into the park outlet.

Apple has higher brand value than other manufacturers. It's not necessarily about the price, Apple is selling its brand and people want it.

sviato said:

Apple has higher brand value than other manufacturers. It's not necessarily about the price, Apple is selling its brand and people want it.

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Apple is a premium brand, but once it became subsidized, the iPhone is not really a premium product....at least in the sense that it's a 'status symbol'.

With millions of refurbs, $99 and free on contract models, pretty much anybody can get an iPhone.

I still see a Macbook as being something 'nicer' than a PC....but a iPhone or iPad doesn't seem in the same class.

sviato said:

Apple has higher brand value than other manufacturers. It's not necessarily about the price, Apple is selling its brand and people want it.

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Brand value is one thing, and I agree with you, status symbol is yet another. Anyone who whips out his phone and thinks it is a status symbol is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

People are still lining up to buy the iPhone.

I haven't seen a line for an Android phone last longer than a day. In the end nothing much has changed. Apple appeals to the design conscious and those who tend to be design conscious are mid to upper middle class.

When your well to do friend has a bunch of Apple gear sitting in a nice home it brings status.

You don't get status with a plastic phone with a humongous screen and batteries that pop out when you drop them. I wouldn't pay $50 for it a year either.