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Apple Considering Launching 8 GB iPhone 3GS Before Christmas?

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MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
63,537
30,847


Boy Genius Report posts a brief tidbit noting that it has heard from two separate sources that AT&T (and thus Apple) is considering launching a $99 iPhone 3GS in time for Christmas.
We've heard now from two sources that AT&T, and we guess Apple, are contemplating launching an 8GB iPhone 3GS at the $99 price point before Christmas. One source said this was AT&T's way of combating the DROID madness.
Click to expand...
No further details, such as whether Apple would simply replace the 8 GB iPhone 3G currently offered at that price point or retain the iPhone 3G model at an even lower price point, are provided.

Since the introduction of the iPhone 3GS earlier this year, Apple has continued to offer the older 8 GB iPhone 3G hardware in order to be able to position a product at the psychologically important low-end price point of $99.

Article Link: Apple Considering Launching 8 GB iPhone 3GS Before Christmas?
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/11/05/apple-considering-launching-8-gb-iphone-3gs-before-christmas/
thegoldenmackid

thegoldenmackid

macrumors 604
Dec 29, 2006
7,770
6
dallas, texas
Phil. You Liar.

joe-wilson-you-lie-photo.jpg
 
macduke

macduke

macrumors G5
Jun 27, 2007
13,141
19,677
azentropy said:
8gb iPhone 3GS - $99 w/2 yr contract
8gb iPhone 3G - FREE w/2 yr contract

Make sense now?
Click to expand...

Crap...at least the $30/mo data plan will keep it from becoming the "new Razr." Still, there will be lots of people sucked in by the "free" part, who don't consider the data plan because their eyes glaze over any time they hear the word "free." Those people will continue to spiral into debt because even after everything our economy has gone through, they are still encouraged to spend more than they make.

I'm not bitter! :rolleyes:
 
KindredMAC

KindredMAC

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2003
975
218
I think it would be a VERY smart move on AT&T's part... especially if Apple is getting ready to cut them loose in July as the exclusive US carrier.

I might even make the move to 3GS from my 2G iPhone finally is there were an 8GB for $99.

A better alternative to "Free" 3G iPhone would be $49. That way there is still $$$ rolling in for each purchase.

There is only one problem though... If AT&T gets a huge influx of new users at the holidays, say bye-bye to the network.
 
FSMBP

FSMBP

macrumors 68030
Jan 22, 2009
2,712
2,633
I don't get why you people think that setting the iPhone to $0.00 would increase it's popularity. People setting up a 2 year contract, wanting an iPhone, won't mind spending a one time fee of the $99 or $50 or $20. It's the DATA plan people are concerned about.

I would gladly buy an iPhone for $200 with a two year contact with NO DATA plan. It would be the same price as an iPod touch but it doubles as phone/texting device.

Back on topic though; I can see Apple doing this after the Holidays...maybe towards January-ish - with leaving the 3G and going for a $99 3GS. I don't think "Droid" mania is as big as everyone thinks; it's mostly popular among geeks who frequent Gadget sites (which are a minority of people).
 
rdowns

rdowns

macrumors Penryn
Jul 11, 2003
27,397
12,521
OceanView said:
If that happens, there will be big migration to AT&T.
I wonder how much it costs Apple to make these phones.
Click to expand...

There are reports of what the raw materials cost but no one knows what Apple's real costs are. In any case, their cost is immaterial to the discussion as ATT eats most of the cost of the phones in exchange for the 2 year contract.
 
V

Vanarak19

macrumors 65816
Feb 18, 2008
1,061
32
KindredMAC said:
I think it would be a VERY smart move on AT&T's part... especially if Apple is getting ready to cut them loose in July as the exclusive US carrier.

I might even make the move to 3GS from my 2G iPhone finally is there were an 8GB for $99.

A better alternative to "Free" 3G iPhone would be $49. That way there is still $$$ rolling in for each purchase.

There is only one problem though... If AT&T gets a huge influx of new users at the holidays, say bye-bye to the network.
Click to expand...

I have learned to accept the "bye bye to network" in the last two years of ipHone releases. :)

Still the best phone, with decent enough service. Id rather have an awesome phone on B+ service, then a ok phone on Verizon (A)
 
S

scott523

macrumors 6502a
Sep 8, 2006
870
128
Saint Charles, MO
FSMBP said:
I don't get why you people think that setting the iPhone to $0.00 would increase it's popularity. People setting up a 2 year contract, wanting an iPhone, won't mind spending a one time fee of the $99 or $50 or $20. It's the DATA plan people are concerned about.

I would gladly buy an iPhone for $200 with a two year contact with NO DATA plan. It would be the same price as an iPod touch but it doubles as phone/texting device.

Back on topic though; I can see Apple doing this after the Holidays...maybe towards January-ish - with leaving the 3G and going for a $99 3GS. I don't think "Droid" mania is as big as everyone thinks; it's mostly popular among geeks who frequent Gadget sites (which are a minority of people).
Click to expand...
Not only the data plans. It's the minute and text plans also! They really think that lowering the price of the iPhone 3G would make a difference.. 4 years passed and I haven't seen AT&T changed their plans like T-Mobile has last month.
 
G

gjkiii

macrumors newbie
Jun 8, 2007
28
0
Maybe they are trying lock in as many customers as possible because next year they might be losing the exclusivity rights
 
nickXedge

nickXedge

macrumors 6502
Feb 13, 2008
393
0
Long Island
azentropy said:
8gb iPhone 3GS - $99 w/2 yr contract
8gb iPhone 3G - FREE w/2 yr contract

Make sense now?
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly when I read this article. How would anyone think this doesn't make sense?

gjkiii said:
Maybe they are trying lock in as many customers as possible because next year they might be losing the exclusivity rights
Click to expand...

That doesn't really make sense. Apple doesn't care about releasing a product to lock people in with AT&T. And in the end, it's Apple's decision whether or not to release another version of their product. AT&T can't make an 8GB iPhone 3Gs.
 
mickhyperion

mickhyperion

macrumors regular
Jul 20, 2004
198
27
I would think if Phil Schiller just said there will be no more new products this year, then that means there will be no more new products this year.
 
Chupa Chupa

Chupa Chupa

macrumors G5
Jul 16, 2002
14,835
7,396
azentropy said:
8gb iPhone 3GS - $99 w/2 yr contract
8gb iPhone 3G - FREE w/2 yr contract

Make sense now?
Click to expand...

Not really. The 3GS is not worth $99 more than the 3G w/ the same amt. of memory. If you want the boost the GS offers then you are going to want at least 16GB RAM too. I can't see a $99 8GB 3GS being a huge seller next to a free 8GB 3G. At this point the 8GB consumer is one that wants cheap not the latest and greatest. I don't think Apple would be so dumb as to make that move. Now making the 8GB 3G free that would make Verizon cry.
 
thejadedmonkey

thejadedmonkey

macrumors G3
May 28, 2005
9,182
3,337
Pennsylvania
azentropy said:
8gb iPhone 3GS - $99 w/2 yr contract
8gb iPhone 3G - FREE w/2 yr contract

Make sense now?
Click to expand...

No, it makes less sense now. Apple is NOT one to compete in the low end market, and unless this is changing, I can not see Apple pricing any iPhone for free. This would give the impression that the iPhone is now a free phone, old, outdated, and ready to be dethroned.
 
azentropy

azentropy

macrumors 601
Jul 19, 2002
4,024
5,384
Surprise
Chupa Chupa said:
Not really. The 3GS is not worth $99 more than the 3G w/ the same amt. of memory. If you want the boost the GS offers then you are going to want at least 16GB RAM too. I can't see a $99 8GB 3GS being a huge seller next to a free 8GB 3G.
Click to expand...

Faster processor, compass, better camera, video recording, voice control ... To many that would be worth the extra $99.
 
azentropy

azentropy

macrumors 601
Jul 19, 2002
4,024
5,384
Surprise
thejadedmonkey said:
No, it makes less sense now. Apple is NOT one to compete in the low end market, and unless this is changing, I can not see Apple pricing any iPhone for free. This would give the impression that the iPhone is now a free phone, old, outdated, and ready to be dethroned.
Click to expand...

Maybe, but I think people are smarter than that. In other countries iPhones have been offered for free with contract.
 
Yvan256

Yvan256

macrumors 603
Jul 5, 2004
5,081
998
Canada
The price doesn't matter much

With the monthly fees Rogers are asking for the iPhone in Canada, the price of the iPhone isn't the real problem.

Even if the iPhone was free, I couldn't afford the monthly plans. I also don't want to sign a THREE years contract for a phone.

I hope Telus and Bell have more sensible plans.

Hum, just checked the coverage map for Telus and Bell. No coverage for my area, so forget it. A free iPhone could only be used as an iPod touch. :rolleyes:
 
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