8GB iPhone Price Drop, 4GB iPhone Discontinued

[iLunar]

I have been an Apple customer for 27 years. This is the first hiccup. Still the best products and I have had great response from them. I puchased a beautiful Panasonic Plasma three years ago and four months later it was $2000. cheaper....I am still watching beautiful picture it displays. I don't think all of the iPhnes stopped working yesterday.

No, they haven't. But the customers certainly aren't happy. Steve went on and on yesterday about how the iPhone was the number one rated Apple product in history by customers. Well guess what? He just pissed them off.

Why blab about how great customers receive your products only to talk down to them a couple hours later? That's the Apple way, I guess.

 

[knoxigen]

think about it

I agree that the price drop is a great thing from Apple, I´ll even buy an iphone myself now. I thought the initial price was just too high, which it obviously was, for whatever reasons.

I hope this whole discussion will help reflect on how stupid it is to make a religion of a brand.

Hey, it´s just a phone, people, a consumer product, something that serves making calls and that has a couple of usefull features - you should get emotionally attached to your spouse, your familiy or even your pet, but not a phone, a computer or a car, it doesn´t make sense, think about it - it´s just effective marketing for a predictable target audience, which you decide to be part of by buying that overpriced product.

Either you think about your choices rationaly or you wait for Apple to tell you what you need and how much you have to spend on it, but don´t complain to others about your own ignorance.

 

[mddharma]

How weird...

I having been buying Apple products since 84... and frankly in the tech realm I have never experienced a better company. All the complaining about Apple is just not warranted for a decision to make their product more available to a larger group of people. All the bashing because someone jumped the gun to buy "the latest" gizmo is almost funny.

ANYONE, who jumped to buy a IPhone in the 1st weeks should have realized that the price would come down. Granted maybe not this quick, but how long should Apple have waited? The sooner the better I say.

At $399 I am almost ready to make the plunge, however, I am still waiting for revision 2 or a price drop to $299. In the meantime I will patiently wait.

Apple makes great products, and at this point in their History they also try to price them for EVERYONE.

 

[hockeysc23]

My first post on this forum, but have been lurking awhile, while this probably won't get read this is my 2 cents.

Yes I,and my brother, bought iPhones the day after initial launch after standing inline on iday before to not get one.

Yes Apple is well within their rights to stick to their 14 day policy and while I shouldn't expect a refund, companies like Apple rely on their loyal customers that have almost a cult following. I would have expected better marketing / PR for those of us that feel betrayed by Apple. I understand technology drops in price but the bigger insult seems to be that they do not care about the customers that made these new prices possible, and drove the marketing hype of it.

Just so everyone in VA knows the Clarendon store says that they won't do anything unless your within the 14 day period. If someone has been successful please PM me or let me know.

I won't hold my breath for Apple to make good on hurting their loyal customer base, but for everyone else congrats on getting your iPhone for cheaper. But there is no need to name call and tell those original purchasers that they should've known it was coming or flaunt this. We are a consumer group together and shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves just creating a more unified buying group for everyone's benefit.


Thanks if you read any feedback or comments are welcome,
Scott

 

[nemaslov]

I having been buying Apple products since 84... and frankly in the tech realm I have never experienced a better company. All the complaining about Apple is just not warranted for a decision to make their product more available to a larger group of people. All the bashing because someone jumped the gun to buy "the latest" gizmo is almost funny.

ANYONE, who jumped to buy a IPhone in the 1st weeks should have realized that the price would come down. Granted maybe not this quick, but how long should Apple have waited? The sooner the better I say.

At $399 I am almost ready to make the plunge, however, I am still waiting for revision 2 or a price drop to $299. In the meantime I will patiently wait.

Apple makes great products, and at this point in their History they also try to price them for EVERYONE.

You know that in January at Macworld, the entire line up will have storage increases while retaining the current prices. That will be in less than four months. SO YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU BUY NOW, DON'T GET PISSED IN JANUARY. And again, the Cell Phone segment is different than Macs and Pods. Always has been!!! Apple probably did not really realize that.

 

[nina simone]

"hey hey, my my"

as an early adopter, a price drop: can take nothing away!

 

[MarkShain]

Apple bends over its most loyal customers

I would encourage people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

As a consumer of Apple products, I am outraged at the recent drop of the Apple iPhone of 33% after only nine weeks on the market. I purchased three phones from Apple directly off their web site, two on June 29 and one on July 17. I just spent 48+ minutes waiting on hold for a representative (Tim) to explain to me why I shouldn't be upset about the drastic price reduction when, only 9 weeks later, the price went from $599 to $399. I then spent another 15 minutes waiting to speak to a supervisor, (Jessica, extension # 46359) to basically tell me "too bad, that's technology for you as prices come down all the time." She presented no insight into the situation and was, quite frankly, geared to do nothing but stonewall.

The fact is I have made tens of thousands of dollars worth of technology purchases over the years and recognize that product pricing goes down after a product has been on the market for awhile. However, this is an unprecedented drop in a few short weeks and is outrageous in the extreme. Apple announced this price drop the same day they announced all their new iPod products and is certainly no coincidence. For months through the winter and spring of this year they plied us with commercials about the iPhone, hyping it more than any pre-product launch I can recall. I feel this is akin to a "bait and switch" ploy by Apple since I feel I can assume that most of the first purchasers of this product were die-hard Apple customers such as myself, and that what Apple has done is take advantage of that loyalty.

I want to know why I deserve this punishment from Apple. Furthermore, I would like to know who I should direct my outrage to regarding the use of Apple computers in Maine's schools. Unless Apple does the right thing in this situation, I intend to focus my future efforts on purchasing laptops for Maine's school children from a PC manufacturer.

 

[sushi]

Sushi; when is it expected for you? I'm sure it'll be easy enough to unlock in the UK, every phone is, and I'm rather surprised that Japan hasn't received them yet, when most of the parts originated there!

I've heard early next year.

Different communication system in Japan than in the US or Europe, so an unlocked iPhone won't do much more than an iPod Touch at this point except for the built in camera.

 

[jackc]

I could understand why some of the early adopters are a little annoyed, but think about it: the alternative to the price drop is not having a price drop and you're still in the same position that you're in now. Yet people act like this is a major blunder by Apple. If anything, it is good for the iPhone and Apple going forward.

To sum up, price decreases are good! Steve, I know you're reading this (OK, maybe not), please continue to drop prices as often and as much as you'd like.

 

[Sonic]

I think those who've likened it to a console price drop are closest to the money. The iPhone is bound to get cheaper, and it had that air of bleeding-edge, luxury-ness that a next-gen console has, and the same kind of post-early-adopter price drops to go with it.

For all those disappointed, I'd just try to enjoy your still just-as-great product, as you felt it was worth what you paid!

I've been bitten by this several times, the worst of which was my first Mac (before I knew of MR or had internet access) - which was the last gen TiBook... I paid 2200 pounds for it (4400 dollars roughly), and a week later or less (I didn't know about the return policy) it became the AlBook at 1799 or something like that... a loss of 800 dollars in a week, for less up-to-date H/W. On top of which I didn't make much money at the time and it was a huge investment for me. Did I regret it... Hell no! I've bought 2000 dollar motorbike that's become 1500 the next week... Loved it just the same.

Life's a lottery, some we win, some we lose!

 

[Tazzy531]

I would encourage people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

FTC: Hi, this is FTC, how can I help you?
You: I'd like to file a complaint about Apple.
FTC: Sure, I'd be glad to take that complaint. What is the problem?
You: Apple just announced that they are lowering the price for the iPhone. And I bought it a month and a half ago.
FTC: Ok.. So you want to file a complaint that they lowered the price so more people can afford to buy it?

 

[Naimfan]

I would encourage people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

As a consumer of Apple products, I am outraged at the recent drop of the Apple iPhone of 33% after only nine weeks on the market.

I want to know why I deserve this punishment from Apple. Furthermore, I would like to know who I should direct my outrage to regarding the use of Apple computers in Maine's schools. Unless Apple does the right thing in this situation, I intend to focus my future efforts on purchasing laptops for Maine's school children from a PC manufacturer.

OK, it's not about the money, it's about the money, right?

"[P]unishment from Apple?" You must be joking. YOU are the one that had to have the iPhone when it came out. YOU are the one who willingly ponied up for three phones. YOU are responsible for reading Apple's price protection policy. Etc. In short, YOU are the only one responsible. You made a perfectly rational purchasing decision both times you bought a phone. NOTHING has changed. If a price drop was going to be that big a deal, why didn't you wait? Oh, because you had to have the phone right then.

Good luck with the FTC. I can save you a lot of time and tell you what will happen: nothing. Apple has violated no law.

As for directing your efforts in Maine--so you're going to work to deprive school children of a better/easier/more productive computer experience out of ego and vanity? Bully for you--I'm sure you'll feel MUCH better.

Bob

 

[jackc]

FTC: Hi, this is FTC, how can I help you?
You: I'd like to file a complaint about Apple.
FTC: Sure, I'd be glad to take that complaint. What is the problem?
You: Apple just announced that they are lowering the price for the iPhone. And I bought it a month and a half ago.
FTC: Ok.. So you want to file a complaint that they lowered the price so more people can afford to buy it?

You: You don't understand. I was screwed!
FTC: How?
You: I paid $200 more than it costs now.
FTC: Did they give you some kind of price protection guarantee?
You: Well no, but I was screwed, screwed I tell ya!
FTC: So if they didn't drop the price, you'd be happy?
You: Well um, no I guess not, but still, I was screwed!

 

[adambadam]

keep it posi?

Life's a lottery, some we win, some we lose!

here, here.
That's a good mindset to have, because youll end up feeling better. iPhones still kick ass. But it's definitely understandable that people got pretty heated about this.

I bought a black MacBook some time ago, and a couple weeks later they came out with the core2 duo's
Oh well, I still love it.

NTM, theres still a bunch of people who don't have one (and I'm sure they're all still jealous )

 

[RHutch]

I would encourage people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

As a consumer of Apple products, I am outraged at the recent drop of the Apple iPhone of 33% after only nine weeks on the market. I purchased three phones from Apple directly off their web site, two on June 29 and one on July 17. I just spent 48+ minutes waiting on hold for a representative (Tim) to explain to me why I shouldn't be upset about the drastic price reduction when, only 9 weeks later, the price went from $599 to $399. I then spent another 15 minutes waiting to speak to a supervisor, (Jessica, extension # 46359) to basically tell me "too bad, that's technology for you as prices come down all the time." She presented no insight into the situation and was, quite frankly, geared to do nothing but stonewall.

The fact is I have made tens of thousands of dollars worth of technology purchases over the years and recognize that product pricing goes down after a product has been on the market for awhile. However, this is an unprecedented drop in a few short weeks and is outrageous in the extreme. Apple announced this price drop the same day they announced all their new iPod products and is certainly no coincidence. For months through the winter and spring of this year they plied us with commercials about the iPhone, hyping it more than any pre-product launch I can recall. I feel this is akin to a "bait and switch" ploy by Apple since I feel I can assume that most of the first purchasers of this product were die-hard Apple customers such as myself, and that what Apple has done is take advantage of that loyalty.

I want to know why I deserve this punishment from Apple. Furthermore, I would like to know who I should direct my outrage to regarding the use of Apple computers in Maine's schools. Unless Apple does the right thing in this situation, I intend to focus my future efforts on purchasing laptops for Maine's school children from a PC manufacturer.

On what grounds would you like people to file a claim with the FTC? Is your product defective?

As for "bait and switch", I don't even see how this situation is "akin" to that? Apple did not advertise/offer to sell you one product and then deliver something else after you gave them money. You knew exactly what you were getting for your money, and you got it.

Please let us know how things go with the FTC.

 

[sushi]

I have always had confidence that Mr. Jobs would screw up Apple badly at somepoint, just like the last time he was in charge. It took a while, but he didn't let me down.

SJ has not screwed up Apple. Apple is still doing fine and will work through this issue.

I want to know why I deserve this punishment from Apple. Furthermore, I would like to know who I should direct my outrage to regarding the use of Apple computers in Maine's schools. Unless Apple does the right thing in this situation, I intend to focus my future efforts on purchasing laptops for Maine's school children from a PC manufacturer.

You are not being punished by Apple. When you purchased the iPhone, you decided that the value was worth the cost otherwise you would not have purchased it at the time. No one forced you to purchase the iPhone. Additionally, you had to sign up for 2 years of service, so the total cost reduction was much less than 33% -- more like 10% over time.

Why are you trying to get back at Apple through a change in Maine's school computers when you are upset at a decision that you freely made?

 

[RHutch]

Buy another-reduce your average cost

I'm sorry if someone has already said this, but here is a suggestion for those of you who paid the high price: buy another at the new, reduced price. Then the average price you paid for your iPhones will be lower. Then maybe you won't feel that Apple ripped you off as much.

 

[sushi]

I'm sorry if someone has already said this, but here is a suggestion for those of you who paid the high price: buy another at the new, reduced price. Then the average price you paid for your iPhones will be lower. Then maybe you won't feel that Apple ripped you off as much.

Sounds like dollar cost averaging when investing in the stock market.

FTC: Hi, this is FTC, how can I help you?
You: I'd like to file a complaint about Apple.
FTC: Sure, I'd be glad to take that complaint. What is the problem?
You: Apple just announced that they are lowering the price for the iPhone. And I bought it a month and a half ago.
FTC: Ok.. So you want to file a complaint that they lowered the price so more people can afford to buy it?

Probably pretty close to what will happen if he calls them.

You: You don't understand. I was screwed!
FTC: How?
You: I paid $200 more than it costs now.
FTC: Did they give you some kind of price protection guarantee?
You: Well no, but I was screwed, screwed I tell ya!
FTC: So if they didn't drop the price, you'd be happy?
You: Well um, no I guess not, but still, I was screwed!

Yep, don't think much will come from contacting the FTC.

 

[chukronos]

Looks like Apple stock had the usual run up before a product launch.

Then the usual drop after the product introduction until a base is established then increase from there.

It' a little bigger than the usual drop. But, I see your point. I do not own an iphone. But, I think with all of the negative press this price drop is getting, Apple may change its stance on holding to the 14 day policy.

 

[kugino]

I would encourage people to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov

As a consumer of Apple products, I am outraged at the recent drop of the Apple iPhone of 33% after only nine weeks on the market. I purchased three phones from Apple directly off their web site, two on June 29 and one on July 17. I just spent 48+ minutes waiting on hold for a representative (Tim) to explain to me why I shouldn't be upset about the drastic price reduction when, only 9 weeks later, the price went from $599 to $399. I then spent another 15 minutes waiting to speak to a supervisor, (Jessica, extension # 46359) to basically tell me "too bad, that's technology for you as prices come down all the time." She presented no insight into the situation and was, quite frankly, geared to do nothing but stonewall.

The fact is I have made tens of thousands of dollars worth of technology purchases over the years and recognize that product pricing goes down after a product has been on the market for awhile. However, this is an unprecedented drop in a few short weeks and is outrageous in the extreme. Apple announced this price drop the same day they announced all their new iPod products and is certainly no coincidence. For months through the winter and spring of this year they plied us with commercials about the iPhone, hyping it more than any pre-product launch I can recall. I feel this is akin to a "bait and switch" ploy by Apple since I feel I can assume that most of the first purchasers of this product were die-hard Apple customers such as myself, and that what Apple has done is take advantage of that loyalty.

I want to know why I deserve this punishment from Apple. Furthermore, I would like to know who I should direct my outrage to regarding the use of Apple computers in Maine's schools. Unless Apple does the right thing in this situation, I intend to focus my future efforts on purchasing laptops for Maine's school children from a PC manufacturer.

i will alert gruber to this post...if you're lucky, you may just win his "jackass of the week"! cross your fingers.

 

[peiffman1]

All objectively true, but all those calling other whiners are totally missing the point. That big a premeditated price drop so soon after introduction leaves a bad taste in the mouth of many who have been big apple supporters for years. If you can't understand that, don't bother posting.

Firstly, I called no one a whiner. I just said you really have no reason to feel cheated, it was your economic decision to purchase, and apple made their decision independently of yours.

Secondly, I will continue to bother posting, and trying to explain to you that you are wrong, because, you are.

The smart corporate move would be coupons for all early adopters. It would more than pay for itself in the long run.

No, it would not. 2 reasons: Apple's goal is to increase shareholder value, they do not want to set precident of giving out rebates every time they lower a price. You have to accept the fact that Apple is trying to maximize profits, and they do, and have always done, so much more aggressively than most other companies. And second, Apple is, with the iPhone, a consumer electronics company. They mass produce goods and services and sell them to the largest group possible, expecting Apple to cater to you because you are a loyal customer is wrong - companies with low volume customer bases do this, not consumer electronics companies.

 

[kironin]

die-hard Apple customers such as myself

I think it's pretty hilarious when people on here talk about themselves being Apple's "most loyal customers" or "die-hard" in one breath and in another breath talk about never getting another apple product again and rant on about how bad Apple is for dropping the price so quickly. Talk about cognitive dissonance.

Being an early technology adopter, obviously by the example of many whiners here, definitely does not equate to most loyal customers. The most loyal customers of a company buy and use products year in and year out because they genuinely like them and find they fit their needs and allow them to be productive. They buy them for whatever price at the time because they consider value worth not waiting. Some bump in the road like an unexpected price drop that makes the customer regret buying something too soon certainly would not cause a loyal customer to just decide on a whim to make a 180 degree turn in their buying decisions because there are too many other factors that have gone into the decisions that made them a loyal customer in the first place (or should be anyway).

If you didn't want the phone at $600, then you shouldn't have bought it at $600. All else is just emotional BS brought on by non-rational impulse buying.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Imagine people getting angry at a price DROP.... unreal. Yes, raise those prices Chevron! I want to pay more! Or at least I want my neighbor to pay as much as I did or else he should get no gas!!!!

LOL. I take this all in stride. I didn't buy an iPhone. I don't want one because of the contract (maybe the new iPod touch, though?).

But when you talk about RIP-OFFs, let's talk about the REAL world. I bought an $1800 spring-free mattress from Sealy. The mattress softened up after a month (past when I could return it) and this new 'soft state' was TOO SOFT for my back. The mattress now causes me morning back pain and other discomforts. Guess what? The store I bought it from REFUSES to take it back or trade up or DOWN even for another model. They have my money. They don't CARE if I'm unhappy. I *WISH* I was out 'only' $200!!!!

You guys have a phone you supposedly LIKE. It's not causing you back pain or discomfort. You are not out $1800. You are simply angry that your neighbor is going to get a phone for $200 less than you got it for. Thus, all of you complaining get NO sympathy from me.

I screwed up. I bought a mattress that cost too much and didn't have a 3 month satisfaction guarantee (like Tempurpedic has). I didn't buy an iPhone, though.

I'll tell you what. If one of you whiners will buy my $1800 mattress for $1800, I'll buy your 4 or 8GB iPhone for your full price. Deal? Any takers? Yeah, that's what I thought....

You should be GLAD Apple *DROPPED* prices. The only thing you have to be angry about is your own stupidity for buying a brand new product to the market as an early adopter. No one made you buy one. If you bought it at that price willingly and liked the product enough not to return it, then you have no one to be angry at except yourself! Apple is free to charge whatever they want. You agreed to buy it under contract. You are angry because if you had been patient and waited, you would have saved $200. I make more than that in a day. Big Deal.

But $1800 is almost 2/3 a month's salary and I have other bills to pay. That is a big deal to me, but it's not the end of the world either and I'm not on screaming about it on some mattress site like a little baby. I am using it as an example of how whiny people are in this world. They don't want prices to drop? That's not even logical. Oh yeah, it's because they can't STAND the idea that someone else got a better deal than they did.

This is why the world sucks. People don't give a crap about other people. They only care about themselves and whether they got theirs or not.

 

[bellis1]

Bad decision or partially misled?

Yes I am a member of the 600 club. I suppose it was a bad decision and I should have waited. But was also a little misled because there was supposedly not going to be any price drops or major updates for sometime (6 months not before holiday). And that most of the updates would be via software upgrades. Obviously that does not ring true, and where are all those fantastic updates.

The best part is hearing it from Steve himself, from an archived thread. I love at the 5 minute mark how he says the iphone is the future and it is a bit expensive but it will appeal to more people as the prices are reduced year after year. Or did I miss hear that, was it supposed to be 9 weeks after 9 weeks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mY4EIS82Jw

 

[EagerDragon]

I was waiting for the GPS in version 2, at this much lower price, I am going to get one as soon as my Sprint contract expires, then in July when my other T-Mobile account expires the wife and kid each get an iPhone.

If the GPS is out by then, my kid gets my old phone, and I and the wife get the new version, hehehe.

That right!


Well...I feel a bit upset...oh well, thats the "price" of buying the product right away

Possible drop of the 4Gb iPhone too

YES, you can pick up left over 4Gig version for 299.