Ok, I'd overlooked all the users who passed on the 3GS. Geez, didn't you miss the compass?!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Any thoughts why the demand for iPhone 4 is so much greater than for 3S last year?
- Thread starter Manatee
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
haha, one time I was walking down the street, and someone bumped me. All of a sudden I had no idea where I was pointing. I looked at my phone and then exclaimed "Damn you, iPhone 3G"
Bam, right there.
My first iPhone was a 3G, and although the 3G(S) seemed cool with its faster processor and video recorder, but I just couldn't justify the upgrade cost. The 3G to iPhone 4 upgrade is a big deal to me though, with lots of enhancements and changes (esp. compared to my 3G.)
However, if I already had a 3G(S), I might consider skipping the upgrade. But I'm fairly cheap to be honest.
Sean
Don't forget data plans. I know a lot of people who are getting their first iPhone now, because of the $15/mo data plan option.
Edit: Just saw this was already mentioned. But I really think this was a big reason.
Edit: Just saw this was already mentioned. But I really think this was a big reason.
200 and that 200 was spent well. the 3gs kicks the **** out of the 3g. and i can sell it for 400 so i made 200.
idk, have you ever used a 3GS side-by-side w/ a 3G or 2G? Anyone who says they're not so different after that has to be delusional... I think 3GS wasn't as popular as it could've been only because aesthetically it was identical to the 3G.
iPhone 4 is more of an upgrade, but I wouldn't call the 3GS a minor one.
LOL! I'm looking forward to it. Actually, now that Apple has become "the establishment", I'm watching for signs of rebellion. It's starting to feel like Tommy's Holiday Camp. Good thing the products work so well.... So it's only going to get worse.iPhone day 2011 will be a bloodbath.
You know, some people on here claim that most people upgrade their iPhones yearly, which clearly is not the case or we'd have had far more traffic each year.
Becoming more mainstream
It would be interesting to see how many of these orders are people upgrading their current iPhone vs people purchasing their first iPhone.
My first iPhone was the 3GS. I got it on launch day. Previous to that time I was a Blackberry user. I did not know many iPhone users then (just 1 year ago). Blackberry yes, but iPhone no. I would say that has changed. I would say that I know many more iPhone users now. I went from feeling different having an iPhone, to everyone has one of these in a matter of months.
My point is that the iPhone has become much more mainstream in the last year. I don't think we can underestimate the importance of some of the upgrades that came with the 3GS that made it more appealing such as adding video, cut and paste, and the growth of the app store. Plus it is not only apple marketing the iPhone, but many other businesses that push their iPhone apps.
I would say the redesign of iPhone is a big part the reason as well. The 3GS looked basically the same as the 3G. Same reason car manufacturers update design. People don't care as much about changes under the hood as much as what it looks like on the outside.
It would be interesting to see how many of these orders are people upgrading their current iPhone vs people purchasing their first iPhone.
My first iPhone was the 3GS. I got it on launch day. Previous to that time I was a Blackberry user. I did not know many iPhone users then (just 1 year ago). Blackberry yes, but iPhone no. I would say that has changed. I would say that I know many more iPhone users now. I went from feeling different having an iPhone, to everyone has one of these in a matter of months.
My point is that the iPhone has become much more mainstream in the last year. I don't think we can underestimate the importance of some of the upgrades that came with the 3GS that made it more appealing such as adding video, cut and paste, and the growth of the app store. Plus it is not only apple marketing the iPhone, but many other businesses that push their iPhone apps.
I would say the redesign of iPhone is a big part the reason as well. The 3GS looked basically the same as the 3G. Same reason car manufacturers update design. People don't care as much about changes under the hood as much as what it looks like on the outside.
Precisely the case here.
Plus in Canada on three years contracts you need to have two years on to be eligible to upgrade. Perfect timing in my situation.
In reading these responses its clear that many people only equate a new case design with major update. Never mind double the processor speed, new camera with autofocus and camcorder, and three times the usable RAM that the 3GS had over the 3G.
Ya I agree. I posted a graph on the previous page that details the mainstream acceptance model.
The re-design and specs and everything is nice, but honestly that's all hogwash to the average person. The fact that it's "better than ever" is good enough for many. It's the momentum of the mainstream that's really picking up steam.
Next year's model will do well, but man, watch out for the 2012 iPhone. That's going to be the monster "billion selling" version of the iPhone.
First Time iPhone Adopters
In addition to the reasons above, I think a lot of people are like myself: getting an iPhone for the first time.
I've always had an interest in the iPhone but have held off previous models because:
In addition to the reasons above, I think a lot of people are like myself: getting an iPhone for the first time.
I've always had an interest in the iPhone but have held off previous models because:
- iPhone - nice phone, with an innovative UI, but ridiculously overpriced for its meager features and spec list
- iPhone 3G - we got 3G, but that should have been there from day one. App Store looks promising.
- iPhone 3GS - speed bump for performance is welcome, and the iOS experience and success of the App Store makes it very tempting. But still too expensive when compared with competitors.
- iPhone 4 - okay, it's still bloody expensive, but sports a great new design and competitive camera (at last). I'm sold!
1. Most people didn't get an iPhone until the 3G was released.
2. Most were therefore not eligible for an upgrade when the 3GS was released.
3. The 3GS was somewhat of a joke of an upgrade (many people didn't care about a faster processor, improved camera, compass, etc) and many people therefore weren't willing to pay a premium to upgrade.
4. Most 3G owners are now eligible for an upgrade and the iPhone 4 is a fairly significant upgrade.
Simple as that.
2. Most were therefore not eligible for an upgrade when the 3GS was released.
3. The 3GS was somewhat of a joke of an upgrade (many people didn't care about a faster processor, improved camera, compass, etc) and many people therefore weren't willing to pay a premium to upgrade.
4. Most 3G owners are now eligible for an upgrade and the iPhone 4 is a fairly significant upgrade.
Simple as that.
I currently have the 3G, so the new iPhone is a huge upgrade. I got the original iPhone and was eligible again for 3G so I bought it. But now just buying on a 2 year cycle. Don't really wanna spend $200-300 a year on a new phone, on top of the $2400 I pay for service.
So sign me up for iPhone 6. When you choose to skip a version, the next one you buy has double the features.
So sign me up for iPhone 6. When you choose to skip a version, the next one you buy has double the features.
I can see why someone in my position would want the iPhone 4, but I would not have guessed the demand considering I had no idea that the *majority* was in such a position.
For me, it's features, but it's also because it's the first time (since the original iPhone), the list of new features is high enough to finally get me to upgrade. I knew I would wait a few generations, so I was gearing for what the 4th iPhone would have. Didn't realize, like every other person in the world was doing the same.
Not that I didn't try to reserve it on the first day. Just that I was unlucky enough to never get the pre-order through.
Of course, us first gen folks have an even stronger reason to upgrade. iOS 4. We get none of those *much needed* features if we don't upgrade.
For me, it's features, but it's also because it's the first time (since the original iPhone), the list of new features is high enough to finally get me to upgrade. I knew I would wait a few generations, so I was gearing for what the 4th iPhone would have. Didn't realize, like every other person in the world was doing the same.
Not that I didn't try to reserve it on the first day. Just that I was unlucky enough to never get the pre-order through.
Of course, us first gen folks have an even stronger reason to upgrade. iOS 4. We get none of those *much needed* features if we don't upgrade.
Upgrading my 3G because it feels too slow now. Somehow it did not feel so slow a year ago when they introduced 3GS, I blame iPad
Also adding a second line because of a new $15 data plan, I just could not justify paying 2x$30 for some light Internet use for me and my wife.
Also adding a second line because of a new $15 data plan, I just could not justify paying 2x$30 for some light Internet use for me and my wife.
The main reason I am upgrading to the iPhone 4g is because of the Higher Resolution Screen display. I read a lot of web site content on my iPhone and it will be nice to have the higher resolution so you can read small text.
I believe we are entering 'early majority.'
Yep. This is for ALL smartphones, btw.
When a whole product category starts to enter that phase, watch out! This is 'smartphone growth,' not 'iPhone growth.'
Everyone's sales will be up this year. The race is not to see who wins or loses, but who "wins more" than the other guys.
People around these boards don't get it...the smartphone race starts now, not 3 or 4 years ago. People are talking about HD video or better screens...doesn't matter. Most shoppers are trading in their Razrs or some such thing. "HD Video" wasn't really what called them to the iPhone. It's just the timing. They've been thinking about it for 4 years and they've finally given in. My in-laws are getting 3 new iPhones this year and they fit that mold. They've been talking about getting an iPhone for 2 years and now it's finally time to do it. That's pretty much all there is to it.
because the 3G/3GS design is the worst product Apple have ever made. I'm upgrading because my 3G is literally falling apart and looks ****.
Ya totally.
The market (and tech) has finally matured and the real race can begin. And honestly, I think Apple's got the chops to win big. The yearly cycle is a pretty good rhythm, and Apple's getting good at this whole "making appliances, not computers/tech boxes" thing that people respond to.
Unless, of course, Google blows us away with some crazy super secret Nexus Two or something.