Apple Reportedly Negotiating with Carriers for $100 Price Increase on iPhone 6

[samcraig]

Everyone wants something to make them stand out from everyone else. Be it a phone, car, hair, clothes, tats, house.

Really? Are you sure about that. That means you believe that everyone compares themselves to other people. Are you sure you want to make that blanket statement?

ETA: - btw there's a difference between wanting and needing. I also think there's a different between accepting that in some areas of life, there are little to no differentiators - and you should have the constitution to be OK with that. Again - we're talking about a phone.

 

[AppleScruff1]

There's just too much competition and good phones out there. If Apple ups the price, they're just getting greedy and will reduce the overall interest in the iPhone 6. Its a huge mistake imo

But honestly, aren't they already greedy with the prices they charge for storage in all of their iDevices and also for RAM on the Mac side? Maybe they will test the market and see what happens with a price increase, if there is massive resistance, they can always drop prices like the vendors did with the 5C. They could make 32GB standard and raise the price to $299 and it would be in line with their current pricing and still keep huge profit margins.

 

[LordVic]

The Samsung S5 was just released Friday last week. It is Monday today. Do you really think he has some sources on how well sales are doing?

no, I don't believe he has any evidence at all to back his claims in any way.

So far, The ONLY data we have are the ones we've already linked and anecdotal stories from carriers who claim they're moving.

We will not likely see any actual numbers for months, if any at all.
So his claim, to the contrary of what is already being reported in media, puts the burden of Proof on himself to prove, or at least provide evidence towards.

Something he has not managed to do in any way at all.

Listen, I'm not saying that the S5 is some remarkable device that is shattering records or will destroy the very fabric of Apple. I have no stake. I just am one of those nutjobs who has to see data and facts or it drives me nuts

 

[apolloa]

People who want an iPhone will still get one, given that Apple's the only company producing it.

What I don't understand is why carriers are opposed to increasing the price by $100? Maybe my reading comprehension is poor - but does this mean the iPhone is going to cost $100 more overall, Apple is actually asking carriers to subsidise it less (good for carriers, right?), or they are demanding $100 more from carriers, who are then forced to absorb the difference?

Of course it means it'll cost more, who do you think they will make pay for the increase? The carriers aren't going to lose profits just because Apple is greedy.

The only people who lose out to Apples greed is the consumer.

 

[octothorpe8]

F the carriers. If it was up to them, we'd all have Motorola RAZR smartphones with proprietary branded, locked down software, buying all our media from their god-awful services.

 

[Syk]

I find it sad. It's a phone. And for years now, you could buy it at WalMart.

It was fun and "special" for the first 6 or so months (the original iPhone) because people hadn't' seen it (it was very expensive and no subsidy then) and it was fun to play with if you have never seen one before. That lasted about 6 months. Maybe a bit longer. I'm not sure that ever had to do with "luxury" but more novelty.

And since so many have smartphones now (iPhone or other) - it seems a bit "late" to lament.

That's all I'm getting at Sam it was "special" at one point even when it was just AT&T you didn't see many until shortly before Verizon got them and Walmart selling them. The price increase will probably cause some people to say wait, maybe this phone over here will do.

It's a phone for me but I can see how some people can see it as something exclusive.

I've actually considered doing like a poster up thread mentioned and going with a tablet and dumb phone. I hardly talk on my phone. The only thing that puts the brakes on that is that I'd have to carry two devices and I can get a 5" Nexus device cheap. If they made a 6" Nexus for $350 I think I'd be set.

 

[Above The Gods]

No. You said the 4.7 inch version would be $299. No way the new larger 5.x version would cost the same. Thus, this would never sale outside the US and Apple would lose major market share. I'm just not buying it.

Oh, pardon me. Yeah, the 5.7'' would be $400. Both of them will sell, and may in fact lose worldwide market share. But that doesn't matter so much. Apple historically never chased market share. They're the most profitable PC vendor despite the small share.

 

[Martyimac]

I'm due for an upgrade soon. IF, IF Apple raises the price, then all of a sudden the Android phones start to look attractive. In all reality, unlike probably most of you, I use my mobile phone as a, gasp, phone probably 95% of the time. The other 5% I could deal with the apps that I use on my iPhone because they are also available on Android.

As much as I like and appreciate Apple quality, price DOES start to raise its ugly head.

 

[apolloa]

F the carriers. If it was up to them, we'd all have Motorola RAZR smartphones with proprietary branded, locked down software, buying all our media from their god-awful services.

Oh how VERY VERY wrong you are, the carriers are the ones who install and develop 3G and 4G and 5G etc etc, yeah F them and their corrupt way's of advancing mobile technology... gggrrrrrrr

Apple is clearly pulling the wool over your eye's here with it's RDF, Apple negotiate the terms the carriers are allowed to sell it's iPhone, think to yourself just why you never see an iPhone on a deal, where as you do with every other mobile phone...

That's Apple forcing the carriers to sell iPhones at a higher premium.

 

[Above The Gods]

Apple is not stupid enough to sell their new phone at a base price of $750/$300-subsidized.

I'm in quite the opposite boat with you. It would be incredible "stupid" for them not to raise prices.

Apple tries to sell high quality products, and that involves high quality materials. In this case, the sapphire display. Raising prices for this new phone also raises profits, while staving off the higher than normal demand expected.

 

[Syk]

Really? Are you sure about that. That means you believe that everyone compares themselves to other people. Are you sure you want to make that blanket statement?

ETA: - btw there's a difference between wanting and needing. I also think there's a different between accepting that in some areas of life, there are little to no differentiators - and you should have the constitution to be OK with that. Again - we're talking about a phone.

Some people like to follow the crowd, others like to be out in front. That's all I'm saying. When I say everyone I'm saying it in general terms.It doesn't have to be a phone

 

[lilo777]

I welcome a price increase. I'm an apple fan so I'll buy it no matter what. This will only make the apple fan club a little more exclusive. Good move apple

Some people buy devices to use them, others, apparently, buy them to join the "club" (even if they get an inferior device at higher price). Interesting, I did not realize that.

 

[apolloa]

I'm in quite the opposite boat with you. It would be incredible "stupid" for them not to raise prices.

Apple tries to sell high quality products, and that involves high quality materials. In this case, the sapphire display. Raising prices for this new phone also raises profits, while staving off higher than normal demand expected.

Yeah, those RAM chips they use are made of pure solid Gold you know! It's why they charge SO much more than anyone else for storage increases

 

[lilo777]

Everyone wants something to make them stand out from everyone else. Be it a phone, car, hair, clothes, tats, house.

You might be right in general. But it's hard to see how this applies to iPhone. iPhone being the most mass market device, if anything, buying it you go with the crowd not standing out.

 

[Woodcrest64]

1GB of RAM is more than adequate.. the 4S had half that and worked fine.

For now it is, but depending on what Apple does with iOS 8 and 9 it may not be. You can't be using 1GB forever and increase the complexity and design of iOS.

 

[apolloa]

For now it is, but depending on what Apple does with iOS 8 and 9 it may not be. You can't be using 1GB forever and increase the complexity and design of iOS.

Yeah but if you look at Apple's history, it will just simply drop support for it's older models so that doesn't matter. I'd be surprised if iOS8 runs on the iPhone 4 and below.
They expect you to upgrade at the increased cost.

 

[samcraig]

Some people like to follow the crowd, others like to be out in front. That's all I'm saying. When I say everyone I'm saying it in general terms.It doesn't have to be a phone

You realize the irony being that if the iPhone stayed "exclusive" that Apple would probably be out of business and there wouldn't have been an iPhone 3GS...

 

[Chupa Chupa]

As long they don't increase the unlocked price, i'm fine

I guess you won't be fine then.

 

[Syk]

You might be right in general. But it's hard to see how this applies to iPhone. iPhone being the most mass market device, if anything, buying it you go with the crowd not standing out.

My comments ares going back to a few posters who said he wanted the price increase in hoping that it would make it more exclusive and how I could understand his line of thinking, not that I want a price increase or that having a iPhone myself made me stand out but I tend to look at things from others stand points.

I think smart phones cost too much, not only Apple and I'm seriously thinking about going to a Nexus 5 but would like to see what the iphone6 is going to bring or at this point the Nexus6. I'm stilling using a iPhone4 so that tells you how much I care about the phone. I do like my son's Nexus5 though.

I agree the iPhone doesn't stand out any more.

----------

You realize the irony being that if the iPhone stayed "exclusive" that Apple would probably be out of business and there wouldn't have been an iPhone 3GS...

Probably but all I'm saying is a lot of people want something that others can't have. For some it's an iPhone, other's it's a car or whatever.

I understand what a few poster in here meant by if the price goes up others may not get it.

 

[Dimwhit]

I'm sure it's been mentioned (didn't read the whole thread), but with more cell plans going unsubsidized, Apple is going to need to LOWER the cost, not raise.

My phone is on a company plan and no longer offers subsidies. No way am I paying the cost of a full computer to get an iPhone. I love my iPhone, but next upgrade, I may have to look elsewhere if it's going to cost that much.

 

[Four oF NINE]

except the iPhone 6's release wont suddenly cause your iPhone5's to stop working. In All likelihood, even with Apple's limited long term support, the 5 will continue to get the most recent and up to date software and support for another 2 years. (Apple tends to go on 3 year cycles for product support).

Even the 4s is still supported by iOS7 and the latest software and it will be approaching 3 year old device this October. (Given that though, i Wouldn't expect the 4(s) to receive iOS8

For now it is, but depending on what Apple does with iOS 8 and 9 it may not be. You can't be using 1GB forever and increase the complexity and design of iOS.

I'll probably wait and see what happens with the iPhone 6S anyway, but your points are well taken.

 

[Woodcrest64]

Yeah but if you look at Apple's history, it will just simply drop support for it's older models so that doesn't matter. I'd be surprised if iOS8 runs on the iPhone 4 and below.
They expect you to upgrade at the increased cost.

That is very true. Though things 'could' bog down quite a bit for 1gb users. I'm not saying it will but my 256mb of RAM iPad 1 on iOS 5.1.1 sure ran a lot better on iOS 3.2 before Apple introduced multitasking. I just like to see Apple offer a little more to keep us users running our products better for longer.

 

[Syk]

I'm sure it's been mentioned (didn't read the whole thread), but with more cell plans going unsubsidized, Apple is going to need to LOWER the cost, not raise.

My phone is on a company plan and no longer offers subsidies. No way am I paying the cost of a full computer to get an iPhone. I love my iPhone, but next upgrade, I may have to look elsewhere if it's going to cost that much.

Most all the flagship phones are $650+ so that's not an Apple thing(At least here in the States).
If your phone company is moving to no subsidy then you're probably going to be looking at something like the MotoG/X and Nexus phone if you don't want to pay the price of a full computer because all the flagship devices normally go for a similar price.

No I wouldn't pay $750 for a phone either but if I did I wouldn't be replacing it too soon.

 

[apolloa]

That is very true. Though things 'could' bog down quite a bit for 1gb users. I'm not saying it will but my 256mb of RAM iPad 1 on iOS 5.1.1 sure ran a lot better on iOS 3.2 before Apple introduced multitasking. I just like to see Apple offer a little more to keep us users running our products better for longer.

Well then you have the increase the RAM argument, or they will need to make iOS use less RAM and be more efficient, but I can't see them doing either.

 

[TallManNY]

Starting prices and memory sizes... You heard it here first, folks.

$0 - 8gb iPhone 6c (very few colors)
$99 - 16gb iPhone 6c
$199 - 16gb iPhone 6 w/ 4.7 inch screen
$299 - 32gb iPhone 6 w/ 5.5 inch screen

So wrong. There won't be a 6c this time.

5c - $0
5cs - $100
6 - $199 (that is on contract price, but behind the scene Apple gets paid $100 more from the carriers).
6 w/32gb - $299
No 5.5" screen.

Price increase off contract might go up a bit as well. Apple doesn't mind if its flagship phone is expensive. It knows it will still sell. The 5c and the 5cs will be more affordable as there will no price increase either at the carriers or off contract for those phones.