If you are in an area that Craigslist is popular, USE IT! I sold my 8GB quickly for $350 yesterday after having it posted for 20 minutes. When you add up all the fees, shipping, etc., you save alot of money.
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.
Apple to Allow iPhone Subsidies?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If you are in an area that Craigslist is popular, USE IT! I sold my 8GB quickly for $350 yesterday after having it posted for 20 minutes. When you add up all the fees, shipping, etc., you save alot of money.
no way
That would be true but in that circumstance the original phone was probably subsidized. Sure Apple may have received a cut of my bill over the last year but that would be unknown to me and If I decide to buy a new phone next week I absolutely expect to get the same deal as anyone else.
What about existing iPhone/AT&T customers?
EDIT: But then again, when you upgrade any other phone outside your selected upgrade time period - you usually end up paying full retail anyway. So after revisiting, I don't believe there will be any type of subsidy for existing iPhone/AT&T customers. Ah! - the price of bleeding edge technology...
That would be true but in that circumstance the original phone was probably subsidized. Sure Apple may have received a cut of my bill over the last year but that would be unknown to me and If I decide to buy a new phone next week I absolutely expect to get the same deal as anyone else.
So, if you're one year into your contract does this mean you can't resign for another two (2) years and would have to by the phone at full price?
Glad my contract is up. Hope this is true.
at&t pays between $285 and $345 for Curves, and sells them for $350. Subsidized they are generally $99, so $199 for an iPhone sounds about right.
The more I think about the idea of subsidies applied to iPhone sales the more I realize how much of a coup Apple may have pulled off. Originally there was no subsidy, but the Telcos paid Apple part of the monthly contract. I can see the Telcos justification that this was the price to be paid for a sole supplier deal for a new, hot product. Now ,if the rumours are correct, the Telcos will be sucking up this monthly contract payment, and the subsidy. And what's more, the original reports seem to suggest that it was the Telcos pressuring Apple to let them pay this extra cost. I find this quite amazing, companies are willing to pay twice for the privilege of selling an Apple product.
I've been with this company well before it became Cingular---that being said, I'm pretty sure I've upgraded phones before the contract was up.
Think about this logically--Apple wants to sell 10+ million iPhones this year. AT&T wants to get as many people under contract for as long as they can. This is just me inferring--but a sizable number of people who will buy the 3G iPhone are people who have bought an iPhone in the past year. Apple will get their money through subsidies. AT&T will get their money through the extended contract. Customers get a cheap(er) iPhone. Who's losing on this deal?
Think about this logically--Apple wants to sell 10+ million iPhones this year. AT&T wants to get as many people under contract for as long as they can. This is just me inferring--but a sizable number of people who will buy the 3G iPhone are people who have bought an iPhone in the past year. Apple will get their money through subsidies. AT&T will get their money through the extended contract. Customers get a cheap(er) iPhone. Who's losing on this deal?
Any rebate at all is a huge, huge plus for me, even if it were just an Apple store credit which I don't think it would be such
I still am on the "I will believe it when I see it" train of thought as getting $200 back is just like....wow, what a nice, nice surprise for my bank account
I still am on the "I will believe it when I see it" train of thought as getting $200 back is just like....wow, what a nice, nice surprise for my bank account
You're right, Apple has been at the bottom of the food chain (not the top) and as they get market share, then hackers will target them more. He had it backwards.
Me. I got a new phone when the iPhone came out to tide me over until the 3G version came out. I'd have kept my old T616 as it was a great phone, but the nubbin' joystick stopped working from gathering dust in my pocket. Since the iPhone wasn't subsidized, I used the subsidy on the new phone because I figured out version two would also not be subsidized. If it's subsidized now, I'll be annoyed, but I'll still buy it because it was my fault for making assumptions.
I really doubt that they're going to subsidize it though. I would think original iPhone customers are going to be pissed. The very early adopters will be twice shunned.
It's true. I have a family member who works for AT&T and he says the iPhone will be subsidize; $200 off the purchase price with 2-year contract. Can't wait.
J
jmadlena
Guest
I don't know if AT&T will subsidize the new iPhone, and I don't really care. My contract isn't up for another couple of months, and I don't want to wait to save $100 or however much it may be.
If they do want to subsidize it I don't care if first genertion iPhone owners get upset. You had a great phone for an entire year; you had the hottest product of them all. Since they had to pay a lot (that is subjective, of course) why should everyone have to pay a lot? How long should Apple wait to drop the price or allow AT&T to subsidize it? One generation? Two? Either way, someone will get upset, so do it when it fits the business plan.
Customers feel that they are entitled to everything nowadays.
If they do want to subsidize it I don't care if first genertion iPhone owners get upset. You had a great phone for an entire year; you had the hottest product of them all. Since they had to pay a lot (that is subjective, of course) why should everyone have to pay a lot? How long should Apple wait to drop the price or allow AT&T to subsidize it? One generation? Two? Either way, someone will get upset, so do it when it fits the business plan.
Customers feel that they are entitled to everything nowadays.
I want to know is can I buy an unlocked unsubsidized iPhone?
Only if they don't have what you need in stock and they can't fix your problem with a replacement of the same kind.
Only if they don't have what you need in stock and they can't fix your problem with a replacement of the same kind.
Point well made however...
I have to disagree. First of all, early adopters will likely get some benefit for upgrading. I am hearing some rumors flying around about trade ins etc. that might get people discounts. Think about the ipod. What about people who get a new ipod, and then a while later a new and better one comes out, for cheaper than theirs?
The bottom line is that, while the first iphone was great, it didn't have the power to go as mainstream as apple would have liked yet. The Iphone can be to the phone industry, what the ipod was to portable music. The way for the iphone to achieve such a stance, is through making it a product that appeals to everyone. Most people I know think the iphone is great, but they see the price and decide they can get similar features for cheaper. The reality is that most phones don't meet the standard of the iphone, but on paper many do. People that aren't dedicated to apple are going to look at the other similar options on the table, and choose the cheaper. Apple will look even better when it is priced along the lines with its competitors, instead of being the top of the line, so far up, that many just can't reach.
The iphone is a work of art, and I bet the newest one will be even better. Take note though, that in a time in America especially, when people are needing to be frivolous due to a struggling economy, every extra penny spent is a big deal. Regular people are making the transition from junky old flip phones, to new phones with data plans and sleek features. Regular people want a deal. I guarantee that if this iphone is subsidized to 199 american dollars, it will be the most popular phone for the next year without question. If you recall the junky moto razr, that everyone liked for some odd reason, started at a premium, and lowered its price as it got more popular. the same will go for the iphone (though i doubt apple will ever let an iphone be sold for less than $199).
I have to disagree. First of all, early adopters will likely get some benefit for upgrading. I am hearing some rumors flying around about trade ins etc. that might get people discounts. Think about the ipod. What about people who get a new ipod, and then a while later a new and better one comes out, for cheaper than theirs?
The bottom line is that, while the first iphone was great, it didn't have the power to go as mainstream as apple would have liked yet. The Iphone can be to the phone industry, what the ipod was to portable music. The way for the iphone to achieve such a stance, is through making it a product that appeals to everyone. Most people I know think the iphone is great, but they see the price and decide they can get similar features for cheaper. The reality is that most phones don't meet the standard of the iphone, but on paper many do. People that aren't dedicated to apple are going to look at the other similar options on the table, and choose the cheaper. Apple will look even better when it is priced along the lines with its competitors, instead of being the top of the line, so far up, that many just can't reach.
The iphone is a work of art, and I bet the newest one will be even better. Take note though, that in a time in America especially, when people are needing to be frivolous due to a struggling economy, every extra penny spent is a big deal. Regular people are making the transition from junky old flip phones, to new phones with data plans and sleek features. Regular people want a deal. I guarantee that if this iphone is subsidized to 199 american dollars, it will be the most popular phone for the next year without question. If you recall the junky moto razr, that everyone liked for some odd reason, started at a premium, and lowered its price as it got more popular. the same will go for the iphone (though i doubt apple will ever let an iphone be sold for less than $199).
Why would Apple bow to the pressure of the phone companies if the iPhone is
selling so well and has been a hit. I would think that with the success of the iPhone Apple could be calling the shots.
Dont get me wrong though I would be very happy with a $200 subsidy, happy to sign a new 2 year contract.
selling so well and has been a hit. I would think that with the success of the iPhone Apple could be calling the shots.
Dont get me wrong though I would be very happy with a $200 subsidy, happy to sign a new 2 year contract.
I bought a 20GB second generation iPod two months before it came out. I didn't get anything for that. There has never been an iPod upgrade program, unless you count returning it within 15 days or you're under warranty and yours is dead.
In fact, I can't think of a single Apple product that has ever allowed even paying for an upgrade much less a trade-in. Those rumors that you're hearing, I believe, are just rumors.
The bottom line is that this phone still sells on eBay for a premium. I don't get where you think that the first iPhone wasn't as "mainstream as Apple would have liked." The iPhone is pretty much sold out in it's primary market and demand is higher than ever. Apple knew it wouldn't do as well in Europe, but it seems to be sold out there as well. The only problem with selling iPhones is keeping stock in storesand if you're going to quote rumors, there might not even be enough version 2s to do that.
There's no reason, other than stupidity, for AT&T to subsidize it at this point. If it starts to sell poorly, then it should be subsidized, but until then they should pocket that money. I believe the Razr actually did follow that model, which is why it started off so expensive. I'm not positive on that so don't quote me.
Not everyone needs a smartphone. This is not a phone for everyone. The feature set and price align it quite well with the rest of the phones in its market.
I'm not saying that it won't happen, but at this point it would be a stupid move on AT&T's part.
1) The iPhone 3G will (almost surely) NOT be sold unlocked in the USA. Where is everyone getting this idea?
2) The iPhone 3G is NOT compatible with T-Mobile's (USA) 3G network, although it can be used with their 2.5G GSM/EDGE network, so it would be a waste to use it with them.
3) The iPhone 3G will NOT be compatible AT ALL with Verizon's and Sprint's CDMA2000 (CDMA) network. The iPhone runs on GSM(TDMA) and UMTS(W-CDMA).
AT&T makes their money from the monthly fees and contract lock-ins. iPhone customers on average spend TWICE as much per month as normal phone owners. And remember, people don't like to switch providers often. If they are happy, it is difficult to pull them away. In other words, iPhone customers that are new to AT&T are a gold mine for AT&T. They would READILY throw a $200+ subsidy on there to get people to move over. Even better, T-Mobile not only doesn't have a 3G network yet, but when it launches it won't be compatible with the iPhone, Thus AT&T is the only real option for iPhone users. Remember, Apple get's the same amount of money.. It's AT&T that is footing the cost of the subsidy.
Calm down. It's actually very simple. If you buy from the Apple store at $399, then you would get a $200 rebate when you sign a contract with AT&T.
On another note, does anyone else find it incredibly ironic that this guy is ranting about "backwoods-ass" companies while using sentences such as "...I'm tellin' y'all but y'all ain't listenin'..."??
Nearly all phones in America are purchased directly from the mobile carrier on a subsidy with a new contract agreement or contract extension. The difference is that even expensive smartphones phones only see $100-$200 subsidies, where as in the UK/Europe you can get high-end phones like the Nokia N95 for FREE on contract. America has a less competitive environment because of the conflicting network technologies being used.
Nope, AT&T is the only carrier in the USA with a UMTS/HSPA 3G network. Both Verizon wireless and Sprint have 3G networks, but they use the competing CDMA/EV-DO technology. T-Mobile USA is currently building a UMTS/HSPA 3G network, but it will not be compatible with the iPhone 3G.
Oh, Grow up! For god sakes, are you in junior highschool? Everyone deserves an iPhone!
2) The iPhone 3G is NOT compatible with T-Mobile's (USA) 3G network, although it can be used with their 2.5G GSM/EDGE network, so it would be a waste to use it with them.
3) The iPhone 3G will NOT be compatible AT ALL with Verizon's and Sprint's CDMA2000 (CDMA) network. The iPhone runs on GSM(TDMA) and UMTS(W-CDMA).
AT&T makes their money from the monthly fees and contract lock-ins. iPhone customers on average spend TWICE as much per month as normal phone owners. And remember, people don't like to switch providers often. If they are happy, it is difficult to pull them away. In other words, iPhone customers that are new to AT&T are a gold mine for AT&T. They would READILY throw a $200+ subsidy on there to get people to move over. Even better, T-Mobile not only doesn't have a 3G network yet, but when it launches it won't be compatible with the iPhone, Thus AT&T is the only real option for iPhone users. Remember, Apple get's the same amount of money.. It's AT&T that is footing the cost of the subsidy.
Calm down. It's actually very simple. If you buy from the Apple store at $399, then you would get a $200 rebate when you sign a contract with AT&T.
On another note, does anyone else find it incredibly ironic that this guy is ranting about "backwoods-ass" companies while using sentences such as "...I'm tellin' y'all but y'all ain't listenin'..."??
Nearly all phones in America are purchased directly from the mobile carrier on a subsidy with a new contract agreement or contract extension. The difference is that even expensive smartphones phones only see $100-$200 subsidies, where as in the UK/Europe you can get high-end phones like the Nokia N95 for FREE on contract. America has a less competitive environment because of the conflicting network technologies being used.
Why would it be sold unlocked? And besides, a T-Mobile is worthless for the iPhone 3G, as their 3G network (whenever they finish it) will NOT be compatible with the new iPhone. You'll still be stuck on EDGE.
Nope. The 3G iPhone will not be compatible at all with Verizon's (or Sprints) network. Besides the fact that AT&T almost surely has a multi-year exclusivity agreement, there has been no indication of any kind that Apple will make a Verizon-compatible CDMA/EV-DO phone ever, though in the future Verizon and AT&T will use similar technology (2-3 years from now)/
Nope, AT&T is the only carrier in the USA with a UMTS/HSPA 3G network. Both Verizon wireless and Sprint have 3G networks, but they use the competing CDMA/EV-DO technology. T-Mobile USA is currently building a UMTS/HSPA 3G network, but it will not be compatible with the iPhone 3G.
Oh, Grow up! For god sakes, are you in junior highschool? Everyone deserves an iPhone!
The mobile phone carrier, e.g. AT&T, and NOT Apple covers the subsidies...
That must mean the ones you get from Apple Stores will be unlocked or on pay-as-you-go, or WTF is the point of even selling them there?
The idea is that people that are already on contract could also benefit from extending their contract longer. You don't seem to understand that the iphone isn't just and apple product. Decisions by apple are dependent on the phone companies as well. Name me one other apple product dependent on another company's choices, more than the iphone. If any benefits are given to early iphone owners, who wish to upgrade, it will likely be out of At&t's pocket.
Yes the iphone is selling well. But it is still losing. The iphone is supposed to sell 10 million units in America in 2008. It has only sold 1/5 of that. It is still in high demand, however it would be higher at a lower price point. You may have 400 bucks (or more) to get an iphone, but average consumers don't. The iphone can sell 3 times as much as its selling now, if the price is lowered. Right now the iphone is being beaten by blackberry (you can quote me on that.) I know a lot of people who just bought blackberry's cause they could get them so much cheaper than an iphone, and couldn't make sense of paying a few hundred more since they already had ipods. Apple branding and great features make for an automatic top selling product. Those two things alongside a very reasonable price result in a product that owns the market.
Also, understand that AT&T subsidizing the iphone is a minimal loss, that enables them to make tons more money in the future. The monthly plans are huge moneymakers for the cell companies. The iphone very well may be selling "enough" units. AT&T and Apple are not interested in the iphone just selling "enough." They want the iphone to hijack individuals from all of their other carriers to jump on the the opportunity to have the newest coolest gadget. AT&T would be more than interesting in subsidizing the iphone, in order to move more people to AT&T.
Okay, I didn't read all the posts so I hope this hasn't been brought up. But... Don't all AT&T customers sign a new two year contract when buying an iPhone? My question then would be... who exactly won't qualify for this rebate? Only existing customers wouldn't qualify? That would be a load of crap.
And how could Apple not offer the rebate, but AT&T will? Doesn't that just stop all purchases of iPhones from Apple stores? Hmmmmm
And how could Apple not offer the rebate, but AT&T will? Doesn't that just stop all purchases of iPhones from Apple stores? Hmmmmm
Amen to that. I just want to commend you on the best post ive seen all day. The bottom line is, the iphone shouldn't be a luxury, it should be something all can enjoy. Imagine if all your friends had iphones. Imagine live video-chatting with all your friends over your iphone (rumored to be a feature in the 3g). It would be amazing.