iPhone 5C, whats the point?

[apple-pride]

I don't see how a "cheaper " iphone really matters as when you buy the phone subsidized it's still likely to be at least 199 for the entry level model which will be the same as the iPhone 5s.

I'm only referring to buyers in the USA, i know people in other countries oddly like to buy their phone outright.

I'd long wanted to give my cats and dogs iPhones. People thought I was crazy. Now, with the 5C, I can do it without feeling an ounce of guilt.

 

[shortcrust]

I don't see how a "cheaper " iphone really matters as when you buy the phone subsidized it's still likely to be at least 199 for the entry level model which will be the same as the iPhone 5s.

I'm only referring to buyers in the USA, i know people in other countries oddly like to buy their phone outright.

It often makes sense to buy the phone outright if you can afford it. Lots of people here in the UK buy subsidised phones, but the total cost over the lifetime of an iphone contract is usually much higher than buying the phone outright with a separate sim only contact or PAYG. Contract monthly line rental can be many times more expensive.

 

[swish2351]

Those were questions, not suggestions that would save money.

So, is changing the case material the only way Apple can make the iPhone 5 cheaper?

You didn't comment on dropping the IPS screen question.

Yes, going from metal to plastic is probably the only way to reduce costs

And I'm not sure what IPS screen is, is that retina? If so, dropping it will just make it not wanted by customers

 

[Minhimalism]

I mean if someone had the option of getting a 5C for $100 on contract or $50 or so they might be tempted to go for that instead of the 5S.

 

[apple-pride]

What's odd about buying your phone outright? When you buy a subsidized phone, it's a loan, and you pay a lot in interest per month for this loan. Buying a $750 iPhone outright might be a lot of money upfront, but when you have a plan that doesn't have a subsidy cost per month built-in, you actually save a LOT of money over the two years you have the phone. Plus, since everyone with a smartphone in a particular company (Verizon, etc.) is forced to pay the same subsidy per month anyway, regardless of how much their phone costs, the ones who get the cheaper phones end up losing out the most. And the worst part about the subsidy? Even after two years when you have "paid it off," they still include the subsidy in your bill every month. So for people who get a two-year contract subsidized phone and keep it longer than two years, it's the equivalent of paying off your mortage but having to keep sending in monthly payments anyway.

I'm not saying that everyone in the US should be forced to pay outright for their phones; there should definitely be a choice. I'm just saying that if you have the money available, it's ALWAYS cheaper in the long-run to buy your phone outright, even if it's a really expensive one like the iPhone.

International consumers use unlocked phones. Unlocked phones are also worth more.

 

[Warcake]

Yes, going from metal to plastic is probably the only way to reduce costs

And I'm not sure what IPS screen is, is that retina? If so, dropping it will just make it not wanted by customers

IPS is a type of panel used, and retina is only a word for a display that has over 324~ ppi, not a type of display.

 

[Irishman]

Yes, going from metal to plastic is probably the only way to reduce costs

And I'm not sure what IPS screen is, is that retina? If so, dropping it will just make it not wanted by customers

No. IPS means "in plane switching". It's a more expensive LCD screen that gives it better viewing angles. The iPhones have had it for years, but the ipod touch 4th gen didn't have it, while the 5th gen does.

 

[Plutonius]

I don't see how a "cheaper " iphone really matters as when you buy the phone subsidized it's still likely to be at least 199 for the entry level model which will be the same as the iPhone 5s.

I'm only referring to buyers in the USA, i know people in other countries oddly like to buy their phone outright.

The 5C was designed for the emerging market customers (China, India, etc.) . There is no guarantee that the 5C will be sold in the US until it is actually announced.

As far as subsidized sales in the US (if the 5C is sold in the US), if the 5S is $199 then the 5C would be $49 - $99 (i.e. even if they are subsidized, the 5C would sell for a lower subsidized price then the subsidized 5S).

----------

I'd long wanted to give my cats and dogs iPhones. People thought I was crazy. Now, with the 5C, I can do it without feeling an ounce of guilt.

Aren't you afraid the iPhones will scratch ?

 

[Giuly]

The point: You don't have to wrap it in polyurethane and it still looks good after your keys and change made contact with it.

 

[Motherload0211]

I'd long wanted to give my cats and dogs iPhones. People thought I was crazy. Now, with the 5C, I can do it without feeling an ounce of guilt.

TROLLING again I see with another forum log on name

 

[apple-pride]

TROLLING again I see with another forum log on name

What are you talking about.

I bought my cat, Elena, an iPhone years ago. She loves it.

Sometimes we FaceTime, but I mean they have apps for cats too.

http://gamesforcats.com

Edit: iPhone 5C, the C stands for cats, why didn't I think of this before!

 

[swish2351]

What are you talking about.

I bought my cat, Elena, an iPhone years ago. She loves it.

Image

Sometimes we FaceTime, but I mean they have apps for cats too.

http://gamesforcats.com

Edit: iPhone 5C, the C stands for cats, why didn't I think of this before!

Honestly, you've been banned what, like 6 times? Move on man...

 

[apple-pride]

Honestly, you've been banned what, like 6 times? Move on man...

Not sure what user you think I am.

 

[kevink2]

It also helps on the prepaid market, and for those who don't want to commit to a contract or extension. A less expensive phone with modern technology.

 

[Motherload0211]

Honestly, you've been banned what, like 6 times? Move on man...

Gone again I see

 

[Carlanga]

I don't see how a "cheaper " iphone really matters as when you buy the phone subsidized it's still likely to be at least 199 for the entry level model which will be the same as the iPhone 5s.

I'm only referring to buyers in the USA, i know people in other countries oddly like to buy their phone outright.

lol, you are wrong, they won't put it at $200...
At the most $100, but most likely free w/ contract.

 

[D*I*S_Frontman]

"iPhone 5C--What's the point?"

1) A billion Chinese. A billion Indians. The entire continent of Africa, where many areas are leap-frogging technologically right over the costly infrastructure of landline telecommunications and expanding wireless far and wide, to great benefits in productivity for new tech adopters. Those are ENORMOUS markets with correspondingly huge potential: Apple would be remiss NOT to do everything in the company's power to capitalize on it.

2) All the additional revenue from iTunes that a larger installed user base will bring. Even more developers writing apps to met demand.

3) Streamlining the offerings in the US and other developed nation markets. Competing at a lower price point to gobble up as much market share as possible. Less expensive unlocked options for markets that require them, and for the US market where some are insisting upon the flexibility that comes with unlocked handsets.

Those are the first things that come to mind. To me, this is reminiscent of how Apple utterly dominated the portable music player market--they came in with the best high-end product, made boatloads of cash, then expanded the lineup downward to gobble up the low-end scraps. Competitors had a hard time competing with the iPod initially and had to aim lower (cost/features/UI), but then Apple eventually countered with Shuffles, which became a daunting bottom-feeder. Check and mate.

Those seem to be the most obvious motivations to me.