'iPhone 8' Could Start at $999 for 64GB Capacity

[MacRumors]

Multiple rumors have suggested the upcoming "iPhone 8" could be the most expensive that Apple has ever released, with several analysts calling it a "premium" device costing upwards of $1,000. While not exactly contradicting those rumors, a report out this week indicates Apple's OLED iPhone line-up may in fact start at a fraction below that figure.

In a column for The New York Times, Brian X Chen quotes anonymous sources who reveal that among Apple's refreshed iPhones next month will be a "premium model" priced "at around $999".

Chief among the changes for the new iPhones: refreshed versions, including a premium model priced at around $999, according to people briefed on the product, who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Apple made room for a bigger screen on that model by reducing the size of the bezel -- or the forehead and the chin -- on the face of the device. Other new features include facial recognition for unlocking the device, along with the ability to charge it with magnetic induction, the people said.

Daring Fireball's John Gruber believes Chen's source indicates the iPhone 8 will indeed start at $999, with a higher storage capacity model at $1099 and maybe another at $1199. Based on alleged leaks earlier this week, these price points could correspond with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, respectively.

One other possible scenario previously suggested by Goldman Sachs analyst Simona Jankowski is that the iPhone 8 will be available in 128GB and 256GB capacities, for $999 and $1,099, respectively (the 256GB iPhone 7 Plus already sells for $969). It's unclear how these prices will reflect in other countries, in particular the U.K., where many Apple products now mirror dollar prices in pound sterling.

Factors like the OLED display, inductive wireless charging, new biometric features, and camera improvements - including a 3D sensing capability - are believed to have driven up the price, but Apple is also thought to be pitching the OLED iPhone as either a luxury item or a "pro" level device, or perhaps a mixture of both.

Reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the OLED iPhone will cost in excess of $1,000, as does an inside source that spoke to Fast Company, so nothing is confirmed yet. Apple is expected to send out media invites next week to its September iPhone launch event, which could fall on September 12, according to the most recent rumors.

Article Link: 'iPhone 8' Could Start at $999 for 64GB Capacity

 

[soupcan]

These prices man. It doesn't even make sense. Like, at all. $1000 for a bloody smartphone, come on.

 

[JaySoul]

At what point do phones become too expensive?

 

[576316]

At what point do phones become too expensive?

I think Apple are about to find out. Though their ignorance and greed knows no bounds.

 

[goft20]

They will still sell out..

 

[allenvanhellen]

Then they'd better change that stupid white piece at the top to black.

 

[LinusR]

among Apple's refreshed iPhones next months will be a "premium model" priced "at around $999"

If these devices (with the usual updates and new gimmicks) is now a premium model, what are Apple's models in the tiers below?

 

[Bazooka-joe]

That price doesn't surprise me to be honest. Based on those prices, I am expecting UK prices to start at £799 for the 64gb, £899 for 256gb and £1020 for 512mb.
I guess I will go for the 512mb as I have budgeted for £1100

 

[NBAasDOGG]

It can cost whatever they want, and I will still see you in the line.

Cheers until September guys

 

[adamneer]

How I miss the days of subsidized iPhones starting at $199.

 

[LinusR]

£1020 for 512mb

Not impossible these days...

 

[itsmilo]

So that will be like 1.089 Euro lol jeeze

I hope it flops (it wont). But they need to be brought down to earth a little bit at some point soon

 

[wesley96]

With a price like this, it's fairly likely that the phone will be called "iPhone Pro", not iPhone 8.

 

[DimitriMissinne]

That thing better be worth it's price!!

 

[M_Json]

Considering how often I use my phone every day for all kinds of things and purposes, I’d still be willing to pay that amount of money. I’ve spent way more on things I use far less in my daily life..

 

[jacjustjac]

I really can't wait to spend $1000 on a phone, and then $400 on an LTE watch so I can leave my phone at home!

 

[Woyzeck]

I'm sure it will sell, but personally I'm not willed to drop a grand on a phone that can't do much more than my current one (iPhone 6) which is still running strong. It's small increments these days with smartphones and nothing really exciting.

 

[antonis]

Factors like the OLED display, inductive wireless charging, new biometric features, and camera improvements - including a 3D sensing capability - are believed to have driven up the price, but Apple is also thought to be pitching the OLED iPhone as either a luxury item or a "pro" level device, or perhaps a mixture of both.

So, catching up with the competition means raising the price in apple-land ?

 

[Jsameds]

No one remember the Nokia 9000 Communicator? That thing was £1000 in the UK.

 

[mac.ross]

Why on earth are people moaning?

It's meant to be their special edition iPhone and it's priced around the same as the top end iPhone 7+ ($969 before tax) currently is.

If you don't want to pay premium prices then it's probably not a great idea to go for the special premium model.

 

[NBAasDOGG]

Prices in the EU if the $999 for 64Gb rumor is true:

64Gb - €1189 ($1414)
256Gb - €1299 ($1533)
512Gb - €1409 ($1663)

YOU AMERICANS SHOUDL STOP COMPLAINING IMMEDIATELY!

Even if the salaries are higher in the EU, these prices are still immoral to ask here!

 

[Craiguyver]

It takes a lot of courage for Apple to price the iPhone 8 like this...

 

[Jmausmuc]

I still can’t believe that they will also release another facelift of the iPhone 6 as the „standard model”.
Back in the day there was a real new iPhone every two years for about the same price as the last one.
Now you have to spend even more to get the new model.

For me it is iPhone 8/Pro or nothing. I will definitely not buy another iPhone 6 update.

 

[cube]

BlackBerry Passport: $200

 

[DakotaGuy]

At what point do phones become too expensive?

It's an iPhone. Apple knows they could throw any price they want on it and people will pay it. I'm actually surprised they don't go a little higher. Apple's customers are generally pretty wealthy so I don't see a price like this impacting sales at all.

For the poorer customers they will still offer the 7s (and likely a barebones 7) so it's not like they are cutting everyone out.