All I heard from his interview. “We want to be the worlds first 2 trillion dollar company, so buy buy buy!”
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Tim Cook on iPhone Prices: 'We Want to Serve Everyone'
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The thing about "how contracts used to work," though, is that you actually paid more than that. Often a LOT more. With the old two-year contract/upgrade system, if you didn't upgrade the very month your account was eligible, you were paying for a phone that was already technically paid off. I had my 4S for 3 years. I was upgrade-eligible after 2. So for a $649 phone (unlocked price), I really paid $874, and they hid that away from me by not breaking down how much of my monthly bill went towards the plan and how much went towards the phone.
My point in all this is that iPhones have always been pretty damn expensive, we just didn't know it. $749 for the 2018 entry level is NOT bad at all, considering the 2011 entry level was only $100 less and there have been massive improvements in the technology since then. And especially considering that, if you keep your phone longer than 2 years, the modern version is CHEAPER than the years-old versions!
I guess they're already pricing in an expected 25% tariff on imports. But don't expect prices to drop if tariffs don't come. Also, no one seems to be factoring in inflation. $700 in 2014 (iPhone 6) is $750 today.
It is like the first time Jobs left Apple, too many models, I count 7 different iPhones in that pic, can it be any more confusing?
Good - Better - Best was probably the right choice as in the past.
Good - Better - Best was probably the right choice as in the past.
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Where's the compelling market? Apple has an enormous amount of sales data to draw from.
I do agree, heck that's how I landed on using an iPhone after my Xperia back in 2012 started crashing out in the first year of little to medium usage, and I haven't looked back ever since. I even just upgraded my MBPnr 2012 to 2018, and I still got like 400$ on open market for a 6 year old machine.
Apple products definitely hold their value, but the current prices mean it's in a consumers best interest to use them for however long they last, and only then upgrade. I personally just don't see the value in yearly upgrades anymore.
If that's the case then why not just have 3 iPhones 4.7. 5.8 & 6.5 in 3 colours.
All same spec, same features just different size screens.
Then the money you save not making 6s, 7, 8 & Xr phones you use to reduce the price of the XS.
All same spec, same features just different size screens.
Then the money you save not making 6s, 7, 8 & Xr phones you use to reduce the price of the XS.
Ahh yes, the good old joke, telling people to stop being poor.
Its a matter of Apple not wanting to go against its vision. The SE is against everything Apple 'believes in' these days. There is a market for it and Apple knows it, but the profit margins are also not big enough.
I used to remember when Apple released things and prices goes down as the technology matures. They do offer affordable options and everything is new. Now they offer 2 year old phone as an affordable option.
I know my experience is anecdotal, but I'm going to skip upgrading this year for the first time. I'm happy with my iPhone X and there isn't enough difference with the new models to be compelling.
A few things that could have made me more willing to upgrade:
- Higher resolution camera
- Significant battery improvement (5+ hours... or at least give me a battery case!)
- Faster FaceID (I know it is "faster," but I think the fact that they didn't say how much faster means it isn't significant)
- 120 Hz Screen Refresh Rate (Only the touch input refreshes at 120 Hz)
- USB C charging
- Expandable storage (I know I'm dreaming)
- Massively improved Siri
- Massively improved iCloud integration
A few things that could have made me more willing to upgrade:
- Higher resolution camera
- Significant battery improvement (5+ hours... or at least give me a battery case!)
- Faster FaceID (I know it is "faster," but I think the fact that they didn't say how much faster means it isn't significant)
- 120 Hz Screen Refresh Rate (Only the touch input refreshes at 120 Hz)
- USB C charging
- Expandable storage (I know I'm dreaming)
- Massively improved Siri
- Massively improved iCloud integration
Mr Cook, I'm disappointed.
You fail to serve those who would merrily splash out 10 grand for a piece of technology that becomes obsolete within 1-2 years.
Do these people REALLY want to be seen with a phone that even a college student can afford who works 3 jobs and has this and their previous iPhone on finance plans?
Come on, put on your thinking cap.
Jesus, the audacity...
Glassed Silver:mac
You fail to serve those who would merrily splash out 10 grand for a piece of technology that becomes obsolete within 1-2 years.
Do these people REALLY want to be seen with a phone that even a college student can afford who works 3 jobs and has this and their previous iPhone on finance plans?
Come on, put on your thinking cap.
Jesus, the audacity...
Glassed Silver:mac
No, the model gives people who are not into making photos/videos and storing music and apps a lower cost option. If you need more memory, simply purchase the right device. A smart strategy.
I seriously wonder what some of you want. I don't think I've ever seen this much complaining before.
I see a variety of different products at a wide variety of price points. They're even still selling the iPhone 7 and 8, so those of us who aren't ready to make the jump to FaceID and the notch have options still. They brought out the Xr, which is a nice price drop for a FaceID phone.
Just because there's a super premium expensive phone now doesn't mean Apple's trying to rip anyone off; they're offering options for everyone.
Not to mention if you just need an iPhone period, the used market is about to be flooded with inexpensive iPhone 6, 6s, 7 and 8 and X units, which run a lot better now thanks to iOS 12's optimizations.
I see a variety of different products at a wide variety of price points. They're even still selling the iPhone 7 and 8, so those of us who aren't ready to make the jump to FaceID and the notch have options still. They brought out the Xr, which is a nice price drop for a FaceID phone.
Just because there's a super premium expensive phone now doesn't mean Apple's trying to rip anyone off; they're offering options for everyone.
Not to mention if you just need an iPhone period, the used market is about to be flooded with inexpensive iPhone 6, 6s, 7 and 8 and X units, which run a lot better now thanks to iOS 12's optimizations.
Apple is slowly (or rapidly) increasing the prices. I feel like this is the highest I can and want to afford.
Two years ago, the iPhone 7 started at 699€ here in Germany. That was their best phone (unless you liked the Plus size model). Now you get the BUDGET XR version starting at 849€. That is a freaking increase of 20% in two years.
Listen, if they want to increase prices - that is their business. But this BS PR speech of tim feels like they are even making fun of their customers.
Two years ago, the iPhone 7 started at 699€ here in Germany. That was their best phone (unless you liked the Plus size model). Now you get the BUDGET XR version starting at 849€. That is a freaking increase of 20% in two years.
Listen, if they want to increase prices - that is their business. But this BS PR speech of tim feels like they are even making fun of their customers.
Perhaps you can share your data that substantiates your assertion?
With most US carriers there was absolutely no discount on cellular services if you bought your device outright. You could either finance your device and be locked for 2 years or buy it full price but either way you’d end up paying the same price for service.
I have 64GB on my iPhone 6 and still have 40GB left. I guess it depends how many photos and music you want to carry. My laptop has 256GB and has been more than enough.
Always wanted to ask this. When they do the battery replacement, do they keep the phone IP67 compliant? Do they apply enough glue? Seal it properly?
let's see if people vote with their wallets. This may be the first generation of iPhone i skip...
The guy was quoting his wife needs, and by that you can picture that they buy the phone for the phone funcion only (and the luxury of showing off an iPhone) cause otherwise if they were using the phone at full potential, 64 gb would not be sufficent.
Music, Photos and 4k video, would mek a 256 needed nowadays. Of course if you use just the phone part, heck even 16 is enough!
Very difficult, but I applaud you for that. I moved on 3 years ago, hard at the beginning, but now, I am glad about my savings
And just about as powerful. If they’d just let us run Mac OS we’d have a terrific all-in-one solution. But these rich old men (and a couple of women) are out to bleed us all dry.
Sorry to complain. This is a particular irritant for me.
I keep saying, the best way to play the iPhone upgrade game, is to wait it out. You can get a iPhone 7 Plus now for 650. Yeah, its a 2016 phone, but I still see people like my sibling rocking an iPhone 5s, which he just upgraded from an iPhone 5. I have the iPhone X, which I upgraded from a 6s (still have it).
Going forward though, my upgrades will slow down significantly. Seriously, I won’t be looking at another iPhone until 2020. The features are not ground breaking must haves anymore. The first iPhone was enticing, because it was genuinely a breakthrough with lots of flaws, if you waited a year or more, you got a better device.
We saw them each year: 3G network support and App Store (2008), Record video (2009) - although this should have been in both the first and second generation, FaceTime and Retina display (2010).
2011 things started in a new direction, where upgrading every year wasn’t a must have. Siri wasn’t all it was supposed to be, but Apple obviously was first and saw the signs. Eventually, Google and Amazon won that race with their digital assistants. 2012 introduced a 4 inch inch iPhone, but it wasn’t dramatically inspiring enough that you needed to upgrade.
2013’s iPhone 5s was substantial under the hood with the first 64 bit processor. This made it a must have upgrade because of boost in performance and future proofing. Look at the fact that it will get the iOS 12 upgrade. The 2014 6 pretty much saturated the market with good reason, larger screens across the board. This is what Apple should have probably delivered in 2013. But, that upgrade was a must have for many, even if you bought the 2013 iPhone.
After that, 2015, 2016, you can obviously see we are now on a status symbol journey with each iPhone upgrade. It’s not that 2007 feeling anymore. The fact that you could carry this device around in your pocket do email, read nytimes, listen music, watch videos, capture photos and do it so seamlessly and still send and receive calls. There was a hint of that feeling when the Apple Watch got cellular capabilities, but it was inevitable, but bubble kinda burst, since, you could do it over Bluetooth.
People will keep buying the iPhone, because, the ecosystem is great, but you don’t have to get the latest and greatest; and looking at Apples price points now, you should run your device until Apple stop supporting them with iOS updates. If you have the money though, there is no stopping you, so enjoy it - you earned it.
Going forward though, my upgrades will slow down significantly. Seriously, I won’t be looking at another iPhone until 2020. The features are not ground breaking must haves anymore. The first iPhone was enticing, because it was genuinely a breakthrough with lots of flaws, if you waited a year or more, you got a better device.
We saw them each year: 3G network support and App Store (2008), Record video (2009) - although this should have been in both the first and second generation, FaceTime and Retina display (2010).
2011 things started in a new direction, where upgrading every year wasn’t a must have. Siri wasn’t all it was supposed to be, but Apple obviously was first and saw the signs. Eventually, Google and Amazon won that race with their digital assistants. 2012 introduced a 4 inch inch iPhone, but it wasn’t dramatically inspiring enough that you needed to upgrade.
2013’s iPhone 5s was substantial under the hood with the first 64 bit processor. This made it a must have upgrade because of boost in performance and future proofing. Look at the fact that it will get the iOS 12 upgrade. The 2014 6 pretty much saturated the market with good reason, larger screens across the board. This is what Apple should have probably delivered in 2013. But, that upgrade was a must have for many, even if you bought the 2013 iPhone.
After that, 2015, 2016, you can obviously see we are now on a status symbol journey with each iPhone upgrade. It’s not that 2007 feeling anymore. The fact that you could carry this device around in your pocket do email, read nytimes, listen music, watch videos, capture photos and do it so seamlessly and still send and receive calls. There was a hint of that feeling when the Apple Watch got cellular capabilities, but it was inevitable, but bubble kinda burst, since, you could do it over Bluetooth.
People will keep buying the iPhone, because, the ecosystem is great, but you don’t have to get the latest and greatest; and looking at Apples price points now, you should run your device until Apple stop supporting them with iOS updates. If you have the money though, there is no stopping you, so enjoy it - you earned it.