Apple to Offer iPhone 3GS Free on Contract?
While much of the focus surrounding Apple's iPhone plans has been on the iPhone 4S/5 and the possibility of a low-end 8 GB iPhone 4, there have been a few suggestions that Apple could keep its iPhone 3GS around even longer in order to offer a handset available for free on contract. Despite being based on an over two year old design, the iPhone 3GS continues to be the second best-selling smartphone in the United States behind the iPhone 4, demonstrating that upfront device cost continues to be a major factor in customers' purchasing decisions.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky today issued a new research note outlining his expectations for Apple's iPhone event tomorrow. While many of his predictions are in line with existing thoughts regarding an HSPA+ iPhone 4S or 5 based on an A5 chip and maintaining existing price points with the possibility of a new 64 GB model also in the mix, he also predicts that Apple will continue offering the iPhone 3GS alongside the new hardware.
Abramsky outlined his rationale for such a move back in late June, and he continues to stand by his predictions of an iPhone 3GS offered for free on contract or $399 off contract in today's report.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky today issued a new research note outlining his expectations for Apple's iPhone event tomorrow. While many of his predictions are in line with existing thoughts regarding an HSPA+ iPhone 4S or 5 based on an A5 chip and maintaining existing price points with the possibility of a new 64 GB model also in the mix, he also predicts that Apple will continue offering the iPhone 3GS alongside the new hardware.
Abramsky outlined his rationale for such a move back in late June, and he continues to stand by his predictions of an iPhone 3GS offered for free on contract or $399 off contract in today's report.
We expect Apple to reduce the price of the prior iPhone 4 to $99 subsidized ($499 unsubsidized) and the iPhone 3GS to $0 subsidized ($399 unsubsidized, see 11/06/29 note for more detail and rationale); the prior iPhone 4 may be available only with 8GB memory.
We might have dismissed this report in the chatter leading up to the event, except MacRumors has also heard that Apple may indeed be keeping the iPhone 3GS around. We haven't heard anything on pricing, but it would likely only make sense as a free-with-contract option as outlined by Abramsky.Top Rated Comments
(View all)
20 weeks ago
Who would pay for a phone that's 3 generations old?
Which is why the article says it's FREE with contract.
20 weeks ago
The fact that "upfront device cost continues to be a major factor in customers' purchasing decisions" has always surprised me when the monthly cost of owning an iPhone can run around $100. One can spend $1,200 a year for service, but $200 for the upfront cost is WAY TOO MUCH. Hmmm.
20 weeks ago
the sad thing is that this phone is still better than some new released droids.... :confused:
20 weeks ago
In the UK, the 3GS is already free. You can get a refurb model free for £13.50 per month for 2 years, or a new model free for £18.50 per month for 2 years.
20 weeks ago
I have an iPhone 3GS and I've been very happy with it, but I really don't think they need to be complicating their line. 3 distinct models (3GS, 4, 4S), multiple capacities, some with multiple colors, presumably they'd retain both GSM and CDMA versions of the iPhone 4... Apple's lineup was always simple. Cut loose the model that's 2 generations superseded, find a way to get the outgoing model down to the right price point and be done with it.
20 weeks ago
I so want to be a market analyst churning out stuff like this. Where do I apply? :)
Tony
Tony
20 weeks ago
Is it just me or does the American carries seem a real hateful breed?
We get the iPhone 4 free on a lot of contracts here in the UK. As for the 3GS, thats just expected to be free. Most people would laugh if someone tried to charge us for that. Same as most of Europe I think.
your country has regulations and laws that care for people and consumers...(Universal Health Insurance anyone?) America on the other hand, only cares about money. I will get out the first chance I get.
[ Read All Comments ]
Even as Apple is preparing to open its first Dutch retail store in Amsterdam on March 3, the company is moving closer to expanding its international reach even further as it has updated its Swedish...
Following reports yesterday that Apple would open its first Dutch retail store in Amsterdam on March 3, the company has confirmed that date today with emails to customers and a new dedicated store...
The Charlotte Observer reports that a total of 25 iPhones valued at over $16,000 have been reported stolen from Apple's Northlake Mall retail store in Charlotte, North Carolina. While...
German site iFun.de reports [Google translation] that has it has received information from a source "to be taken seriously" claiming that the iPad 3 will debut there on Friday, March 23.
...
AFP reports that Proview Technology has expressed a willingness to work toward a settlement with Apple in the "iPad" trademark dispute in China, even as the company continues to press forward...
