Apple Continues Offering iPhone 4 in China

Tuesday September 10, 2013 2:31 PM PDT by Eric Slivka
With today's introduction of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, Apple's revised iPhone lineup saw the discontinuation of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 in most markets, while the iPhone 4s lives on as the entry-level device.

But in line with a report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicted that the iPhone 5c would replace the iPhone 5 rather than the iPhone 4s in Apple's lineup, even the iPhone 4 is continuing to hang on, with Apple still offering the device in China.

china_iphone_lineup_2013
It is unclear how long Apple will continue offering the device in China, but with relatively high prices in the country pushing even Apple's new "lower-cost" iPhone 5c to over $700, Apple clearly feels that it needs to offer even lower-priced options to consumers.

Both black and white models of the iPhone 4 in 8 GB capacities are available in China, with the devices priced at RMB 2588 ($423) as Apple's cheapest offering in the country. The iPhone 4s starts at RMB 3288 ($537), while the new iPhone 5c starts at RMB 4488 ($733) and the iPhone 5s starts at RMB 5288 ($864).

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Goftrey
83 months ago
We were all wrong.

Turns out Apple's 3 year old flagship is the real iPhone 5C.
Rating: 7 Votes
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swatts1012
83 months ago
5c

I guess what is not clear to some people is that this phone is not about dominating market share, but giving Apple diversification in their iPhone brand. Having a second phone allows for different product releases throughout the year. Do not be surprised to see another iPhone update in the Spring for the 5c. Also, redesigning the 5 to essentially the 5c, allowed Apple to change the architecture to be compatible with new carriers in China. The top two models will be about capturing high margin growth, while the bottom two still remain as a more affordable option. Not sure how their stock price is going down with the addition of Dotcomo and a China Mobile deal eminent. Even if they only sell to 5% of these companies customers, that is still a ton more iPhone sales...
Rating: 3 Votes
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iSayuSay
83 months ago
Apple is so persistent about its pricing. Asking $400ish for a 3 years old, slow and outdated iPhone 4 is beyond ridiculous.

On top of that it has a puny 8GB storage. Feels like ... come on :eek:

5C is the one which supposed to touch the $400 bottom off contract.
Rating: 3 Votes
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xmichaelp
83 months ago
I was a supporter of the 5C initially under the assumption that it would be $0/$449... but after seeing it's place in the lineup it's absolutely pointless. Yes Apple I'd rather have a 5C than a 5 for the same price. :rolleyes:
Rating: 3 Votes
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Mactendo
83 months ago
So what was the whole point of releasing iPhone 5c if its still not affordable on this market and costs over $700? Holy cows, what a stupidity. Can't believe that...
Rating: 2 Votes
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Cruddley
83 months ago

Really surprised that Apple isn't addressing the mid-tier smartphone space that is so critical to growth in the developing world. I'm really shocked the 5C isn't $399 off contract. It would be a home run for Apple.


Agreed, but they wouldn't sell many 5S models then. The 5C just didn't turn out to be a lower cost model, thats all. Apple never actually said that it would be, we just assumed it would be, because of the plastic back.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Cruddley
83 months ago

Apple is so persistent about its pricing. Asking $400ish for a 3 years old, slow and outdated iPhone 4 is beyond ridiculous.

On top of that it has a puny 8GB storage. Feels like ... come on :eek:

5C is the one which supposed to touch the $400 bottom off contract.


Who says the 5C is supposed to be $400? This idea was simply fueled by rumours leading up to the launch. Apple themselves never said they were trying to make a cheaper low-cost iPhone. Whilst many people would have liked this to be the case, you can't be sour at Apple for that. In emerging markets, they are leaving the ip4 in place, and I don't see what is wrong with that. They are offering a new model for the middle tier, and whilst it is basically an ip5, it's still a step up from what they have done in the past. I was also surprised by how it worked out, but I think they will sell more 5c's than they would have ip5's in the middle tier. I think it's kind of smart from Apple. Just my opinion. As you say though, storage is a bit of an issue for the ip4. I gather you don't live in China though, so it won't really effect you anyway.
Rating: 1 Votes
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DTphonehome
83 months ago
Really surprised that Apple isn't addressing the mid-tier smartphone space that is so critical to growth in the developing world. I'm really shocked the 5C isn't $399 off contract. It would be a home run for Apple.
Rating: 1 Votes
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