I know someone that is looking at getting an iphone. I am aware that it has been heavily rumored that an announcement declaring a new iphone is about to come out.
New iphones have come out several times in the past and I was wondering if you could help me
In the past, once the new iphone was announced, did the current model get discounted until the new version came out?
Thanks.
Yes, in the past, older generations of iPhones have been discounted when the new ones have come out. The discount can be at least $100 and as much as 50%. When the 3GS, came out, I was able to buy a 3G model for $150 for the 16 Gb version (originally $299). Similarly, I paid the same for a 32 GB 3GS when the iPhone 4 came out. I believe an 8 GB 3GS can be had for as little as $50. I’m with AT&T, so I don’t know about Verizon, but I’m sure there will be good discounts on the iPhone 4 when the iPhone 5 comes out.
To get these discounts, one would have to sign up for a two year phone plan, and also a separate data plan.
That’s not what the OP is asking, though.
He’s asking if, during the period between the announcement of iPhone N+1 and the release of iPhone N+1, the price on iPhone N is reduced.
I don’t know for sure, but I have a vague recollection that they have been in the past.
Yes, that is what I was asking. I assumed that once the new model came out, that the old model wouldn’t even be available anymore, so I was asking about the “interim period” between announcement and new model release.
Apple has plenty of back inventory. There are enough unsold previous model iPhones to supply demand long after the new model has come onto the market. It’s not something you need to jump onto right away before the supply is gone. Even now, a year since the iPhone 4 introduction, you can still buy 3GS models from AT&T, two years after their original introduction onto the market. When the iPhone 5 comes out, there should be plenty of iPhone 4 models to meet demand for people to get a previous model at a discount. There would be no cut off past the introduction of the new model when sales of the previous model will be discontinued. Your friend definitely should be able to get a discounted iPhone 4 anytime after the new model is announced or introduced.
If you’re considering buying the last model after the new one comes out, one thing to take into consideration is that newer games or apps that come out may not be compatible with the older hardware. I have an itouch 4g, and I know many games and apps will not work with older itouches, and the same seems to be true of the phones.
It’s not difficult to update the OS through iTunes, however. My 3GS had version 3.1 out of the box and I am currently running 4.3.3 on it. I have no problem running any current app from the App Store. In particular, an iPhone 4 should be easily upgradeable to the newest OS.
Also, look for ‘reconditioned’ items at the Apple store. I use ‘reconditioned’ in the search button.
Related question, will the i5 be offered without carrier lock (unsubsidized) like the i4 is now?
Lots of re-sellers like amazon and microcenter will surely have a bunch that they’ll be trying to dump at a reduced price. Maybe not until the i5 actually comes out, tho.
Our local AT&T store has the iPhone 3G for $49 now.
Hermitian, as obbn mentioned, the iPhone 3GS (not the 3G) is currently available for $49 (with a 2-year plan) most everywhere. I suspect that once the iPhone 5 (or 4S or 4+ or whatever they’ll call it) is released, the iPhone 4 will be discounted, probably at $99 (with a 2 year plan).
Thanks everyone. Question answered. I did not see older versions on the Verizon website, so I was unsure they still sold them.
Verizon’s first iPhone was the iPhone 4. They did not carry the previous versions, which are not compatible with their network. It’s likely they will cut the price on the current ones soon after the new ones are announced though.
It’s not just the OS. There are actually apps that will only run on the iPhone 4, and not any earlier hardware. For example, anything that requires a front camera won’t run on earlier hardware.
Sometimes apps require more memory/processing power, which is only available on newer models.
FWIW I will add my .02 cents in about the iPhone. Recently my Andriod HTC G1 died after two years of faithful service. I was quite bummed as I really like the phone even though it was getting dated. I went looking for a new Android, trying to buy one outright as I didn’t want to sign another two year contract.
My sister got wind that I was looking for a new phone and told me that she would send me her used, but practically brand new iPhone 3G for free. So what could I say? For years we have had this PC vs Mac, iPhone vs Android thing going and she was full of smug knowing that if I accepted her offer I would now be counted as an Apple user. So I took the phone and I have to say I am quite happy with it. The hardware is as good or better than my G1, while the OS is not as good as the Android in my opinion. The apps available for each are impressive, however the Android market seems to offer many more free apps.
My opinion on both is this. If I were to purchase a new phone I would most certainly go with a new Android. The OS is better in my opinion, the app store is a bit better due to the higher availability of free apps (ones that were free on my G1 I had to pay for on the iPhone), and last but not least you have to consider the smug factor. Having an iPhone means every Apple Fanboi that sees you with it wants to come over and make you his “brother in arms”. You have to hear them go on about the newest iOverpriced item that is coming out. They don’t stop. Never had that problem with the Android.
To sum up what I am trying to say is either phone is a good option. The 3G is fine for everything that I want and need to do. The 3GS offers some additions like video that mine lacks and the 4 has quite a bit more. If you are worried about cost and want an iPhone, I think that you will be happy with the $49 3GS at AT&T. There really is no need for the latest and greatest if you aren’t worried about a few features. (of course this will spur multiple fanboi’s telling me how I MUST upgrade to a 4, I don’t know what I am missing …etc. Then when the 5 comes out they will tell me the same thing.)