Apple to stop selling iPhone 4 16GB and 32GB and replace it with 8GB?

[NickT916]

This one i don't understand, why will Apple stop making the 16gb and the 32gb and replace it with a 8gb, they still sell very good! I tried to search this on Apple.com and only saw they will have the 8GB available and i talked to Apple and they said its true that they will only be selling the iPhone 4 8GB and the iPhone 4S models, and also possibly keep the iPhone 3GS 8GB only.

so it will be all iPhone 4S models locked and unlocked, iPhone 4 8GB locked and unlocked, and iPhone 3GS 8GB locked at stores and unlocked can be ordered on Apple.com ... at least thats what i have gathered. Anyone else know as to why they would do that or have an idea?

 

[acosmichippo]

I'm guessing it's all about price points. The 3GS and 4 will now be marketed to "basic" iPhone users, so maybe the idea is that they won't really need more than 8GB. This will keep the costs (with contract) down to $0 and $100, respectively.

So then Apple will have one phone that is free with a contract, one for $100, one for $200, one for $300, and one for $400. I bet their rationale is that if you really need more memory, you probably would be better off with a more advanced phone anyway.

Also, depending on the flash storage used, it may be a supply chain decision. Flash is still in somewhat limited supply, so maybe they have to save it for the 4S, especially now that there's a 64GB model.

 

[NickT916]

good points, but if someone has an issue with their 16gb or 32gb iPhone 4 how would they replace those under warranty, unless they will have a bunch of them laying around for replacement reasons only. I suppose if i was Apple i would want people to move up to the newer model and not stick around with the older one, thats one way to force new customers to buy the iPhone 4S

 

[acosmichippo]

...they will have a bunch of them laying around for replacement reasons only.

This. They don't give out "new in box" iPhones for replacements. They're all refurbished.

 

[verbalj]

I'm guessing it's all about price points. The 3GS and 4 will now be marketed to "basic" iPhone users, so maybe the idea is that they won't really need more than 8GB. This will keep the costs (with contract) down to $0 and $100, respectively.

So then Apple will have one phone that is free with a contract, one for $100, one for $200, one for $300, and one for $400. I bet their rationale is that if you really need more memory, you probably would be better off with a more advanced phone anyway.

That actually makes a lot of sense! Well said! That doesn't happen often on the internet.