DISQUS

Jordan · 6 months ago

i agree, i mean it would be nice to upgrade at the price they give. The iPhone 3G was so popular mainly because those with the first generation iPhone upgraded to it. If everyone who owns the 3G now is required to pay 399+ then the sales Apple wishes to see may not be as productive as they thought. They should allow 3G users to upgrade to it. It's not a change in a rate plan, just the mobile device. All in all though, I agree-- i will not pay 399 for an upgrade that has video and a compass...i'd rather wait for 4G lol.

Rob · 6 months ago

The reason you were able to upgrade to the iphone 3g from the original is because AT&T didn't lower the price at all on the original. So you had a credit on your account for a phone upgrade. When you purchased the original iphone you payed full retail on it. They haven't changed their rules or contracts for the iphone it has been this way before the original even came out.

krunker · 6 months ago

That's an interesting point Rob - thanks.
Yet it doesn't change the fact that folks who purchased the iPhone 3G at the subsidized price can't get the iPhone 3G S at the lower price points of $199/$299.

The other important question I'm trying to figure out for myself is the ultimate impact this will have on iPhone 3G S sales here in the U.S. How many new customers will join AT&T because of the new phone? If they haven't already joined by now, will the new iPhone 3G S really spur them to join now? Not likely...

What might spur them is the software enhancements in iPhone 3.0.. but again.. there comes a time where there's going to be a saturation point for iPhone sales. The dilemma I see here is - unlike iPod sales where Apple could arguably get customers to upgrade year after year - phone upgrades are going to be difficult without subsidized prices. This in turn COULD affect iPhone sales/inventory.. something to consider for anyone owning say.. Apple sales. Just a thought.. I could be blowing crap out of my arse here...

krunker · 6 months ago

Updated the article reflecting my billing changes as well as the "early iPhone upgrade" fees

Kyle · 6 months ago

No Krunker, you are correct.. it more than likely will hurt sales, but Rob, Apple announced at their WWDC last year that they were offering an upgrade to iphone 2G users. It was an actual upgrade, I was able to purchase any phone, not just iphone 3g at its regular upgrade price. But yes, this is going to take some toll on Apple and AT&T if they're making profit off of each purchase, because like Jordan says above, most iphone users are the ones likely to purchase the device and make sales high, but at this price its not worth it.

Personally, I think Apple/AT&T will eventually give iPhone 3G users the upgrade if sales aren't as expected because there is no way AT&T will gain that many new customers.

cat5 · 6 months ago

so basically..if you are a devoted Apple fan...you get penalized for buying the iPhone every year....thats bull crap if you ask me

Gino · 6 months ago

same price as the 3G?