Apple’s iPhone event managed to deliver pretty much everything we expected, with the addition of a few minor curveballs. The much-speculated iPhone 5c and 5s were introduced to a small but excited crowd, but rather than announcing a price decrease of the current generation iPhone 5, Apple has instead decided to kill off the phone altogether.
It may seem like a decision that hasn’t exactly been thought out by the fruit company, but there is a small glimmer of user based benefit in the decision. The introduction of the iPhone 5c will see minimum-term consumers being able to get their hands on the latest release for as little as $99 upfront with a two-year contract. The mentality behind the colorful device seems to be to allow as many people as possible to use Apple technology, which is something that is echoed with the iPhone 4s now being available for free on contract.
Speculation in the run up to the event was focused on whether or not Apple would use the introduction of the iPhone 5c as a catalyst to get rid of the last of the 3.5-inch devices. It certainly didn’t seem to cross anyone’s mind to suggest that the introduction of the cheaper iPhone would see the end of the iPhone 5, especially considering the device has been the company’s most successful iPhone yet based on first year sales. It seems that Apple is of the opinion that the iPhone 5c will easily occupy the $99 price point that the iPhone 5 would have fallen into should a price reduction have been on the cards.
For those consumers who are looking to get onto the iPhone ladder then, the now free iPhone 4s will look like an extremely attractive option with a two-year deal. The 3.5-inch form factor is still favored by many and the Retina display capabilities put it up there with the best of the best currently available in terms of display technology. Still, there will no doubt be a lot of registered developers tonight who feel that Apple should be embracing any opportunity possible to get rid of devices with smaller displays.
It’s highly likely that the high manufacturing costs of the iPhone 5 played a significant role in this decision, but with the free-of-charge iPhone 4s, the $99 iPhone 5c and the $199 iPhone 5s, there should be enough variation to suit all needs.
You may also like to check out:
- iPhone 5c Announced: Features, Release Date, Price
- Apple iPhone 5s Announced: Features, Release Date, Price [Everything You Need To Know]
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.
