Today at Apple’s iPhone event, Apple unveiled a cheaper iPhone, the iPhone 5C, as well as the iPhone 5S. While the devices in themselves are not really a surprise after countless of leaks, the price of the iPhone 5C was still an outstanding question. The 16GB iPhone 5C will be released for $99 with a two-year contract. A 32GB model will cost $199. The iPhone 5S will cost $199, $299 or $399 for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
The iPhone 5C will greatly help Apple in many markets. While most phones come with a 2-year contract in the U.S., it’s not the case in the rest of the world. A new cheaper iPhone was highly anticipated as it could become a best-selling device in Europe and Asia. In these countries, customers can opt for cheaper plans but have to purchase unsubsidized phones. While it’s a great deal over two years, the high price of the high-end iPhones sometimes scares people off and make them buy Android phones.
Apple wants to reverse this trend by releasing something entirely new with the iPhone 5C. In other words, Apple is going after market share more than ever. The company hopes to generate more revenue with this new lineup.
In a surprising move, the iPhone 5 is not sticking around while Apple will now “sell” the iPhone 4 for free with a two-year contract. On the other hand, the iPhone 5 is now discontinued.
Pre-orders start on September 13.
Read more about the iPhone 5C.
Read more about the iPhone 5S.
