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Will more people eventually start buying the $1000+ iPhone models over time?

Just_Me_D

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I feel like the new pricing structure is going to send me back to a time when I was always a version behind even though I'm able to buy the latest.

Yep and you are not alone in your manner of thinking.
 

Just_Me_D

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I think apps and use will drive some business purchases but at same time think X and XS also occupy the space more luxurious cars and high end products do.

The first exec who got an XR where I work who also uses Office 365 proved my hunch here. He totally sees his better than iPhone 5S upgrade but can’t see how he would benefit from an XS series. He said “taking videos and playing games is for my wife and kids”.

Phones, tablets and personal computers are all quite mature. There are lots of good choices. It was interesting to see the brothers who own the enterprise where I work where one chose the Max phone and another the Surface Go for the same purpose - the enterprise flavor of Office 365 use and web-based apps when traveling.

One of my kids just chose to put a new battery in and do a screen repair for his iPhone 6 with same passion his sister had for a new phone but can a late teen afford an XS? No, she got a used 7 Plus.

Close to home I also see how Apple services are growing but I don’t know if that will carry the company. We pay for Apple Music, have increased our storage, I’ve moved some media purchases from Amazon, and I also value some high end mobile apps where those are $10 - $20 purchases and/or $10 - $20 per year.

It seems to me like Apple has to have more where the Microsoft Surface sits. Except for some niche use calling iPad Pro a computer replacement is a joke compared to a 12” MacBook or modestly priced Surface Pro series.

It also seems like Apple has to do more with their business team sales and support. The customer service is really good but tech support for troubleshooting business problems is not so good. I have an open problem with an enterprise business app and it was Cisco support who helped us pinpoint it. Apple support doesn’t know how to look outside of their shell the way Microsoft and Cisco do.

In my experience, Apple Customer Service and Support has been top notch, but that hasn't been the case for some people. With that being said, do you think the adoption rate to the new $1,000+ iPhone models will be fast or slow in general?
 

libra89

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It sounds like the XR is selling pretty well, which may be an indication many people are not ready to spend over $1000.

Apple is also pushing the Xr hard. I opened the app store today and saw this:
8c0f19f8c6fe5bcbde54547ddfedc24d.jpg


Additionally, Apple seems to be doing this too:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/App...nding-users-to-upgrade-their-iPhones_id111739

Finally, they apparently also increased the trade in value of other phones to make it cheaper:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-iPhone-XR-trade-in-offer-limited-time_id111672

I'm of the camp that this is what Apple can do because of the base price of it.
 

Just_Me_D

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Apple is also pushing the Xr hard. I opened the app store today and saw this:
//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181208/8c0f19f8c6fe5bcbde54547ddfedc24d.jpg

Additionally, Apple seems to be doing this too:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/App...nding-users-to-upgrade-their-iPhones_id111739

Finally, they apparently also increased the trade in value of other phones to make it cheaper:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-iPhone-XR-trade-in-offer-limited-time_id111672

I'm of the camp that this is what Apple can do because of the base price of it.

Excellent information...Thank you!
 

anon(50597)

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Apple is also pushing the Xr hard. I opened the app store today and saw this:
//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181208/8c0f19f8c6fe5bcbde54547ddfedc24d.jpg

Additionally, Apple seems to be doing this too:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/App...nding-users-to-upgrade-their-iPhones_id111739

Finally, they apparently also increased the trade in value of other phones to make it cheaper:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-iPhone-XR-trade-in-offer-limited-time_id111672

I'm of the camp that this is what Apple can do because of the base price of it.

Interesting, isn’t it?
 

imwjl

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In my experience, Apple Customer Service and Support has been top notch, but that hasn't been the case for some people. With that being said, do you think the adoption rate to the new $1,000+ iPhone models will be fast or slow in general?

Apple customer service is superb but technical support does not go as wide or deep as good support is with other vendors.

I think the adoption for all new phones will be slower and especially if people don't understand function. Don't understand a boost in productivity. What sold the recent 7 and XR upgrades to two of our execs who refused giving up their iPhone 5s? Showing them the Office 365 and Teams apps on my Max. They thought Apple's marketing was silly. The business owner I report to bought his Max when he realized less or no carrying a laptop, tablet or Mophie case.
 

Mr Segundus

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Absolutely not. I won't pay $1,000+ for a phone ever again even though I can afford to. And with Apple's recent actions when it comes to hiding sales numbers, many people won't either.

When the iPhone Xr came out and I saw that it had 95% of everything that's on the iPhone XSes, I decided to sell my iPhone XS Max 512GB (took a $200 loss) and purchased the 256GB iPhone Xr for $899. I don't regret my decision for one second. The battery life is amazing, it has the same cameras (minus the zoom lens, meh), and it still has the same A12 Bionic chip. There's no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a phone when you don't need to.
 

Mr Segundus

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It will be interesting to see what their lineup is like next year. Sales are not robust and it may be that expecting people to pay high prices because the “iPhone is a luxury device” strategy is no longer working. If true, how will Apple react?

They need to quit asking for ridiculous prices for incremental upgrades. Apple isn't the only one doing this either.
 

anon(50597)

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They need to quit asking for ridiculous prices for incremental upgrades. Apple isn't the only one doing this either.

I totally agree. They’ve proven they can build and sell an extremely good smartphone for less than $1000 (XR). If they continue to do this, and have 2 price points for those that feel they need the “best” and those who feel an XR type phone is quite good enough, then I have no problem.
 

BreakingKayfabe

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People who are already in the Apple ecosystem will indeed buy more $1,000+ phones over time but the rate of upgrading is going to be slower than it was, let's say, 5 years ago. It's evident right now. Just look at the posts here on the forums from enthusiasts who are sticking with what they have and doing so mostly because of pricing.

I think Apple is feeling a backlash from consumers at this point in time regarding pricing and will adjust accordingly.

I also feel like their recent push in marketing which is focusing on getting users to upgrade to the XR is not only because there are perhaps lower than expected device sales for this quarter, but it is also Apple's underlying intent to transition as many people over to the new, home button-less design. Just look at the way they're describing the XR on their front page currently on Apple.com:

All-screen design. Longest battery life ever in an iPhone. Fastest performance. And studio-quality photos.

These are things regular consumers look at.
 

Mr Segundus

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I totally agree. They’ve proven they can build and sell an extremely good smartphone for less than $1000 (XR). If they continue to do this, and have 2 price points for those that feel they need the “best” and those who feel an XR type phone is quite good enough, then I have no problem.

It's a similar situation in the Android world. People aren't buying the $1000 Note 9 or Pixel 3 XLs because they can purchase phones for hundreds of dollars less that can do 95% of what those devices can do. The OnePlus 6T, for example, is a great phone, has SD 845, has 6GB/8GB of RAM, and only costs around $549. Marketing has us chasing what they're telling us what they consider best when reality finally kicks us in the rear end and tells us that maybe we shouldn't be blowing off the less expensive devices.
 

Just_Me_D

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I think people will buy the 1000 plus, but hold them longer. If you like the iPhone your are going to buy the iPhone.

I'm definitely one of the people who is holding on to his current iPhone model a bit longer.
 

Just_Me_D

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Absolutely not. I won't pay $1,000+ for a phone ever again even though I can afford to. And with Apple's recent actions when it comes to hiding sales numbers, many people won't either.

When the iPhone Xr came out and I saw that it had 95% of everything that's on the iPhone XSes, I decided to sell my iPhone XS Max 512GB (took a $200 loss) and purchased the 256GB iPhone Xr for $899. I don't regret my decision for one second. The battery life is amazing, it has the same cameras (minus the zoom lens, meh), and it still has the same A12 Bionic chip. There's no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a phone when you don't need to.
I hear you. I've stated on several occasions that if my iPhone X were to crap out on me, I would replace it with an iPhone XR, and I meant it!
 

Just_Me_D

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People who are already in the Apple ecosystem will indeed buy more $1,000+ phones over time but the rate of upgrading is going to be slower than it was, let's say, 5 years ago. It's evident right now. Just look at the posts here on the forums from enthusiasts who are sticking with what they have and doing so mostly because of pricing.

I think Apple is feeling a backlash from consumers at this point in time regarding pricing and will adjust accordingly.

I also feel like their recent push in marketing which is focusing on getting users to upgrade to the XR is not only because there are perhaps lower than expected device sales for this quarter, but it is also Apple's underlying intent to transition as many people over to the new, home button-less design. Just look at the way they're describing the XR on their front page currently on Apple.com:



These are things regular consumers look at.

We are in agreement, sir....:cool:
 

joemd60

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I don’t doubt that at all. Still, do you think those people will concede and eventually spend the extra money for the more expensive models?

I think so, I would. Especially if you’re somewhat heavily invested in the ecosystem, which to some degree I am.
 

SprSynJn

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I am not one of those consumers I think as I might, for the first time, not get the best model available when my contract is up. I’ve been looking at the price differences and I’m edging more towards an XR, like yourself D. I’m glad they offer it, cause I might not have considered upgrading at all otherwise.

The backlash that  is feeling right now is something I’m sure they expected. It’s why they brought out the XR I’m guessing.
 

Rob Phillips

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I think it'll happen but I think we will see longer upgrade cycles. Heck, we already are. I've always been an annual upgrader but that may change next year. I bought an XS Max only because it has a larger display than my X and I wanted that. I see little to no other difference aside from that so unless Apple does something incredibly drastic and awesome next year I'll be keeping my Max for at least two years.
The XR is interesting. It seems to be selling well but Apple cutting production this early--and during the holidays--leads me to belive it's not selling nearly as well as Apple had thought it would. I'm also noticing carriers REALLY pushing the XR as well.
None of this year's iPhones flew off the shelf. Is it Apple's pricing model? Could be. It could also be the simple fact that smartphone makers are finding it increasingly difficult to intrigue users to upgrade annually. The smartphone market is quickly maturing and so is the technology, at least for the time being. I can see a future where the vast majority of users upgrade their phones like they upgrade their home computers, when they break or when they're obsolete.
 

Just_Me_D

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I am not one of those consumers I think as I might, for the first time, not get the best model available when my contract is up. I’ve been looking at the price differences and I’m edging more towards an XR, like yourself D.
For what the XR offers in build quality, specs and price, it’s a no-brainer for me.
I’m glad they offer it, cause I might not have considered upgrading at all otherwise.
As you know, I have not upgraded from my iPhone X and I’m not going to unless it craps out on me. If it does, I will replace it with an iPhone XR.
The backlash that  is feeling right now is something I’m sure they expected. It’s why they brought out the XR I’m guessing.
No doubt about it.
 

Just_Me_D

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I think it'll happen but I think we will see longer upgrade cycles. Heck, we already are. I've always been an annual upgrader but that may change next year. I bought an XS Max only because it has a larger display than my X and I wanted that. I see little to no other difference aside from that so unless Apple does something incredibly drastic and awesome next year I'll be keeping my Max for at least two years.
The XR is interesting. It seems to be selling well but Apple cutting production this early--and during the holidays--leads me to belive it's not selling nearly as well as Apple had thought it would. I'm also noticing carriers REALLY pushing the XR as well.
None of this year's iPhones flew off the shelf. Is it Apple's pricing model? Could be. It could also be the simple fact that smartphone makers are finding it increasingly difficult to intrigue users to upgrade annually. The smartphone market is quickly maturing and so is the technology, at least for the time being. I can see a future where the vast majority of users upgrade their phones like they upgrade their home computers, when they break or when they're obsolete.

Well stated, sir...
 

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