The internet is all abuzz with speculation that Wal-Mart will begin selling iPhones this month. What does this really mean? Well, depends on what the price point will be. If Wal-Mart were to really sell an iPhone for $99 as was originally speculated, it could be huge. It seems that $99 is a magic price point for electronics, and is in line with phones that have many less features. Many people who would not likely buy the iPhone at current price points would possibly buy them at that point.
Sadly, however, this is not likely. Purported ads have been leaked to MacRumors.com showing the 8 gig model priced at $197. This seems to fit with what Wal-Mart is doing with the iPods where they are sold for about two dollars less than at other retailers. If this is the case, the Wal-Mart deal will likely not mean much for Apple or Wal-Mart. Shoppers who want the iPhone are not holding out because they can’t get it at Wal-Mart, and those who can’t currently afford the iPhone will still not be able to afford the phone. As well, the price point would likely still require the contract with AT&T as well as the data plan. Those two items are some of the main holdouts for those who do not wish to have an iPhone.
Bottom line, if Apple were to make a Wal-Mart specific model, and get the price significantly lower, they may see sales spike. However, if the price is anywhere near current prices, the most likely scenario is that sales may modestly rise, but not enough to be news worthy. Everyone will just have to wait until the units begin to show up in stores. Keep your eyes peeled. If you are wanting an iPhone and can’t get to an AT&T store, Apple Store, or Best Buy, but have access to Wal-Mart, this could be the time for you. I have serious doubts very many people fall into that category.
Filed under: Current Events
I can’t see a Wal-mart specific iPhone making much a of a difference, especially if it’s a lower end model. I mean, it’s already ridiculous that the best model only has 8 gigs and its a small fortune minus the contract. I’m sure the thing is nice and all, but I can’t stand Apple’s business tactics, especially when they’re so transparent nowadays.
The main reason a low end iPhone model would make a difference is that many people want it for the name. People who are not very tech savvy will not know the difference, and will feel as though they have the same thing as anyone else. Many people still have no idea what a gigabyte is, but they know $99 is cheap for what others will pay $199 for. Many would not realize they are buying a lesser product.