14 DAY TRIAL // The 8GB version of the iPhone 5c, which Apple offers for free on contract or cheaper than the 16GB model without a plan, is now available in six new countries across Europe. The United States apparently isn’t getting it still.
Deployed in March with a more attractive price tag but also halved storage capacity, the latest iPhone 5c is essentially the same iPhone 5c Apple launched in October 2013, sporting the same color set and wireless capabilities, the same Retina display and iOS firmware support, etc.
Customers who generally never eat through the allotted storage of their device are particularly targeted by this offer, as even 8GB is too much for some users (actual usable capacity is less).
“iPhone 5c comes in three storage sizes: 8GB, 16GB and 32GB. The term ‘GB’ stands for gigabytes,” Apple explains. “The more gigabytes you have, the more content you can store on your iPhone — apps, games, photos, HD videos, music, films and more.”
“For example, if you have a large music or photo library or you frequently download HD films, it’s a good idea to consider an iPhone with a larger storage capacity. If you have a relatively small music or photo library or rarely make or buy films, an iPhone with a smaller capacity may be better for you. Of course, over time you will accumulate many things on your iPhone, so you’ll want to think about how your storage needs may evolve,” the company cautions.
The 8GB model was initially released in the United Kingdom and several other EU countries, where it seemed there was high-enough demand for this device to make sense. Apple is said to have had a hard time selling the 5c around the world, but it appears that the Cupertino giant has finally found a sweet spot.
The price of the handset is €429 ($597.68) and £429 in the UK ($713.77) unlocked, and it’s available in White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and Green. Wireless carrier O2 offers the phone unlocked for only £409.99 ($682/€490).
Apple currently sells three distinct models: the high-end iPhone 5s (which goes for $199/€199 subsidized); the iPhone 5c marketed as “the most colorful iPhone yet” and which is essentially a repackaged iPhone 5; and the iPhone 4S with its 3.5-inch display, A5 chip and 8MP iSight camera, which apparently still caters to a lot of customers.
Later this year, the 4S will most likely be discontinued and replaced by the 5c or even the 5s, as Apple will make room in its lineup for the all-new iPhone 6.