14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone 8 has been rumored to be one super-expensive piece of technology, with several people close to the matter indicating that the top model could even reach $1,200 when equipped with 512GB storage.
But as far as UBS analysts are concerned, that’s unlikely to happen because of two different things.
First of all, the iPhone 8 will only be available in two different versions, without a 512GB model to be offered, and second of all, the top configuration will cost $999 because that’s the price range that Apple is aiming for.
UBS explains that the most affordable iPhone is very likely to cost $900 when featuring 64GB storage, while the 256GB model could be priced at $999. The analysts don’t think a $1,200 makes sense at this point, emphasizing that almost every generation of the iPhone positioned the Plus model close to the price tag of the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.
Same pricing as the Note 8
The recently-launched Galaxy Note 8 costs $929.99, and this is why Apple is not expected to go as far as $1,200 for the top iPhone.
“Apple tends not to price far from the high end competition. With the Galaxy Plus at $840 and the Note at [almost] $950, we think a $900 price tag for the base OLED model makes sense,” the analysts have been quoted as saying.
“We don't think Apple thinks 'How much can we charge?' Rather it chooses a price band worth playing in and then develops a product to fill that space. For example, Apple decided the $900-1,000 notebook market was worth entering. It then asked 'What does our $900 MacBook look like?' Enter the MacBook Air. If Apple cannot deliver an experience worthy of the brand at a given price band and profitability level, it does not proceed.”
Several leaks, however, have indicated that a 512GB version of the iPhone 8 is indeed on its way, which does make sense at first glance especially because microSD card support is not available. Full details about the new iPhone will be revealed by Apple itself during a press conference on September 12.