14 DAY TRIAL // Rumor has it the iPhone 8 is very likely to be the most expensive iPhone model ever, with analysts expecting Apple to sell it for more than $1,000.
And even though the device is close to becoming one super-expensive gadget, there’s a good chance a significant number of buyers would pay a lot less than that thanks to an avalanche of offers that carriers are preparing when Apple launches it.
Nomura-Instinet analysts expect the majority of carriers in the United States, including Verizon and T-Mobile, to discount the phone or to offer a special payment plan for the iPhone 8, so Apple fans would be able to get the new device substantially cheaper if they sign a contract.
“US telcos indicate record-low upgrade rates have not eased further ahead of the iPhone 8. Modest feature enhancements post-iPhone 6 drove plateauing volumes,” analyst Jeffrey Kvaal was quoted as saying. “We believe that Apple has plenty of innovation to add to future cycles, such as AR, machine learning, voice integration, 3D sensing, and optical zoom.”
Avalanche of upgrades
“We believe US carriers are preparing assertive promotions for the launch,” Kvaal continued, though it remains to be seen how many carriers embrace this approach and what deals they would be offering.
Analysts expect the iPhone 8 to trigger an avalanche of upgrades from the existing customer base, with many owners of older iPhone models delaying a purchase until the 2017 lineup is unveiled.
The number of upgrades to the iPhone 7 has dropped substantially, pretty much because there are only small differences in terms of design and features as compared to the iPhone 6, and this is one of the reasons the Plus model also experience bigger success, as it’s the only one coming with a dual camera.
The iPhone 8 is projected to launch in September, though sales could begin later this year because of the tight supply and the production issues that Apple is experiencing right now.