Without mincing words, Apple’s Schiller states that a low-cost iPhone will never come to market.
A few days ago, news spread that Apple was working on creating an iPhone Mini, with a possible release planned for 2014.
We also discussed this on FullPress, speculating on a sale price not lower than 300 euros; however, other media reported that the iPhone Mini would also feature a rather low price, around 199 dollars.
Putting an end to the hypothesis of a low-cost iPhone at these levels was Phil Schiller, Apple’s worldwide vice president for product marketing.
In an interview with Shanghai Evening News, Schiller responded with a firm “Never” to the question about the possibility of a low-cost iPhone release.
A clear denial, therefore, rooted in obvious company economic reasons: the iPhone accounts for 20% of Apple’s market share but simultaneously generates 75% of its profits.
Furthermore, in line with the philosophy Apple has always pursued, the company aims to provide buyers with products for complete and satisfying user experiences, and a low-cost iPhone sold at 199 dollars could certainly not possess all the unique features that have made this device famous and desirable.
Not much concrete information emerges from this interview regarding the actual existence of the iPhone Mini.
What can be concluded with certainty is that Apple has no interest in targeting new market segments if it means drastically lowering the price and specific components of its products as they are known today.
It is therefore likely that the iPhone Mini will follow in the footsteps of the iPad Mini: a lower price, but not excessively so, for a product that is nonetheless appreciated and successful.
Be the first to comment