'iPhone Lite' and what it means for the App market

RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
edited July 2013 in Miscellaneous
By now I'm sure many of you have been hearing about an entry-level iPhone (it's been a burning topic for tech sites for some time now). As we inch closer to a new iOS hardware generation release period, the buzz is that we will likely see a lower cost iPhone very soon.

With an entry-level model based on the iPhone 5 form factor, with cheaper components (due to current tech mass-production) and a cheaper body assembly, more people will have access to iOS than ever before. Why? Incentive. Potentially the iPhone Lite could be offered at half the price of the current entry iPhone or even better, free with a contract. This would give iOS phones even ground when competing with other smart phones out there (budget and free smartphone plans).

What that means for developers: I think we all know this will cause an influx of shoppers on the App store. This could have the potential to make iOS more dominant in the smartphone market and certainly help drive more sales via iTunes and the App store. This along with a new iOS.... can't wait to see!

Comments

  • Braydon_SFXBraydon_SFX Member, Sous Chef, Bowlboy Sidekick Posts: 9,273
    I haven't heard that rumor before -- I try and keep it a surprise for when they announce it at their keynote. However, that does sound like a nice idea, for the customer and for us developers. Apple sells more iPhones, we get more paid downloads. Win win situation, I suppose... Only time will tell if this rumor is true.

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  • GOG_GamesGOG_Games Member Posts: 130
    That's great. More iPhone availability, more customers. :D
  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    @Braydon_SFX what? are you not keeping up with tech sites and blogs? ;)
  • PBEmpirePBEmpire Member Posts: 676
    I dont know... Granted that your app sales may rise due to more users but piracy may also rapidly increase. Most android users who have these cheap phones are the ones usually pirating apps. Those with high end phones usually pay. So the same situation may arise in the app store. Only time will tell.. [-O<
  • GOG_GamesGOG_Games Member Posts: 130
    @PBEmpire - Let's hope that doesn't happen. X_X
  • JarrenHJarrenH Member Posts: 206
    Half price iPhone = iPhone 4S
    Free iphone = iPhone 4

    This low cost iPhone has to have something better that what both of these phones have to offer, or make it even cheeper. You have to remember that carriers subsidize the cost of these phones, so even though you are getting a phone for "free", you are actually paying for it over your contract (quite a bit more actually). From what I have heard, this concept of subsidizing phones is not a worldwide concept, and many emerging markets sell the phones at the full upfront cost. Just checking on Apple.com, the iPhone 4 is sold for $450 without a contract. The low cost iPhone has to cost this much or less in order to accomplish it's supposed goal.
  • SnapFireStudiosSnapFireStudios Member Posts: 1,603
    I dont know... Granted that your app sales may rise due to more users but piracy may also rapidly increase. Most android users who have these cheap phones are the ones usually pirating apps. Those with high end phones usually pay. So the same situation may arise in the app store. Only time will tell.. [-O<
    Keep in mind that Android also allows for this much easier.
    Personally... I doubt it'll happen.
    - Thomas
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  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    edited July 2013
    True points, but I'm talking a "free" or "low cost" device that is current tech, not last gen / a couple of years ago. It will really depend on what kind of contracts they can nail down.

    Yeah, would not worry to much about piracy. There are other venues to explore other than cheaper iPhones for pirates and thus far Apple and iOS are doing a pretty good job of keeping them at bay. Oh! did you see what I did there? Har! Har! :ar!
  • Bad wolf GuyBad wolf Guy Member Posts: 206
    I think everyone might be looking at this at the wrong perspective than me. But who pays for apps when they can only afford a free or low cost phone. More or less who pays for the GS games when they can choose angry birds or cut the rope. There isn't any, apart from 2 or 3 IMO, that are actually that good. Heck I splash down heaps, and I get most GS games, not because they are good but because I show my support.

    So I can't see it being benifical to developers selling paid apps. It's not going to suddenly change sales for you. If your not getting that much than you won't get more if even the higher paying customers aren't even buying your app.

    However if its free than you may see ad revenue increase. If it sells well its just going to be branded like the android store as everyone will only download free things.

    Overall, make a good game that gets to top twenty in overall paid, than this may affect you, otherwise I don't think it's going to do much. Feel free to disagree with me.

    Cheers
  • lycettebroslycettebros Member, PRO Posts: 1,598
    We shall find out all soon enough.
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  • HalfBakedProductionsHalfBakedProductions Member, PRO Posts: 248
    Can't wait to see how this all plays out :D

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