T-Mobile's iPhone Launch Is A 'Big Deal'
March 27, 2013
The April through June quarter isn’t traditionally one that Apple celebrates, at least in terms of iPhone sales. By that time each year, would-be buyers typically wait until the next handset is released before making a purchase. However, T-Mobile USA’s April launch of the iPhone 5 could result in higher than expected sales, according to AppleInsider.
Analyst Shaw Wu of Sterne Agee believes that the T-Mobile launch is a “big deal.” As such, it could help with Apple's June quarter.
Wu suggests:
While T-Mobile USA has lost customers, its core customer base remains loyal to its lower cost and unlimited data plans. We believe this will help Apple capture incremental customers and strengthen its position against (Google's) Android, which got its start on T-Mobile USA.T-Mobile announced earlier this week that they would begin selling Apple’s flagship phone on Friday, April 12. At the same time, select markets will also receive the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. What is unique about the launch is that T-Mobile will be offering iPhones without a contract. As a result, the upfront price will be lower than what is being offered by other providers. As Brent Dirks reported, T-Mobile will offer the iPhone 5 for just $100 down. Over the next two years, customers will be required to pay an additional $20 per month until the phone is actually paid off. Similar packages are being offered for the older iPhones as well. T-Mobile USA is the last of the national carriers to receive the iPhone and it will be interesting to see what this means for sales. As usual, we'll keep you updated.
