In China, The iPhone 4 Is Apple's True Low-Cost Handset
by Joe White
September 11, 2013
Apple's pricing for the iPhone 5c in China might not make a whole lot of sense, but in an attempt to encourage iPhone adoption in the world's most populous country, it seems the Cupertino, Calif. company will continue to offer Chinese customers its iPhone 4 handset.
In the United States, Apple is advertising its iPhone 4S as the company's free on-contract handset, with the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s starting at $99 and $199 respectively, all with two-year contracts.
China, however, is being offered the iPhone 5c for 4,488 yuan - a price that translates over to a huge $734. As such, it seems predictions concerning the success of an iPhone 5c handset in China had anticipated that Apple might offer the "low-cost" smartphone for a slightly lower price.
After checking the Chinese Apple Online Store, though, it seems that Apple is rather offering China an alternative low-cost handset, and one that's less expensive than its 16GB iPhone 5c: the iPhone 4.
As you can see in the above image, the model is retailing for 2,588 yuan - a more realistic $423, and almost 2,000 yuan (around $300) cheaper than the iPhone 5c.
Apple hasn't announced the continued availability of the iPhone 4 in China, with the company's standalone Beijing media event reportedly outlining little save for that which Apple announced the day before, in Cupertino.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Apple's iPhone lineup - which now spans from the iPhone 4 to its iPhone 5s - can help the company secure market share in the world's most populous nation. Less expensive smartphones are nevertheless available, and it may be that Apple has to reduce its margins before adoption of the iPhone in China really takes off.
We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it.
In the meantime, see: Apple Vice President Greg Joswiak Talks iPhones, iOS 7 With Employees, Tim Cook Shares Details Concerning Apple's New Products With Employees, and Apple's Beijing Event Proves Disappointing, iPhone 5c Priced High In China.