Jobs answers questions about iPhone pricing and other topics

[Cincy_Ron]

This is a cut and past off of USA Todays Technology Live section.

Recent customers should try to exchange their iPhones, then buy new ones at the lower price, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told us.
But if you opened the box, you'll get slapped with a 10% restocking fee -- which in this case is $60. And if you bought your iPhone 15 days ago, you're out of luck. "That's what happens with technology," Jobs said.

What an idiot. I see Apple in a whole new light right now.

[gcvt]

This is a cut and past off of USA Todays Technology Live section.

Recent customers should try to exchange their iPhones, then buy new ones at the lower price, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told us.
But if you opened the box, you'll get slapped with a 10% restocking fee -- which in this case is $60. And if you bought your iPhone 15 days ago, you're out of luck. "That's what happens with technology," Jobs said.

What an idiot. I see Apple in a whole new light right now.

Do you honestly think it'd be any different with Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc.?

[firefighterjmar]

This is a cut and past off of USA Todays Technology Live section.

Recent customers should try to exchange their iPhones, then buy new ones at the lower price, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told us.
But if you opened the box, you'll get slapped with a 10% restocking fee -- which in this case is $60. And if you bought your iPhone 15 days ago, you're out of luck. "That's what happens with technology," Jobs said.

What an idiot. I see Apple in a whole new light right now.

what an a**hole!!

[Silverado]

Do you honestly think it'd be any different with Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc.?

I've never seen Microsoft drop the price of anything by 1/3 after two months. They intentionally preyed on us and they're so full of themselves that they think we won't mind. I used to think Microsoft and Palm were bad; they are saints compared to these ego maniacs. No more Apple for me, thank you.

[Tutumiles1]

I now view Steve Jobs as an ass only concerned about his shareholders and not the customers. We were taken and should not forget this fact.

[Cincy_Ron]

Do you honestly think it'd be any different with Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc.?


Yeah gcvt, this is something I'd expect from Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc. For some reason I thought that Apple was more of a stand-up company. I've been a loyal customer since I worked my ass off as a kid mowing grass to buy my first Apple //e. I can absolutely say that this is the last Apple product I'll be buying. And I don't think I'm alone...

[Youngbinks]

Has Microsoft EVER greatly reduced the price of their products? It's still hundreds of dollars to get the newest Microsoft Office, just as it was years ago.

[Giies]

"That's what happens with technology," ??? is he kidding me, this iphone is only 2 months old, not 2 years you stupid Jobs

[connie]

I agree, for whatever reason, reputation I guess, I thought more of Apple, now they are a zero on the reputation meter for me. I have never felt like this about any company before. No one that I can recal has ever done something so awful that i feel personally violated. It's disgusting and a shameful way of doing business.
Shame on you Steve, you disgust me. I am not rich and I had to save for my iphone. I feel so cheated, it's only a few weeks old for heavens sakes!

[Lincoln]

O_O
Wow.
You guys are being a bit harsh. Does the fact that Apple lowered the price of the iPhone so more people could afford this amazing product mean that Apple is an awful, full-of-themselves, selfish company? Um, no, it means that they're doing exactly what everyone else does, just lowering the price, but a bit sooner.

If you have an 8gig iPhone, you have an 8gig iPhone. There's nothing you can do unless you bought it under 14 days ago. If you want to whine about it, go somewhere else. Jeez.

[wildonrio]

O_O
Wow.
You guys are being a bit harsh. Does the fact that Apple lowered the price of the iPhone so more people could afford this amazing product mean that Apple is an awful, full-of-themselves, selfish company? Um, no, it means that they're doing exactly what everyone else does, just lowering the price, but a bit sooner.

If you have an 8gig iPhone, you have an 8gig iPhone. There's nothing you can do unless you bought it under 14 days ago. If you want to whine about it, go somewhere else. Jeez.

All of your arguments hold no ground. And this is definitely the place to whine about it! Apple disgusted me today.

[jakkyl]

I can't even begin to express how sick and tired I am of all you whiners out there claiming you were "robbed" by this price drop. GET OVER IT! You paid to have the latest and greatest technology. It happens so deal with it. It was no secret when the iPhone hit the streets that Apple was making money hand over fist off the thing. It was fully advertised that they only cost around 250 or 300 to make the thing and yet we paid 499 and 599 for them. You had to know that if sales started sluggish, Apple would not hesitate to drop the price to further penetrate the market. Its called business because you run a business and yes, the point of a business is to make money and keep your share holders and customers happy. So quit your damn whining and take solace in the fact that we own the coolest cell phone ever invented. How many of you are so quick to forget that the first generation iPod was a 10GB model and cost $499??? It wasn't that long ago and now today a 160gb classic was released for just $349. So please, get over it, move on with your lives, AND SHUT UP.

[Tutumiles1]

I can understand how some people want us to stop complaining but I paid an extra $200 for this priviledge.

[ns3425]

true. i think the idea of them giving everyone a blue tooth is a good and reasonable way to solve this problem.

[adseguy]

All of your arguments hold no ground. And this is definitely the place to whine about it! Apple disgusted me today.


See that's what bugs me. No one ELSES posts prove a point. You feel cheated, but you bought it knowing full well of EVERYTHING about it. Some people felt cheated about the sealed battery, but the info was out there. You feel bad about buying a device then later the price goes down. Ahh the beauty of supply and demand. If the phone had cost $800 I would still have bought it. If it cost $1000, i wouldn't have, but someone else may have. They lowered the price not to "be nice so others can afford it" They lowered the price because they see ALOt of people want it for that price and competitors will very soon be coming out with products very similar to the iPhone.

It's OK to whine on this forum.....if you deserve it (say 4 bad phones in a row without being picky), but start whining about a phone in your hand that works great and just the price went down. Who cares?

I really think people are angry because this device is sorta not exclusive anymore and the WOW factor is dissapering quickly.

I love my iPhone and I'm content with how much I paid for it when I wanted it. Yeah, I'm saddened and shocked it went down so much in so little time, but I just think back on how content I was in buying it. It wasn't simply a upgrade that I HAD to get.

[hoits2000]

Please dont tell people to shut up, free speech and all. If we can't complain about this price reduction then you cant complain about us complaining. Anywho, The actual cost of it didnt come out until someone had to buy one take it apart and guesstimate on how much apple paid for the parts, probably cheaper then their estimate.

I want a bluetooth.

[4mula1]

http://images.apple.com/iphone/share/images/share_header20070802.gif


If you’ve recently bought an iPhone, we’d love to hear your favorite story about using it. Call and leave a voicemail with your story at 1-800-764-9941, or write us. We’re all ears.


I think everyone of us should call Apple and "Share our Story"! Dont you agree?

[ZiggyPop]

This is a cut and past off of USA Todays Technology Live section.

Recent customers should try to exchange their iPhones, then buy new ones at the lower price, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told us.
But if you opened the box, you'll get slapped with a 10% restocking fee -- which in this case is $60. And if you bought your iPhone 15 days ago, you're out of luck. "That's what happens with technology," Jobs said.

What an idiot. I see Apple in a whole new light right now.

So technology just magically depreciates 33% overnight? Yesterday it was worth $600, today it's worth $400! Ooops, guess you got fooked. I wonder if Mr. Jobs is going to personally call up all those people that are still within their 14 day window to return and let them know they can get a discount on their depreciated phones. Dubious. His response would probably be "that's the price of not staying promptly informed of the exact moment your technology depreciates".

Tomorrow, when the markets open, I'm going to short 1000 shares of Apple stock and get my $200 back.

[Silverado]

See that's what bugs me. No one ELSES posts prove a point. You feel cheated, but you bought it knowing full well of EVERYTHING about it. Some people felt cheated about the sealed battery, but the info was out there. You feel bad about buying a device then later the price goes down. Ahh the beauty of supply and demand. If the phone had cost $800 I would still have bought it. If it cost $1000, i wouldn't have, but someone else may have. They lowered the price not to "be nice so others can afford it" They lowered the price because they see ALOt of people want it for that price and competitors will very soon be coming out with products very similar to the iPhone.

It's OK to whine on this forum.....if you deserve it (say 4 bad phones in a row without being picky), but start whining about a phone in your hand that works great and just the price went down. Who cares?

I really think people are angry because this device is sorta not exclusive anymore and the WOW factor is dissapering quickly.

I love my iPhone and I'm content with how much I paid for it when I wanted it. Yeah, I'm saddened and shocked it went down so much in so little time, but I just think back on how content I was in buying it. It wasn't simply a upgrade that I HAD to get.

Dude, this has nothing to do with the fact that it isn't exclusive anymore. It has everything to do with an unprecedented price drop in percentage and time frame that makes it obvious they preyed on us. It's their right to do it but they will near the brunt of our reaction. I for one will never buy another apple product again.

[Indy]

I can't even begin to express how sick and tired I am of all you whiners out there claiming you were "robbed" by this price drop. GET OVER IT! You paid to have the latest and greatest technology. It happens so deal with it. It was no secret when the iPhone hit the streets that Apple was making money hand over fist off the thing. It was fully advertised that they only cost around 250 or 300 to make the thing and yet we paid 499 and 599 for them. You had to know that if sales started sluggish, Apple would not hesitate to drop the price to further penetrate the market. Its called business because you run a business and yes, the point of a business is to make money and keep your share holders and customers happy. So quit your damn whining and take solace in the fact that we own the coolest cell phone ever invented. How many of you are so quick to forget that the first generation iPod was a 10GB model and cost $499??? It wasn't that long ago and now today a 160gb classic was released for just $349. So please, get over it, move on with your lives, AND SHUT UP.

No kiddin', yea it's frustrating and all, but just think, you all that forked out the 600 bucks to have it "first" relished in the moment when everyone around you "oooohhh'd" and "aaaaahhh'd" when they first saw it. People that know you "know" that you had it first and probably spread the word "hey, he/she has a iphone and it's really cool", now maybe some of those people can afford to have one themselves and be cool like YOU! (and call you a dumbass for not waitin') j/k :tounge:

[Indy]

true. i think the idea of them giving everyone a blue tooth is a good and reasonable way to solve this problem.

LoL, I'll second that! :wink:

[hoits2000]

Well when my minutes are free, (9pm), Im going to call apple and get something for free, im planning on the headset!

[Hawk]

I would like to throw out the suggestion that anyone else who feels like they just got raped prison-style from this price drop, go to Apple's site and fill out a feedback form and let them know that this is NOT how to retain customer Loyalty.

I would also suggest that you not let loose with a tirade of curse words about where Steve Jobs can stick his technology, but simply express how angry you are that the attitude for all us existing customers were basically told "too bad, so sad" on the $200 bucks we over-paid...when we made Apple's stock soar. When we made them tons of cash....

Soo flipping pissed off right now... And it's not so much the money as it is the attitude. Yes, I would like my 200 back, but more importantly, I don't want the man/company that has it to sit there and say "Nah nah-nah nah nah" about it.

[pooh]

Well when my minutes are free, (9pm), Im going to call apple and get something for free, im planning on the headset!

^^^let me know if it works out...:wink:

[kwan]

Thats the price you pay to be on the bleeding edge of technology.
The lesson is dont buy a brand new apple product unless you're prepared for a price drop.

[connie]

Yah there is nothing we can do about being violated in this way by Apple but let me tell you again:
Apple will never have the reputation or the loyal customers it had on Sept. 4, 2007 ever again. People remember, especially if you work hard for your money, I for one will never forget how I am feeling right now because of Apple.

[joe]

Thats the price you pay to be on the bleeding edge of technology.
The lesson is dont buy a brand new apple product unless you're prepared for a price drop.

True! I'm not sure I would have waited to buy an iPhone. Either you buy it when it comes out or you wait for the next rev/price. If you buy in between you run the risk of an upgrade shortly after buying. I hate it when that happens so I don't do it.

[axhoaxho]

And if you bought your iPhone 15 days ago, you're out of luck. "That's what happens with technology," Jobs said


That's not technology, that's your stuipid pricing, Jobs! Talk about a good way to piss off your loyal customers.

Bad job, Steve Jobs.

[seb481]

Does the fact that Apple lowered the price of the iPhone so more people could afford this amazing product mean that Apple is an awful, full-of-themselves, selfish company?
FYI Apple didnt drop the price so people can afford it. They dropped the price to sell more ( = make more $$$). As of today, it's clear apple doesn't give a rat's ass about its customers. It's all about money now.

[gcvt]

...but I paid an extra $200 for this priviledge.

No you didn't. People now are just paying $200 less. That's all.

[hoits2000]

The reason I didnt wait, is because of how apple was, like keeping the prices the same for a while.

[princealyy]

The reason I didnt wait, is because of how apple was, like keeping the prices the same for a while.

VERY TRUE!!! is apple taking a risk with this new technique? I have always bought apple products without hesitation since it always maintains a fair price...

I REALLY WANT A TOUCH SHOULD I DO IT?????? PLS HELP ME...

[neo]

Oh well , thats why i bought a nokia n95 a few weeks ago and got my nokia e90 today. Sold the iphone before this happened. Glad i did. Screw jobs. I thought Apple was better than this. I was wrong. And still no dam mms:embarrassed:

[xSoNiCcRaCkErSx]

What makes me mad is the fact that i still have yet to see a real update. the least they could have dun was gave me half the missing features the phone doesnt have before ripping my 200$ right from under my eyes.

And for the people who keep saying "paying for cutting edge technology
" never has apple pulled such a stunt, of course price drops over time.. but thats usually 6months to 2 years time and its a lil bit here depending on the product. in this case its 2 MONTHS and THERE IS NO NEW IPHONE, ITS THE SAME ONE. this 200$ is NOT paying for having a fone for 2 measly months more than others, its called robbing us which apple has never done to their customers before.

I dont care, flame me all you want but this is how i feel about the situation as do MANY other people. Just go read the apple forums, its 1000x worse than here.

[morpheoussc400]

O_O
Wow.
You guys are being a bit harsh. Does the fact that Apple lowered the price of the iPhone so more people could afford this amazing product mean that Apple is an awful, full-of-themselves, selfish company? Um, no, it means that they're doing exactly what everyone else does, just lowering the price, but a bit sooner.

If you have an 8gig iPhone, you have an 8gig iPhone. There's nothing you can do unless you bought it under 14 days ago. If you want to whine about it, go somewhere else. Jeez.

Finally, someone said it!!! All you people out there stop crying..! If you bought one of these lovely devices expecting the price to stay high untill version 2 came out, sorry to bust your bubble. The simple fact is the price was too high to begin with and apple knew that. Now that they've lowered the price more folks will be able to get one.

[Swagger]

Do you honestly think it'd be any different with Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc.?

Yes but we know they are scumbags and they don't hide it. We all expected much more from a company with a reputation (excuse me, that had a reputation) like Apple...M

[CK2004]

I couldn't imagine a worse marketing plan than this. apple and steve pissing off every base customer who buys the products right away.

This was the worst company move that I have ever witnessed.

[4mula1]

I would like to throw out the suggestion that anyone else who feels like they just got raped prison-style from this price drop, go to Apple's site and fill out a feedback form and let them know that this is NOT how to retain customer Loyalty.

I would also suggest that you not let loose with a tirade of curse words about where Steve Jobs can stick his technology, but simply express how angry you are that the attitude for all us existing customers were basically told "too bad, so sad" on the $200 bucks we over-paid...when we made Apple's stock soar. When we made them tons of cash....

Soo flipping pissed off right now... And it's not so much the money as it is the attitude. Yes, I would like my 200 back, but more importantly, I don't want the man/company that has it to sit there and say "Nah nah-nah nah nah" about it.

Been there, Done that, I feel better! Not $200 better, but better!

[Swagger]

I would like to throw out the suggestion that anyone else who feels like they just got raped prison-style from this price drop, go to Apple's site and fill out a feedback form and let them know that this is NOT how to retain customer Loyalty.

I would also suggest that you not let loose with a tirade of curse words about where Steve Jobs can stick his technology, but simply express how angry you are that the attitude for all us existing customers were basically told "too bad, so sad" on the $200 bucks we over-paid...when we made Apple's stock soar. When we made them tons of cash....

Soo flipping pissed off right now... And it's not so much the money as it is the attitude. Yes, I would like my 200 back, but more importantly, I don't want the man/company that has it to sit there and say "Nah nah-nah nah nah" about it.

I think we could make it short and sweet like Steve did.

Dear Steve Jobs/Apple,
To bad, so sad. I will not be buying your products any longer...Sincerely, Mark:smile:

[CK2004]

Agreed! Too many Apple products here to be treated like this. One hour on hold just to lodge a complaint. Never again.

I want out out of this product and my contract with at & t.... I am so all set with them both. Very highly disapointed.... I want to get rid of the macbook that I am typing on.... Not sure how dumb a company can be with doing this to the people that buy there products the fans... It would be like the Red Sox spitting on fans or your favorite team...'

BYE BYE APPLE!!!

[lci3341]

Here's my email to apple:


I'd like to write to APPLE to let them know how disappointed I am and ripped off I feel after finding out that less than 2 months after spending over 1200 dollars on 2 iphones, the price was dramatically reduced by 33%. I, along with most iPhone owners, knew that we would be paying more than future owners but expected that this price drop would ultimately occur over time as technology prices declined and newer models with better features are released. Unfortunately it appears that the "markup" for the 1st 2 months was a business strategy aimed at taking the dollars away from the customers who have been most loyal to apple in the past. And in the process tarnishing the reputation of the company. The $200 extra that I paid for each iPhone was "sucker" fee. And according to Apple, if they have almost sold 1 million iPhones so far, there were 1 million suckers to take advantage of. I love the iPhone, but I don't love the feeling of being ripped off that I have whenever I use it now, or whenever I think of future Apple products I would consider purchasing.

[Swagger]

I can't even begin to express how sick and tired I am of all you whiners out there claiming you were "robbed" by this price drop. GET OVER IT! You paid to have the latest and greatest technology. It happens so deal with it. It was no secret when the iPhone hit the streets that Apple was making money hand over fist off the thing. It was fully advertised that they only cost around 250 or 300 to make the thing and yet we paid 499 and 599 for them. You had to know that if sales started sluggish, Apple would not hesitate to drop the price to further penetrate the market. Its called business because you run a business and yes, the point of a business is to make money and keep your share holders and customers happy. So quit your damn whining and take solace in the fact that we own the coolest cell phone ever invented. How many of you are so quick to forget that the first generation iPod was a 10GB model and cost $499??? It wasn't that long ago and now today a 160gb classic was released for just $349. So please, get over it, move on with your lives, AND SHUT UP.

For you to be a new member you certainly are talking strong. You have no right to tell anyone to shut up, this is not your forum. Chris is the moderator, not you. Make your case, but don't think that just because you say it, it is law..M

[CK2004]

I agree with your post. In my opinion, it comes down to the most loyal customers screwed out of $200. It is sad that Apple has now put there only fan base in this position. I have two laptops that are mac here.....one iphone and 2 ipods..... Never again! I am livid.....
$200 bucks is $200 bucks....

No more apple products here.... Too bad that for the new price no one is still going to buy the product.... not around me atleast......

[CK2004]

I want to cancel my AT&T subscription.. I find the drop in price a complete disregard for our contract so I am all set paying any fee. I can't get a corportate at&t number to call. I am not paying any premium this is basic law school......

If anyone else is interested in cancelling or suing for the price difference in a class action suit then email me.

[steve93]

let me see a $600.00 phone, reduced to $400.00 + $175.00 cancel fee = A CLASS ACTION SUIT.....

[lci3341]

No more apple products here.... Too bad that for the new price no one is still going to buy the product.... not around me atleast......

The same people who lined up and bought iPhones on day 1 who have been telling their friends to get one, may very well be telling people NOT to get one now. And not to get other Apple products too. I don't think Apple thought about that.

[CK2004]

I didn't line up on day one. I lined up about 17 days ago.... so I am pissed!
I want my $200 bucks back. I am not going to get it so I will never buy another Apple product again.... and like I have said I have 2 laptops here that are Mac, one Iphone and two Ipods... Never again....

Go Microsoft Stock.. I am investing tomorrow. You can't treat customers like this... Steve Jobs.... is all done... His worst mistake. He don't like buttons.... He just pushed his entire fan based buttons.....
Not good business practicess.... BYE BYE>>>>>

[iLLGT2]

Ah well, that's "business" :/

[aknightstale41]

O_O
Wow.
You guys are being a bit harsh. Does the fact that Apple lowered the price of the iPhone so more people could afford this amazing product mean that Apple is an awful, full-of-themselves, selfish company? Um, no, it means that they're doing exactly what everyone else does, just lowering the price, but a bit sooner.

If you have an 8gig iPhone, you have an 8gig iPhone. There's nothing you can do unless you bought it under 14 days ago. If you want to whine about it, go somewhere else. Jeez.


I agree with you macman, this is apples first forray into the world of cell phones, and they are certainly entitled to make adjustments as they learn the ropes of pricing a phone. They didnt wake up one day and say in a board meeting how can we screw the first million iphone customers, i know, lets lower the price by 200 bucks, that will piss em off. It was probably more like how can we get this amazing technology into the hands of those people who cant afford it but want it.
Hey, the Razr sold at 500 bucks when it first came out, now u can get it for a 100. So Dont take this personaly, Steve Jobs still loves you all very much and would never play favortism with his children.

[Hawk]

They didnt wake up one day and say in a board meeting how can we screw the first million iphone customers, i know, lets lower the price by 200 bucks, that will piss em off. It was probably more like how can we get this amazing technology into the hands of those people who cant afford it but want it.
It's more like "We have 9 million more of these things either in a warehouse or on order, we aren't moving them as fast as that very first month. I know it's only been 2 months, but let's cut the price by a third to increase sales or our unusually high stock is going to start to take a hit."

[lci3341]

It's more like "We have 9 million more of these things either in a warehouse or on order, we aren't moving them as fast as that very first month. I know it's only been 2 months, but let's cut the price by a third to increase sales or our unusually high stock is going to start to take a hit."

Or maybe more like... "we know that die-hard fans will buy it at any price during the first month-- why not charge 33% more and then lower the price back down to the "real" price and make ourselves an extra 200 mil in the process.."

[EEZ123]

As everyone here should know apple did not sell as many iPhones as hoped the first week they were out. My guess is sales are a little slow so this is more to spur sales than anything else.

I lucked out and got one an 8gb new for $400 2 weeks ago.

I dont know the sales numbers as of right now but, everyone that is complaining about this price drop will soon, maybe a month or so, be in the minority. I would not have bought an iPhone at the $600 price point. When I had a chance to pick up one for $400, I went for it. I am guessing that there is a lot, and I mean a lot of people willing to buy one at $400.


Also the price over the new itouch would have made the iPhone's price prohibitavly (sp) expensive.

If you think about it it was a shrewd move by apple from a business standpoint.

[spazzman90]

I agree with you macman, this is apples first forray into the world of cell phones, and they are certainly entitled to make adjustments as they learn the ropes of pricing a phone. They didnt wake up one day and say in a board meeting how can we screw the first million iphone customers, i know, lets lower the price by 200 bucks, that will piss em off. It was probably more like how can we get this amazing technology into the hands of those people who cant afford it but want it.
Hey, the Razr sold at 500 bucks when it first came out, now u can get it for a 100. So Dont take this personaly, Steve Jobs still loves you all very much and would never play favortism with his children.


Hey,

That was like over a four year period! I can handle $100 'premium' per year, but $100 a month? Wayyy too excessive. What next? Another $200 drop in 2 months? Yeah, I'm pissed.

-Jeff

[ahaxton]

As everyone here should know apple did not sell as many iPhones as hoped the first week they were out. My guess is sales are a little slow so this is more to spur sales than anything else.

I lucked out and got one an 8gb new for $400 2 weeks ago.

I dont know the numbers as of right now but, everyone that is complaining about this price drop will soon, maybe a month or so, be in the minority. I would not have bought an iPhone at the $600 price point. When I had a chance to pick up one for $400, I went for it. I am guessing that there is a lot, and I mean a lot of people willing to buy one at $400.


Also the price over the new itouch would have made the iPhone's price prohibitavly (sp) expensive.

If you think about it it was a shrewd move by apple from a business standpoint.

I think it'll be a LONG while before this is let go, unless Apple makes reparations. Cable News Coverage, Website Coverage, and Newspaper coverage in the coming days = not good at all for Apple.

[ninoe99]

Yah there is nothing we can do about being violated in this way by Apple but let me tell you again:
Apple will never have the reputation or the loyal customers it had on Sept. 4, 2007 ever again. People remember, especially if you work hard for your money, I for one will never forget how I am feeling right now because of Apple.

I second your opinion...

Will Apple stand up to this or will Steve tell us that's how technology is? This will impact their holiday sales if they do not do anything about it...but then again, it already has. iPhone sales will not make up for the trust that loyal Apple users and newbies have lost in the company and it's leader. Just when you think you find a computer/technology company close to perfect, they do a 180 and show what they really are made of. I will hold off on any future Apple purchases for now until they can give us a good reason why they decided to do this today. Remember, remember the 5th of September, it was the day that Apple fell...their logo should now be changed from a bit Apple to an Apple with a worm in it.

[ahaxton]

I second your opinion...

Will Apple stand up to this or will Steve tell us that's how technology is? This will impact their holiday sales if they do not do anything about it...but then again, it already has. iPhone sales will not make up for the trust that loyal Apple users and newbies have lost in the company and it's leader. Just when you think you find a computer/technology company close to perfect, they do a 180 and show what they really are made of. I will hold off on any future Apple purchases for now until they can give us a good reason why they decided to do this today. Remember, remember the 5th of September, it was the day that Apple fell...their logo should now be changed from a bit Apple to an Apple with a worm in it.

I'm boycotting too, glad I was waiting to buy a new laptop and desktop.

[mm1250]

YOU THINK YOU GUYS ARE PISSED!!!!

I'm not at all worried at the loss of $200, but rather i'm down on my AAPL stock by over $3,800!!!! It's going to take some time to digest that tonight before I go to sleep.. Infact, I don't think i'll get much sleep.

For those who aren't following wallstret or AAPL stock. Apple is under Major Major pressure from its investors to meet these crazy sales figures. One little hickup and their stock will fall off a cliff. On one side, I see that they are really trying to meet expectations and this might of been there only way. Look at today's losses.

http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ:AAPL

[EEZ123]

Or maybe more like... "we know that die-hard fans will buy it at any price during the first month-- why not charge 33% more and then lower the price back down to the "real" price and make ourselves an extra 200 mil in the process.."


My guess is if they had sold 3 or 4 million in the first couple of months they would have reduced the price by $100 if anything. Supply demand basic economics. Why reduce the price if they are the biggest thing since sliced bread. Not selling so well, lets make less per unit and sell millions more.

I doubt this was planned from the day the iPhone came out, although there are a lot of skeptics out there.

[ahaxton]

YOU THINK YOU GUYS ARE PISSED!!!!

I'm not at all worried at the loss of $200, but rather i'm down on my AAPL stock by over $3,800!!!! It's going to take some time to digest that tonight before I go to sleep.. Infact, I don't think i'll get much sleep.

Sell tomorrow.

[ahaxton]

My guess is if they had sold 3 or 4 million in the first couple of months they would have reduced the price by $100 if anything. Supply demand basic economics. Why reduce the price if they are the biggest thing since sliced bread. Not selling so well, lets make less per unit and sell millions more.

I doubt this was planned from the day the iPhone came out, although there are a lot of skeptics out there.

I doubt it was planned either, but not for your reasons. Sloppy Unethical Executives is my answer!

[EEZ123]

I think it'll be a LONG while before this is let go, unless Apple makes reparations. Cable News Coverage, Website Coverage, and Newspaper coverage in the coming days = not good at all for Apple.


Just got done watching my local news, they mentioned the new iPhone price, if anything it came off sounding like a positive.

[Zachary Vex]

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-09-05-jobs-qanda_N.htm

A taste:

Q&A with Jobs: 'That's what happens in technology'

It's not every day you slice the price of a popular product by one-third.
But Apple CEO Steve Jobs did just that Wednesday with the iPhone. By the end of the day, the combination cellphone, iPod and Internet device was available for $399, down from $599. Additionally, Apple refreshed its iPod line with new models.


STORY: Apple slices $200 off iPhone, rolls out new iPods
Jobs spoke with USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham and Edward C. Baig.

Q: What do you say to customers who just bought a new iPhone for $599? Sorry?

FIND MORE STORIES IN: NBC | Apple | MUSIC | TV Shows | CDS | Steve Jobs | Beatles | Bob Dylan | John Lennon | Jefferson Graham | Edward C Baig
A: That's technology. If they bought it this morning, they should go back to where they bought it and talk to them. If they bought it a month ago, well, that's what happens in technology.

Q: To do this, are you taking a hit on costs? Or have prices really come down?

A: We're in high-volume manufacturing, and we're pretty good on the costs side. We're also willing to be more aggressive. We think we have a real winner, and customers love the iPhone. The product's been extremely well accepted; we want to put the pedal to the metal. A holiday season is approaching; we'd have to wait another year for another one.

Q: Has this price reduction changed your long-term projection of 10 million iPhones sold within the calendar year?

A: We think we're on track for those kind of numbers.

Q: The iPod Touch is very similar to the iPhone — all that's missing is the phone and built-in camera. Are you concerned about cannibalization?

A: If anybody is going to cannibalize us, I want it to be us. I don't want it to be a competitor.

<snip>

More at the story!

[ahaxton]

Arrogant and Obnoxious isn't it?

[ninoe99]

YOU THINK YOU GUYS ARE PISSED!!!!

I'm not at all worried at the loss of $200, but rather i'm down on my AAPL stock by over $3,800!!!! It's going to take some time to digest that tonight before I go to sleep.. Infact, I don't think i'll get much sleep.

Okay, you are right, I'd be sleepless too if I were in your place. Sorry to hear you lost that much. OTOH, our sentiments are geared at both the money and the principle behind this price drop, and not exactly in that order.

I loved Apple as a company until today. Let me see, I have bought a lot in the past 4 years - PowerMac top of the line G5, 23" Cinema HD screen, iMac, many iPods for myself and as gifts, 8GB iPhone, wireless keyboards, mice, Apple PRO software, Aperture, Final Cut Pro, iLife, iWork versions from day 1, etc.

[ahaxton]

Just got done watching my local news, they mentioned the new iPhone price, if anything it came off sounding like a positive.

Local News is more like a mannequin spitting out words.

[connie]

What an A$@!!!!

[EEZ123]

Local News is more like a mannequin spitting out words.

Oh yea I forgot this is an apple forum. I guess I am old school watching local news.

[ahaxton]

Oh yea I forgot this is an apple forum. I guess I am old school watching local news.

lol Honestly though you don't think they'd be giving their opinion right? Local News would report negative things once the real journalists get that message across.

[lci3341]

My guess is if they had sold 3 or 4 million in the first couple of months they would have reduced the price by $100 if anything. Supply demand basic economics. Why reduce the price if they are the biggest thing since sliced bread. Not selling so well, lets make less per unit and sell millions more.

I doubt this was planned from the day the iPhone came out, although there are a lot of skeptics out there.

If they thought they could sell 3 or 4 million of anything in a few months thats wildly unrealistic.

[seb481]

What an A$@!!!!
Do you mean "what an apple"??? haha

[ahaxton]

They sold an amazing number for all the bad press they got!
How about spend all this time creating updates to make good press! Best Selling Smartphone that isn't necessarily up to date with everything other phones do and has quite a bit of bugs, can't beat that!

[seb481]

A: If anybody is going to cannibalize us, I want it to be us. I don't want it to be a competitor.

I want everyone and anyone to cannibalize apple. I want microsoft to eat them alive. I want google to come out with a gphone tomorrow. I want samsung to start selling phone with mp3 players and internet, I want people who can't read or write sign petitions against apple, I want a piece of apple myself.

[Mac Insomniac]

Wow this is amazing. I know we live in a corpocracy but these times and ethics floor me. Maybe I have my blinders on but I did not see this coming but at the same time I wasn't paying any attention due to the fact I had my head up my iphone A**, giving to much time and energy to this fading fad that has come to pass.

On ward and Up ward!

[lci3341]

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-09-05-jobs-qanda_N.htm

A taste:

Q: What do you say to customers who just bought a new iPhone for $599? Sorry?

A: That's technology. If they bought it this morning, they should go back to where they bought it and talk to them. If they bought it a month ago, well, that's what happens in technology.



I'm disappointed that Apple and Steve Jobs would brush this off and try to explain away thousands of angry loyal apple users by saying "that's technology." That is technology. I would have expected it from some OTHER technology company.

[rollinfromhell]

I'm disappointed that Apple and Steve Jobs would brush this off and try to explain away thousands of angry loyal apple users by saying "that's technology." That is technology. I would have expected it from some OTHER technology company. Wow... What an ass man. I thought Steve Jobs was a nicer person.. "that's technology" haha, well your company is gonna get *****ed out by me, thats for damn sure. and im making sure im getting at least something out of it!

[RLK]

With the price reduction of the iPhone, why would most people ever buy a newly released product from Apple when they could now wait for the price to be reduced shortly after release? Is this a new sales ploy from Apple?

I don't remember seeing a new hot product be reduced in price within the 1st 90 days and reduced by 1/3 of the original price.

It would of been nice for Apple to offer some perk to the dumb loyal people that purchased the phone in the 1st 30 days such as a credit in itunes.

[gcvt]

If you watch the video, while talking about the iPhone Steve says the word "Holiday(s)" no less than five times. He's clearly really counting on massive holiday sales with this iPhone price reduction.

Of course, he also goes on and on about iPhone customer satisfaction numbers. We'll have to see how that plays out over the coming weeks and months.

Either way, I love my iPhone....I really do. If it still cost $600 today and I didn't already own one, I'd buy one.

[axhoaxho]

Very arrogant, Steve Jobs. You need us (customers) more than we need you.

What a short-sighted business practice. You (Apple) might gain a few iPhone sales before the holidays, but loses the faith of its loyal customes in the long run.

Guess when Apple releases future products, who'd be brave enough to buy it immediately again?

[tony3d]

Very arrogant, Steve Jobs. You need us (customers) more than we need you.

What a short-sighted business practice. You (Apple) might gain a few iPhone sales before the holidays, but loses the faith of its loyal customes in the long run.

Guess when Apple releases future products, who'd be brave enough to buy it immediately again?

I learned my lesson. Hey, it happened to me before with Apple products, just not within 68 days. I'll show my disgust with this matter buy NOT buying Leopard! Bad timing Steve!

[lci3341]

Very arrogant, Steve Jobs. You need us (customers) more than we need you.

What a short-sighted business practice. You (Apple) might gain a few iPhone sales before the holidays, but loses the faith of its loyal customes in the long run.

Guess when Apple releases future products, who'd be brave enough to buy it immediately again?


Steve DOES need us more than we need him. And further more, I don't think I will be purchasing any more tracks from the iTunes store. Why lock myself down into a DRM APPLE world when they treat you like this?

Steve thinks that we need Apple so bad that we will even repurchase Beatles song if we ALREADY own them on CD. What?! Most iTunes sales are for songs that people DON'T already own... we don't need you Steve to sell us something we alreay paid for (ringtones anyone?)

[lci3341]

My guess is if they had sold 3 or 4 million in the first couple of months they would have reduced the price by $100 if anything. Supply demand basic economics. Why reduce the price if they are the biggest thing since sliced bread. Not selling so well, lets make less per unit and sell millions more.

I doubt this was planned from the day the iPhone came out, although there are a lot of skeptics out there.

According to the NYTimes Jobs had this planned from the start, so they knew that when they launched they would dramatically reduce the price and screw those who bought it 2 months ago:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/technology/06apple.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

On Wednesday, Apple executives insisted that the price cut had been planned long ago and that the strategy had been conceived in part to keep the iPhone’s pricing in line with its new iPod (http://nytimes.com.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-fifth-generation/4505-6490_7-32069546.html?tag=api&part=nytimes&subj=re&inline=nyt-classifier) Touch, a music player that looks like the iPhone but lacks the phone-calling ability.

[ZiggyPop]

According to the NYTimes Jobs had this planned from the start, so they knew that when they launched they would dramatically reduce the price and screw those who bought it 2 months ago:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/technology/06apple.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

On Wednesday, Apple executives insisted that the price cut had been planned long ago and that the strategy had been conceived in part to keep the iPhone’s pricing in line with its new iPod (http://nytimes.com.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-fifth-generation/4505-6490_7-32069546.html?tag=api&part=nytimes&subj=re&inline=nyt-classifier) Touch, a music player that looks like the iPhone but lacks the phone-calling ability.

So they conspired to rob tens of thousands of people out of untold thousands of dollars.

Nope, no grounds for a class action lawsuit there! :gasp:

[Tutumiles1]

It seems Apple has little concern for loyal Apple customers. We should and must return the favor.... This stinks

[iCheez]

I'm not buying the "it was the plan all along" bit.

Their sales numbers dropped dramatically after launch and they are reacting. They want to be a success in the mobile phone market no matter what.

If they are great at cutting cost where is the price cut on the rest of their products, especially the iPod. Do you think they haven't figured that out yet?

Oh yeah, where is the 16gb iPhone for $599?

[aknightstale41]

I've never seen Microsoft drop the price of anything by 1/3 after two months. They intentionally preyed on us and they're so full of themselves that they think we won't mind. I used to think Microsoft and Palm were bad; they are saints compared to these ego maniacs. No more Apple for me, thank you.

Maybe we are alittle upset too because now more people will have an iphone and we won't feel as unique. Part of the fun of the iphone is you probably haven't seen anyone else with one, and its fun to show it off and think nanananana i got one and you dont, kinda like a cabbage patch doll lol.
Also there is a lesson in patience here, not running out and giving in to a want so quickly, as the Buddha says, the cause of all suffering is wanting. Be the Buddha

[Mark Booth]

In a USA Today interview, Steve Jobs says to early iPhone adopters: "That's what happens in technology." Basically, "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-09-05-jobs-qanda_N.htm

The iPod touch was a real product (and probably in production) on June 29. Apple already knew the price point for the iPod touch. Nobody can convince me that Jobs didn't also know he was going to reduce the price of the iPhone when the iPod touch was announced. And, with that in mind, it feels like early adopters were INTENTIONALLY taken advantage of. And with many (most) of those early adopters being among the MOST faithful Apple customers, the whole situation feels like a knife in the back.

Job's words to USA Today don't make that feel any better.

Mark

[jviphone]

YOU THINK YOU GUYS ARE PISSED!!!!

I'm not at all worried at the loss of $200, but rather i'm down on my AAPL stock by over $3,800!!!! It's going to take some time to digest that tonight before I go to sleep.. Infact, I don't think i'll get much sleep.

For those who aren't following wallstret or AAPL stock. Apple is under Major Major pressure from its investors to meet these crazy sales figures. One little hickup and their stock will fall off a cliff. On one side, I see that they are really trying to meet expectations and this might of been there only way. Look at today's losses.

http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ:AAPL

I'm no marketing major, but by dropping the price of the iphone that much didnt they just compete against the itouch, for the same price as the 16GB i touch you can get the iphone with a phone and camera, and internet on the go not just wifi? Also alot of the reason for stock dropping is loyal apple customers selling stock since they were so miffed at apples business process during this announcement..

[jviphone]

Maybe we are alittle upset too because now more people will have an iphone and we won't feel as unique. Part of the fun of the iphone is you probably haven't seen anyone else with one, and its fun to show it off and think nanananana i got one and you dont, kinda like a cabbage patch doll lol.
Also there is a lesson in patience here, not running out and giving in to a want so quickly, as the Buddha says, the cause of all suffering is wanting. Be the Buddha

People that don't have one or waited will not understand this feeling, and that is exactly who is telling "US" to stop crying, well you don't know how it feels so stop trying to tell us how we should. Im so glad everyone can afford the iphone now, it's a great product, but to me now the iphone is like a civic, an affordable gadget that everyone will own and it loses some of that luster.

[Dawgfan]

From the Wall Street Experts...

Hargreaves added that the sudden price cut - which is unprecedented for Apple, as it tends to add features to products while keeping prices stable - might make customers think twice about becoming early adopters of its products.
"When people are waiting outside the store two days ahead of time it becomes a story and they get, essentially, free marketing out of that. If all those people decide they don't want to wait outside the store because they got burned last time, Apple loses that marketing," he said.

[SpongebObiWan]

I watched Steve Jobs keynote address in January with AWE, after discovering that Apple had a new cellphone coming to market, and was informed it would be the best thing since sliced bread. I remember thinking while I watched, "this is incredible. I can hardly wait for the release of this product." Steve Jobs had me in the palm of his hand. By the way, I had never bought an Apple product before. I had always steered clear of Apple and bought PC products. But now, Mr. Jobs "charm" had me considering venturing into the Apple arena for the first time.
So I, like many thousands of others, axiously awaited the iPhone release. I also touted the "wonders" of the iPhone to my friends and acquaintences throughout this time. On iDay, I went to 3 different iPhone outlets (AT&T stores) and was finally able to purchase my phone at one of these stores. I was in heaven. Thus began my "love affair" with Apple and the iPhone. I began talking, reading, and web surfing anything iPhone or Apple. I looked forward with great enthusiasm to the release of the new Mac computers as my next purchase of an Apple product, but decided to wait until the release of Leopard to make that purchase.
Dateline: Wednesday, September 5th, 2007, a day that will live in infamy, iDoomDay. Announcement of a $200 price reduction for new purchases of iPhones hit the airwaves after 68 days since its release on June 29th. Tidal waves of angst flooded the internet, and new medias. I began to read through all the varying opinions, most of which were comments of betrayal, anger", and disillusionment. Once again, I now found myself watching Mr. Steve Jobs keynote address in San Francisco on the release of new products and the price reduction announcement (found on Apple website). No longer, did I watch with AWE and AMAZEMENT as I had during the January keynote address. I found rather, that I watched with skepticism and indifference. Sadly, Mr. Jobs and Apple had lost their allure to me. Thoughts raced through my mind "I guess I won't be buying that iMac after all, or any other Apple product for that matter."
This really is not about the price reduction per se, it is about REPUTATION and PERCEPTION. Mr. Jobs had me in the palm of his hand (as I am sure he did many others). Unfortunately, his status as my "hero" has now been dashed. He and Apple will not gain my product loyalty, unless by some huge change of heart or strategy, a decision is made to do something to remedy this and a gesture is made to restore goodwill.

[trojan21]

I believe it. Feature-wise, compare the iphone to the ipod touch. Mostly similar except for a few applications and the call feature (and some speculation about bluetooth). 8/16gig versions retail for $299/$399 respectively. While the iphone was priced at $499/$599 for the 4/8 gig version. For double the capacity of the 8gig phone, you get an ipod with no calling features (plus you can probably hack the ipod to include the missing applications but that is for another thread) at $200 less. Now, there are phones out there that do more/less for less than $100 (minus the apple exlcusive features like multitouch screen, etc.). From the get-go, the iphone was just overpriced, and this analysis is reasonable because we're only looking at a 2 month time period here...there is no reason why we couldn't have had a 16gig iphone for $599 or less...that would be more reasonable but I think apple saw the pricing point and knew that the inital sales would be based upon hype so lowering the cost of the iphone to it's true price was only the right thing to do. Can you blame them? No, they are just playing the game called business...but this is pissing a lot of people off.

[Hawk]

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

I have received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who are upset about Apple dropping the price of iPhone by $200 two months after it went on sale. After reading every one of these emails, I have some observations and conclusions.
First, I am sure that we are making the correct decision to lower the price of the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and that now is the right time to do it. iPhone is a breakthrough product, and we have the chance to 'go for it' this holiday season. iPhone is so far ahead of the competition, and now it will be affordable by even more customers. It benefits both Apple and every iPhone user to get as many new customers as possible in the iPhone 'tent'. We strongly believe the $399 price will help us do just that this holiday season.
Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you'll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.
Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.
Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.
We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.
Steve Jobs
Apple CEO

[mlass]

I can't even begin to express how sick and tired I am of all you whiners out there claiming you were "robbed" by this price drop. GET OVER IT! You paid to have the latest and greatest technology. It happens so deal with it. It was no secret when the iPhone hit the streets that Apple was making money hand over fist off the thing. It was fully advertised that they only cost around 250 or 300 to make the thing and yet we paid 499 and 599 for them. You had to know that if sales started sluggish, Apple would not hesitate to drop the price to further penetrate the market. Its called business because you run a business and yes, the point of a business is to make money and keep your share holders and customers happy. So quit your damn whining and take solace in the fact that we own the coolest cell phone ever invented. How many of you are so quick to forget that the first generation iPod was a 10GB model and cost $499??? It wasn't that long ago and now today a 160gb classic was released for just $349. So please, get over it, move on with your lives, AND SHUT UP.

So, you are saying that a person who purchased the iPhone 15 days prior to price drop should not be upset?

All those whiners are getting me a rebate and that makes me happy.

For those who are bashing the whiners, please feel free to send me your rebate. You seem not to be upset over $200 and I will be more than happy to spend it.

Now, I can get me that iTV.

[hoits2000]

They complained that we complained, and look what we did for them. I will be happy with the 100 credit. I tried calling and emailing but got nothing, so this will make me feel a lot better.

And just when I was beginning to get over it, haha.

I finally looked at the bright side. Hopefully more people will buy it, and that will force apple and hook up the iphone with more of what we want on it.

[iMeth]

all i could see is that i feel really bad for the 4GBs early folks...

glad i dropped my iphone yesterday so i went back to aT&T and wanted a new iphone cause of the scratches and dents I caused. Now i got a new iphone and 150 bucks credited back.

[HELPmepLox]

i got a price adjustment haha but i didn't get back the money from tax so i was still kinda piss and didn't give up with a fight had them throw in a 29.99 case to make up for that $17-18 dollar i dind't get back haha

[Leed]

I mean.. the thing about it is it seems like Apple/ATT went out of their way to charge us the premium. We couldn't use our typical business discounts on hardware or services and we had to sign a 2 year contract without added incentive. All of that just to turn around and drop the price after approx. 2 months. It just seems a bit too steep to me.

[Orion]

Well a $100 Apple credit isn't good enough for me. After reading people are getting refunds after the 14 days from ATT I called them up and was told it's now 14-20 days after and to go to the store and get my $200.

http://www.everythingiphone.com/forum/93437-post19.html

I wrote out my ordeal there, so far I've gotten $25 towards my wireless bill for having to call back and a note on my customer service account to the store that I'm supposed to get a $200 refund. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but I'm expecting a $200 refund.

[iLLGT2]

i'm confused.. I see mentioned on Apples site a 100 dollar credit for the early iPhone owners.. Some people are posting 150, 200 so what is it, and what do you say when you walk in lol??