In the short time since the iPhone price drop was announced, Apple has received hundreds of e-mail messages from disgruntled customers upset about the $200 price reduction that took place a mere two months from the original iPhone release. Even Matt Lauer of the Today show seemed visibly annoyed as he held up his 8GB iPhone, purchased for the full price of $599.
In an open letter to all iPhone customers, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple explained more fully the reasons for the price change, saying “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.”
He pointed out that the new price point will allow more users to be part of the iPhone “tent,” and that more users are a benefit to current customers.
He also talked about the changing face of technology, price changes are part of the reality of the industry.
Finally, he made a commitment to taking care of its early customers with a $100 credit to use in the Apple store. New users who purchased the iPhone within the previous 14 days of the price change will get $200 back when they bring in their receipt.
In my little opinion, the Matt Lauers of the world should quit their grumbling. While the price change must be frustrating, no one was forcing them to buy such an expensive device in the first place. They should consider the price difference the rental fee for the bragging rights of having the iPhone from the very beginning. These are the same people that camped out overnight (or had someone else do it for them), considering the new technology well worth the price tag.
What do you think? Is Apple doing enough for its iPhone customers? If you don’t already have an Apple iPhone, will you be more likely to buy one with its new price? I’d love to hear from you.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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