We already know that Apple have their WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) booked in for early June. It’s hotly anticipated that during the event Steve Jobs will officially show off the latest incarnation of the much loved iPhone. Some early indicators have suggested that we’ll see the new handset available to consumers from June 21st; this certainly fits the time-scales we’ve seen on previous iPhone launches over the past few years. One question on many consumers lips right now is, “How much will the new iPhone cost?“
The original iPhone (2G) is not going to supported by the upcoming new iPhone Operating System (OS4). It’s therefore fair to assume that when the 4th generation iPhone is released, we’ll see the 2nd generation (iPhone 3G) retired from active sales. Based upon this assumption, and a strong hope that Apple won’t keep increasing the prices of their product, I would expect the following handsets to be available and at the following price points*:
- iPhone 3GS 16Gb £349 / $499
- iPhone 3GS 32Gb £399 / $549
- iPhone 4G/HD 32Gb £449 / $599
- iPhone 4G/HD 64Gb £549 / $699
* Based on current figures for customers buying a handset outright for use with either their own sim or as part of a pay as you go scheme. No consideration taken for carrier specific offers or promotions
This places the 4th generation handsets at a price point that reflects the current UK/US cost of the 3GS. The 3GS moving to the price of the 2nd generation iPhone 3G, with a new price point added for the 32Gb 3rd generation handset.
Of course, we’ll only know for certain how much the handsets will be once operators and Apple themselves release the relevant prices (most likely) next month.
How do you feel about these potential prices? Are they way off or do they feel about right? Share with us your views and insights below.
