When the Apple iPhone first came out, it cost $499 (Rs 21,819) in the US markets.
But since that was too high, it was brought down to $399 (Rs 17,446). This was become Apple decided to make just about $80 (Rs 3,498) from the direct sale of the iPhone. Though, Steve Jobs negotiations with AT&T meant that customers would be paying about $10 per month for the next two years, which meant another $240 (Rs 10,494) for the company. (via)
At that time, it was widely reported that the phone cost about $226 (Rs 9,882), without the 3G.
When Apple came out with the 3G version for $199 (Rs 8,701) in the US markets, the actual cost of production was pegged at $173 (Rs 7,564) (via). The most expensive component in the iphone was the NAND flash memory storage at about $22.80. The cost of all the components is said to be about $164 (Rs 7,171), which it is sadi that the Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry charges about $9 (Rs 394) for assembly.
Now, all of this brings us to the big question : Is the iphone going to cost Rs 33k ($758) in the Indian Market when it launches this weekend?
I have talked to a number of people and I’m quite sure that the 33k price tag is just a stunt by Vadofone. Everybody seems to be talking about this price range including pluggd.in and Youth Curry. A couple of months ago, Nikhil Pahwa said it would be around 27-28k.
And I always thought that was going to be much cheaper, but Vodafone has sent out confirmation emails last night saying that
The Apple iPhone 3GTM, the phone everyone’s waiting for, is coming on Vodafone on August 22, 2008
The iPhone 3G is available in 8GB and 16GB at Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 respectively. And as you have already pre-registered with us, you can get it before others do. All you need to do is drop in at a select Vodafone Store between August 20 and 21 and confirm your booking by paying Rs 10000 through cash or credit card. Don’t forget to show the iPhone booking SMS, which you would have received from us, when you visit the Vodafone Store to make the deposit.
Do that, and we’ll give you an appointment date and time starting August 22, when you can come and experience a full demonstration as well as collect your iPhone 3G, all ready to use with your contacts and settings, by paying the balance amount.
So there!
And well for those who think it is all a little too expensive, you can always turn your mobile phone into an iphone lookalike for free!!
1 USD = 43.725 (19th Aug 2008 via Yahoo)
If you liked this post, you might like to subscribe to my feeds using a feed reader or get a copy by email.
Similar Posts
First Lawsuit against Apple’s Iphone
E-commerce and Payment Gateways
Your card has been rejected
Gyaan Sutra’s Latest Online in India Series #1
Why is there no social component in startups in India.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:18 am
and i say iPhone would not be in top gear if not combined with an unlimited data plan.
what’s the cost for that?
and more importantly, is Airtel going to do something about reducing the cost or follow suit by cashing out as much as it can in the initial ‘hype’
August 20th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Yeah, and I doubt Vodafone would give us an unlimited download plan. And there’s hardly anything to say about Airtel, then can’t handle local phone calls in pune anymore..
A Mac mini would be cheaper than the iphone here, and that’s a must have..