Everyone expected that Apple’s big announcement yesterday would include the release of a new iPod, and they weren’t wrong, with the introduction of the wifi iPod Touch. And while it wasn’t expected, the news of a partnership between Apple, iTunes and Starbucks was interesting (under the partnership if you hear a song you like while in Starbucks, you can use their T-Mobile connection to access the newly announced iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on your iPhone or iPod Touch and buy the song on the spot). But what was unexpected is that Apple would drop the price on their iPhone by a full $200, just two months after creating some of the biggest hype in the history of either Apple or cell phones.
Wow, are the people who stood in line for days to buy an iPhone for $599 just a few weeks ago ticked off that now they cost only $399? You bet they are!
Now, this isn’t really a surprising turn. It was just a few weeks ago that we reported that Wall Street was unhappy with how the iPhone was doing. Of course, we’ve been saying all along that the iPhone was disappointing, and more hype than help.
But it is surprising that Apple would slap their faithful in the face like this. After all, it was the Apple faithful who waited in line for days in order to be the first on their block to own an iPhone. To announce a $200.00 reduction in price so close on the heels of the hype and the devotion by their fans just reeks of insensitivity to the very customer base on whom they used to rely.
And perhaps that’s the answer. Perhaps this really is a “to heck with you, loyal customers, we don’t need you any more as we go off in new directions” message to their customer base.
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I can tell you one thing – had I bought an iPhone for $599 a few weeks ago, only to have it drop $200 now, I’d be ticked as all get out.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.