“Analyst Mike Abramsky with RBC Capital Markets said on Wednesday that Apple is “expected” to offer the iPhone 3GS for free when the iPhone 5 launches later this year,” Neil Hughes reports for AppleInsider. “‘While a $49 iPhone is already available (AT&T), psychologically a $0 iPhone provides a compelling offer,’ Abramsky wrote in a note to investors. ‘Proprietary survey data… suggests 14% are very/somewhat likely to buy the iPhone 3GS for free with 2-year contract, exceeding buying interest for the iPad (13%) and original iPhone (9%).’”
“Abramsky sees the offering of a free iPhone 3GS as a way for Apple to double its potential market opportunity to more than 150 million smartphones,” Hughes reports. “a lower-priced iPhone 3GS, offered $399 unsubsidized, would also increase iPhone share globally, he said.”
Hughes reports, “In may it was revealed that the iPhone 3GS, along with the first-generation iPad, often outsells many newer Android-powered devices.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews take: If true, settling for a Fragmandroid phone is about to get even more difficult to rationalize.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Dan K.” and “Carl H.” for the heads up.]