We never meant for the iPhone 5c to be junk cheap, says Apple CEO Cook

L.S.M Kabweza Avatar
Apple CEO, Tim Cook. Image via: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Tim-Cook-says-no-to-iPhone-with-larger-screen-says-there-are-too-many-trade-offs_id42292
Apple CEO, Tim Cook. Image via: phonearena.com

By now you’ve probably heard the iPhone 5c will retail in the US at about $549 (without the contract that is), which is just be a $100 lower than its high end sister. And if you’re in Zim, you probably also realise the 5c will add on at least double that figure when it hits the local retail shops. Leaves you wondering why the hell it’s been touted as the low-cost iPhone doesn’t it? Not that type dirt cheap, says Apple. The company just never had an objective to sell a low-cost phone apparently. Well, at least not something to compete along cheap stuff from the Android device makers.

“There’s always a large junk part of the market,” Apple CEO Tim Cook is reported to have said about the 5c price. “We’re not in the junk business” he said, we’re guessing a reference to ultra-low cost Android devices, most of them from Asia, that have seen low income mobile users in emerging access smartphone computing in recent years.

He continues: “There’s a segment of the market that really wants a product that does a lot for them, and I want to compete like crazy for those customers. I’m not going to lose sleep over that other market, because it’s just not who we are. Fortunately, both of these markets are so big, and there’s so many people that care and want a great experience from their phone or their tablet, that Apple can have a really good business.”

7 comments

  1. Tapiwa Soko

    if u ever owned an iPhone…u cant agree more

  2. Zibusiso Vusumuzi

    I agree, on the same interview he noted that its actually not in Apple’s DNA to produce cheap iPhones. Anyone who expects a budget iPhone should’t look to Apple!

  3. iPhoney

    A friend was seriously distressed when he heard about the 5c, “Now everyone will have one!” he cried! Well, it was fun laughing at him while it lasted but Cook put an end to that real fast 🙁

  4. Time

    I hope someone is writing a book on apples marketing strategy. I actually think its one of the best in the world. The way they have iPhone customers believing they have the best phone etc always amazes me. At least these days some iPhone owners are seeing the light on how buying an Apple product is about paying for the name Apple and actually not paying for the best in technology or features offered in the market.

    Held both the 5s and 5c today. I myself use a Nexus 4 which I know isn’t clearly targeted at the “premium” market but I still felt like Apple users are being robbed blind here. The screens on both phones are far too small for this day and age and iOs 7 just looks as lost as a deer in the headlights as its like a cross between a modded Android and future Symbiam design. 5c Definitely feels less premium than a Lumia. I think Apple dropped the ball when the actual 5 came out but there marketing was too good that most iSheep didn’t realize they were getting duped but I think more and more people now are taking notice of what else is out there.

  5. Illuminati

    The truth of the matter is that Apple misjudged on this phone. If i can afford a plastic iphone, i might as well work an extra shift to get another $100 so that i buy the 5s.

    1. L.S.M. Kabweza

      yeah, it don’t make sense really…

  6. Farai Sairai

    “We are not in the junk business ” Now that’s something that made me smile all weekend.

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