Apple (AAPL) announced that it is discontinuing the previous iterations of iPhone including iPhone X, 6S, 6S Plus, and iPhone SE, after three next-generation models – iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR were launched. The much-touted anniversary edition iPhone X has been taken off the company’s shelves and web page, only a year after it took birth. Why?
iPhone XS, launched at a grand event last Wednesday, is a direct successor to the original iPhone X. In fact, XS has copied all the features of iPhone X and comes also with a 512 GB storage capacity for $1,349 price tag. If the tech giant discounts the price of the predecessor, as it usually does, the original model could pose tight competition to XS.
People might even opt for iPhone X over XS for its more premium-looking stainless steel chassis, OLED display, two rear-facing cameras, and 3D touch pressure-sensitive technology.
On the other hand, with the arrival of a cheaper XR version, iPhone X loses its advantage of a discounted price. The manufacturing cost of iPhone X is more than XR, primarily due to OLED display, stainless steel enclosure, and 3D Touch support. However, customers are likely to choose the latter for the better-performance A12 Bionic chip and advanced camera sensor.
If iPhone X is available at a discounted price, then Apple’s profit margins could take a beating due to the heavy costs.
Even though Apple has discontinued the older-generation models, there are still ways to get them as these devices are offered by the four major wireless carriers.
AT&T (T) is offering iPhone X with at a starting price of $899. iPhone 6S can be purchased for $449 and iPhone SE for $349. Verizon (VZ) only offers iPhone X at $899 and iPhone 6S at $449. T-Mobile (TMUS) offers only the base variant of these iPhones at a similar price tag. Same goes for Sprint (S).
Meanwhile, the tech giant has slashed the prices of iPhone 7, 8, and 8 Plus. iPhone 7 is now available for $449 and the iPhone 8 for $599.
Apple Event LIVE: Say hello to iPhone XS, XS Max and the cheaper iPhone XR!