Target is expecting to reduce the price of its iPhone models starting tomorrow? $19.

[CA]

Just in case is all I'm saying!

With all the rumors of potentially seeing a September launch time frame with the upcoming next-generation iPhone, consumers will soon find themselves torn in whether or not they should wait out for the new model. Of course, price drops to existing models will eventually become more profound, but it seems that Target might be jumping the gun a bit earlier than others.

Specifically, we received some news from a tipster that indicates price drops are coming to Target’s selection of current iPhone models. Based on the information we’re seeing, the new pricing structure will begin to go in effect starting tomorrow, July 31st. So if you’re not planning on picking up the next iPhone model, Target’s offering might seem appealing to some people – especially when you’ll be saving some cash along the way.

From what we’re told, the iPhone 3GS is going to be selling for $19.99, with the AT&T and Verizon 16GB iPhone 4 for $149.99. Meanwhile, the 32GB iPhone 4 model will be selling at $249.99 for Verizon’s model, but for some strange reason, AT&T’s version isn’t budging at all and will remain at $299.99. Naturally, the pricing is valid for those that are willing to sign a 2-year contract and sleep knowing that they'll need to hold onto it for some time. Although they’re nothing dramatic, it does point to the notion that we’re nearing a launch with the new model.

As we continue to push towards the end of summer, there is no arguing that other retailers and sellers are going to be offering price reductions to existing iPhone models as well to get rid of stock – and more importantly, make room for the new one. So if it’s good enough for you, then strolling into your local Target store might be something you add to your to-do list tomorrow. We'll soon find out if it's going to happen or not.

**Updated**

Aiding in saving you yet more money during the process, we’re told that Target is also going to be offering atrade-in promotion for the iPhone 3GS, which can deduct up to an additional $100 off the cost of a new iPhone 4. Basically, you can trade-in your existing iPhone 3GS and possibly get away in only having to spend $49.99 for a brand new iPhone 4 model. Also, loyal Target shoppers can still shave off another 5 percent off the cost by using their Target branded Redcard credit card

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Targe...morrow_id20780

[Telekom]

Radio Schlock is also reducing the price of the 8GB 3G[S] to $19. Interesting that you can get better deals on subsidized iPhones in Europe free with an 18 month contract (at least that's what Phone House [related to Carphone Warehouse] is doing in the Netherlands.)

[sr1329]

This is one of those things that aims to get iOS in as many hands as possible. Good move for sure. I suspect a lot of people who are not on a carrier that offers an iOS device still use it via iPod Touch. But for $19 vs. $199 this will certainly move some iOS.

[XFF]

Compared to the total cost of ownership over the 2-year contract period, the difference between $99, $49, and $19 up-front payment is completely negligible and inconsequential.

[CA]

What I find interesting is the movement of sales channels. While the cost of a Target phone is a small part of your total plan cost, commission's may be the greatest. I don't think they will go back, in fact go forward. Now, assuming you can afford the monthly, everyone can afford an iPhone.

I don't think most of hofo posters remembers the phenomena that onsale.com originally made. A guy didn't buy into Mores law and bought 2nd generation components from Intel and others. He was making a Million a month for quite a while before Intel caught on. Evidently a lot of people preferred lower cost over beading edge. It ate into Intel's bottom line so they severely raised prices, and he sold onsale, but not before proving a theory. Prepay is another sales model they are making a major movement in cellco land.

Intel's arrogance bit them in the ***, as 0it will with the two celcos (oops, that deal hasn't gone through yet)

[efparri]

Look what AT&T Mobility is doing with iPhone prices.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-pho...id=I4-oHvAZmi8

Apple with the 3GS:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...co=MTAyNTQzMjI

[CA]

Nice prices from ATT too! So now it's looking more like Apple is making a move. Hell they might be able to give them away and make their money it the market!

[CodeyH]

XFF makes a great point. Who cares what you pay upfront, you're making roughly a $2k commitment if you pay phone/data over the two years.

Sure, they'll be glad to shave the 'buy in' price to $19.

[Telekom]

What I find interesting is the movement of sales channels. While the cost of a Target phone is a small part of your total plan cost, commission's may be the greatest. I don't think they will go back, in fact go forward. Now, assuming you can afford the monthly, everyone can afford an iPhone.

I don't think most of hofo posters remembers the phenomena that onsale.com originally made. A guy didn't buy into Mores law and bought 2nd generation components from Intel and others. He was making a Million a month for quite a while before Intel caught on. Evidently a lot of people preferred lower cost over beading edge. It ate into Intel's bottom line so they severely raised prices, and he sold onsale, but not before proving a theory. Prepay is another sales model they are making a major movement in cellco land.

Intel's arrogance bit them in the ***, as 0it will with the two celcos (oops, that deal hasn't gone through yet)

Err, what's a beading edge? Do you have to use a bedazzler to get a beading edge?

[CA]

On-No!..........

If you have a Target Red Card you can actually get the iPhone for $45. Better yet, if you give in your iPhone 3GS 32GB, you can get a 16GB iPhone 4 for less than $5 bucks. Pretty crazy. Of course, you'll have to sign up for a contract renewal.