Apple iPhone Rebate / Subsidy Now A Possibility!

According to an American Technology research report released today, the boys up in Cupertino may be considering a rebate or carrier subsidy for the up-coming Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) iPhone. Analyst Shaw Wu’s sources have indicated that Apple could likely be offering a break on the uber-expensive iPhone – to the tune of $50-$150.

Wu states, “We are hearing rebates of $50-150 that will be offered by AT&T (NYSE: T) to lower the price points for iPhone (currently $499 for 4 GB and $599 for 8 GB) and to entice customers to sign longer term voice and data contracts.”

We hope the rebate or carrier subsidy won’t be contingent on a longer term contract – we hate being tied down by the man. But you can bet your arse that we will be more likely to grab a data plan if Apple lowers the price.

Wu also believes that Apple will rake in a “bounty” for each new customer contract that the iPhone brings to AT&T, as well as participate in “a revenue sharing agreement.” So, Apple is poised to make money off each new customer’s sign-up and recurring monthly payments. With that much potential money to be making per Apple iPhone, they sure as heck better be thinking of dropping the price. A lower price could mean more people will be willing to plunk down their hard earned cash for the iPhone – and that would mean even more “bounty” and revenue-sharing profits for Apple.

via: appleinsider