We reported just a few days ago that Sprint for no apparent reason started selling the 16GB iPhone 4S at $149.99 with a two-year contract, well below its standard price of $199.99. The 32GB and 64GB models got a $50 discount as well. Now Apple retail stores are getting on board with the price cut and will match any lower price from any competitor including Sprint when selling the iPhone.
The retail stores are willing to drop the price by as much as $49.01 to match competitors’ pricing. Before taking advantage of the lower price, customers will have to specifically refer to the source in which they found the discounted iPhone for Apple to match it.
When Sprint first quietly announced the sale, I speculated that it could just be Sprint’s own method to start selling more iPhones since it’s behind AT&T and Verizon Wireless in terms of sales numbers, but with Apple joining in on the plan, it looks like my second theory is true: it’s time to clear out the old and make way for the new. iPhone growth has slowed in recent months due to all the rumors about the sixth-generation model coming in September, so a price cut is in order to make the iPhone 4S more enticing to buyers as Apple kicks production for the new iPhone into high gear behind the scenes.
If you want an iPhone 4S at the new pricing, walk into your local Apple store and mention the Sprint deal. Just remember you’ll have to keep that phone for two years.