| |
|
 |  | Older models: $0-$100 with 2-year contract |  | New models: $200-$400 with 2-year contract |  | Contract-Free: $550-$800+ |
|
Apple introduced iPhones in 2007 and set the bar for smartphones since. The phones offer a capacity from 8GB to 64GB, depending on the model, and provide access to hundreds of thousands of apps in the Apple App Store.
Typical costs: | - The current model, iPhone 5, was released in late 2012. It is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models through Verizon[1] , AT&T[2] and Sprint[3] as well as a handful of regional carriers. Customers who agree to a two-year contract with a national wireless provider typically pay $200 for the 16GB model, $300 for the 32GB model and $400 for the 64GB model. Without the contract, the phones cost $650, $750 and $850, respectively.
- Older model iPhones, like the 4 and 4S, can be purchased at discount prices through national wireless carriers. For customers agreeing to a two-year contract, the iPhone 4S 16GB model is $100 and the 8GB iPhone 4 is free. An unlocked iPhone 4S can also be purchased through Apple[4] for $549 and activated through AT&T; Verizon and Sprint cannot activate unlocked iPhones. An unlocked iPhone 4 costs $450.
- Some pre-paid wireless providers offer iPhone deals, but generally cost more than an iPhone with a two-year commitment. For example, Virgin Mobile[5] sells iPhone 4S for $450 and iPhone 4 for $350.
- Cell phone service plans vary by provider, but smartphone plans typically start at $50-$75 per month for talk, text and data. For more information, read How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost. Depending on the provider, data plans are sometimes billed separately from talk and text plans.
- What's included:
- Apple provides detailed information about iPhone features[6] .
Related articles: Smartphone, Blackberry, Android Phone, Palm Pre, Windows Mobile Phone, Cell Phone
| |
Additional costs: | - There are close to one million apps in Apple's App Store[7] , ranging from free to hundreds of dollars. Most apps are available for $1-$6.
- There are a variety of accessories available for iPhones including protective cases ($10-$90), screen protectors ($2-$20), or charging stations with built in speakers ($20-$200). Both the Apple store and a variety of retailers including Best Buy, Amazon and Radio Shack sell iPhone accessories.
- With the introduction of the iPhone 5 and the New iPad, Apple switched from using a 30-pin connector to a Lightning connector. A Lightning adaptor allows for old iPhone accessories to work with newer models. An adaptor costs $30.
- Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail for a phone.
Discounts: | - Wireless providers often sell refurbished phones at a discounted price.
Shopping for an iphone: | - Apple[8] offers a guide comparing iPhone models.
|
| |
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
|
|
|
|
External Resources: | - www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetai...
- www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/apple/iphone/5-16gb-black.html#fbid=bRW3WliTNtE
- shop.sprint.com/mysprint/zipcode_intercept.jsp?showZipPTNSection=false&redirectURL...
- store.apple.com/us/buy/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone4s
- www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/iphones/
- www.apple.com/iphone/
- www.apple.com/iphone/from-the-app-store/
- store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone/compare
More Consumer Electronics Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
|
| |
| Today's Featured Cost Articles |
|
|
|
|
Post
