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I think Apple might have missed the mark by not adding some kind of incentive for the wireless operators to continue offering subsidized phones. Wireless operat

I think Apple might have missed the mark by not adding some kind of incentive for the wireless operators to continue offering subsidized phones. Wireless operators helped create the market when the $500+ iPhone was considered costly: http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/death-of-the-199-iphone-wireless-subsidy/ http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/death-of-the-199-iphone-wirele... Additionally, phone market is reaching maturity slowly. First few generations had real changes in terms of hardware and capability. Sure, there are new capabilities but none of them are in the category of "Must Have".

at-fates-hands 9y ago
> Additionally, phone market is reaching maturity slowly. First few generations had real changes in terms of hardware and capability. Sure, there are new capabilities but none of them are in the category of "Must Have". I've been saying this for years. I'm starting to see family and friends holding onto their phones for two, sometimes three years now. The prime movers to upgrade are slowly disappearing like you said.
- nugi 9y ago
  Yup. I have been elegibe for an upgrade for 3 years, yet no current phone matches the featureset I have currently. - Removable battery (huge deal, i carry 2 spares, often away from chargers for days) - headphone jack (bt quality sucks, a lot, also battery and security issues keeping it on) - Physical function buttons - Waterproof/resistant, semi rugged. (Can I use it ouside in weather? Useless if not.) - Decent camera, and audio. - Gets regular security updates. - Removable mass storage - Makes and recieves phone calls without excessive dropouts. - Internet connectivity with email and very basic browser. Most modern phones dont even check half the boxes. They all seem to be made for people who never leave their car or office.
  - kalleboo 9y ago
    > - Removable battery (huge deal, i carry 2 spares, often away from chargers for days) I thought losing the removable battery would be a huge deal when I switched to the iPhone, but in practice, switching to using USB powerbanks was actually an improvement. Don't have to reboot when you swap out, and you can charge it at the same time as your phone without carrying an extra special charger. And you can get them in massive capacities, and share them with friends who are caught out.
valuearb 9y ago
People are still paying monthly, just not in obscure plans their wireless providers keep interesting lace far too long.

at-fates-hands 9y ago

> Additionally, phone market is reaching maturity slowly. First few generations had real changes in terms of hardware and capability. Sure, there are new capabilities but none of them are in the category of "Must Have". I've been saying this for years. I'm starting to see family and friends holding onto their phones for two, sometimes three years now. The prime movers to upgrade are slowly disappearing like you said.

nugi 9y ago
Yup. I have been elegibe for an upgrade for 3 years, yet no current phone matches the featureset I have currently. - Removable battery (huge deal, i carry 2 spares, often away from chargers for days) - headphone jack (bt quality sucks, a lot, also battery and security issues keeping it on) - Physical function buttons - Waterproof/resistant, semi rugged. (Can I use it ouside in weather? Useless if not.) - Decent camera, and audio. - Gets regular security updates. - Removable mass storage - Makes and recieves phone calls without excessive dropouts. - Internet connectivity with email and very basic browser. Most modern phones dont even check half the boxes. They all seem to be made for people who never leave their car or office.
- kalleboo 9y ago
  > - Removable battery (huge deal, i carry 2 spares, often away from chargers for days) I thought losing the removable battery would be a huge deal when I switched to the iPhone, but in practice, switching to using USB powerbanks was actually an improvement. Don't have to reboot when you swap out, and you can charge it at the same time as your phone without carrying an extra special charger. And you can get them in massive capacities, and share them with friends who are caught out.

valuearb 9y ago

People are still paying monthly, just not in obscure plans their wireless providers keep interesting lace far too long.