“The much-awaited new version of Apple Inc.’s popular iPhone could get a lift from the return of early upgrade plans being offered by major U.S. carriers, an analyst said Wednesday.,” Benjamin Pimentel reports for MarketWatch.
“Susquehanna analyst Chris Caso said the decision of carriers, including T-Mobile and AT&T, to offer plans that allow consumers to upgrade their phones in either 12 or 18 months instead of the typical 24-month period could boost demand for Apple’s new iPhone when it launches later this year,” Pimentel reports. “This could be an even more critical factor since the new iPhones are expected to feature bigger screens and will therefore be pricier.”
“‘The early upgrade plans only cost the consumer marginally more than a traditional plan, and require no down payment to acquire a new phone,’ Caso told clients in a note. ‘In general under these plans, the consumer is paying an additional $2 to $10 per month for the privilege of upgrading early, depending on the timing of the upgrade,'” Pimentel reports. “And with these no down payment plans, the new, higher priced iPhones could be ‘more palatable for consumers,’ Caso added.”
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