Barclays survey suggests Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program well suited for 'iPhone 8' pricing

A new research note suggests demand is soft amongst existing iPhone owners, suggesting that only 18 percent of current iPhone owners are interested in an "iPhone 8" costing $1000 and up with cash out of pocket, but $50 a month isn't unreasonable — a figure essentially matched by Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program.

An investor's note published by Barclays spotted by CNBC has mixed news for Apple on the "iPhone 8" front. The survey showed that 85 percent of respondents to the survey are willing to pay more than they did a few years ago — suggesting that consumers are aware of the effect that heavy subsidies had on early smartphone pricing.

Other data from the Barclays survey said that on the average, consumers want to spend $48.50 on a 12-month device installment plan — but with device turn-in for the newer model the following year. The median number seems ideal for Apple's iPhone Upgrade program, which allows users to trade in a current device every year.

At present, the iPhone 7 Plus with maximum 256GB of storage sells for $969. That same phone on Apple's upgrade program is available for $45.75 per month with AppleCare+ with ownership after 24 months, or a trade-in possible after 12 months. AT&T Next has the same device without extended warranty for $40.38 per month for a 24 month period — with trade-ins for a new device possible after 12 months.

Amongst all of Barclays' responders, including owners of other smartphone brands, the number willing to pay more than $1000 for a device drops to 11 percent.

At present, a Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 64GB of storage retails at AT&T for $849.99 with similar monthly plans available. The 128GB Pixel XL from Google retails for $869.

Predictions have ranged between Apple could charge a starting price of around $1000 and as much as $1200 for the starting cost of the iPhone 8.

38 Comments

mubaili 454 comments · 13 Years

About 7 years ago

Wait for yearend BOGO promotions from the carrier

pbrutto 30 comments · 9 Years

This is all well and good to me (full disclosure, member of the program). BUT: if, like last year, I cannot even preorder one due to the upgrade program debacle.....what’s the point?

ireland 17435 comments · 18 Years

Someone at Barclay's owns AAPL

Mike Wuerthele 6901 comments · 8 Years

pbrutto said:

This is all well and good to me (full disclosure, member of the program). BUT: if, like last year, I cannot even preorder one due to the upgrade program debacle.....what’s the point?

A large amount of this depends on how you feel about the program. Should it give AUP members priority over other buyers? Last I checked, it doesn't promise that.

I see where you're coming from on an "extra payment" because of unavailability at the 12-month time, but it's not like your gear lights on fire at 12 months, zero hours, and zero minutes.

stantheman 332 comments · 11 Years

pbrutto said:

This is all well and good to me (full disclosure, member of the program). BUT: if, like last year, I cannot even preorder one due to the upgrade program debacle.....what’s the point?

Upgrade Program participants should have their orders filled first, because their orders were placed 12-18-24 months earlier than customers placing one-time orders in September. Not only would that policy be fair, but it would also cause a LOT more people to join the Program. By reserving the first iPhone units for Program members, Apple would effectively be charging for an earlier place in line.