16GB iPhone 5s in UAE cheaper than 5c in UK

Apple launched the iPhone 5c as an affordable alternate to the more premium iPhone 5s, but it experienced miserable sales due to an irrational price strategy.

Sales of iPhone 5c had not taken off in several key markets, including China where it is less than 2 per cent of all Apple products.

When it emerged that Apple was coming out with an 8GB version of the iPhone 5c, the first thoughts were that Apple could correct its pricing strategy and aim for emerging markets.

It looks like Apple has done neither. Firstly the newly launched 8GB iPhone 5c is only available in select European markets and in Australia and China.

What is even more baffling is the pricing of the new phone. An unlocked version of the 8GB iPhone 5c is priced different in different markets – and is more expensive that its premium iPhone 5s in some other markets.

In the UK for example an 8GB iPhone 5c is priced at £429 (Dh2,614). You know what – you can buy a 16GB iPhone 5s for a cheaper price in the UAE – for Dh2,599.

A 16GB iPhone 5c is priced at Dh2,199 here in the UAE. A 16GB iPhone 5c in the UK is priced at £469 (Dh2,858). In China – one of the other markets where the 8GB iPhone 5c is launched – it is priced at RMB 4,088 (Dh2,421), while in Australia it is priced at A$679 (Dh2,274).

According to reports the company’s strategy is to offer a lower-cost option compatible with LTE networks in growing markets.

“The mid-tier iPhone segment is growing year-over-year and the 8GB model provides a more affordable option for markets where LTE is becoming more established,” said tech blog Re/Code quoting an Apple representative.

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