The Pros and Cons of Apple’s New iPhone X Subscription Service

Apple recently announced that it would be selling the latest iPhone, called the iPhone X, as a subscription service from $1,000 instead of the usual price of $999 for the phone alone. In recent years, subscription services have been a hot trend in the tech world, with companies like Netflix, Spotify, and HBO Now all attracting considerable numbers of subscribers by offering an attractive alternative to paying for expensive monthly fees.

Apple is the latest company to jump on the bandwagon and switch to a subscription service. As the iPhone is a popular smartphone and is Apple’s most profitable product, this change may make sense to some people. But is it a good idea? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of Apple selling its most popular product as a subscription service.

The Pros – Lower cost for the end-user

Subscription services often have much lower monthly dues than traditional phone contracts. With some services, you pay a one-time fee and get to use the service for a given period. As a result, you can keep using the service even if you or your phone breaks. A subscription service also often allows you to pay only for the phones you use and not for any others.

One obvious benefit of a subscription service is that you won’t have to sign a contract or pay a large amount of cash upfront. With a traditional phone plan, you typically need to pay a large sum upfront to get the phone you want. Then, over time, you may be charged a small amount a month for that phone or some other phone, either through a contract or some additional agreement. This is very confusing and can lead to consumers feeling as if they have to “buy” a new phone every year. With a subscription service, you’re only charged for phones you use. This can be especially beneficial for people who travel or do business abroad and need to replace phones often. 

Cons – You’ll have to pay more upfront

You’ll have to pay upfront for the phone with a subscription service. This can be a problem, especially for people on a budget.

For people on a budget, the upfront cost can be a deal-breaker. Many people can’t afford to pay for a phone upfront and then pay for the service. For these people, a traditional contract model is a better option.

Furthermore, several people simply don’t want to pay an upfront fee. These people may be better off with a low-cost carrier that requires no upfront payment.

Many people like to “buy” a phone and then pay for the service. With a subscription service, you don’t have that option. Instead, you’ll have to pay upfront.

Limited flexibility in how you use your phone

With a subscription service, you’ll be stuck with a single device. Although the service is still new, it’s too early to tell how Apple will handle the transition to a subscription service. It’s possible that, in a few years, the company will allow you to subscribe to multiple iPhones.

If, however, you buy your phone through Apple, you’re stuck with that device. Although Apple can allow you to upgrade to a newer device every few years, you won’t be able to switch phones. This can be a problem if you prefer to use a different phone, such as an Android device, and sometimes need to switch between them.

With a subscription service, you can switch between devices easily. This can be especially beneficial if your job requires you to use multiple devices, such as a laptop and phone, for work.

You’re locked into one Apple product

With a subscription service, you’re stuck with one particular device. So although Apple can upgrade your phone, and it can be upgraded several times, you’re stuck with the iPhone.

If you buy your phone through Apple, you’re stuck with that device and won’t be able to switch to another device easily.

Conclusion

In recent years, subscription services have been a hot trend in the tech world, with companies like Netflix, Spotify, and HBO Now all attracting significant numbers of subscribers by offering an attractive alternative to paying for expensive monthly fees. Apple is the latest company to jump on the bandwagon and switch to a subscription service. As the iPhone is a popular smartphone and is Apple’s most profitable product, this change may make sense to some people. But is it a good idea? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of Apple selling its most popular product as a subscription service.