Here’s a first — as Apple launches the expected two new iPhone models tomorrow, all four US carriers are expected to have the new devices as soon as they are available at retail.
That includes T-Mobile, which has lagged behind AT&T, Verizon and Sprint at having rapid access to the latest iPhones. That’s the word from Bloomberg News today, which also notes that having the latest phones at T-Mobile, especially the widely-expected lower cost model, may attract Verizon and AT&T users because T-Mobile has some added flexibility in plans.
AT&T had an iPhone exclusive until 2011 when Verizon jumped into the market. That same year, Sprint followed. T-Mobile now offers non-contract iPhones, but users pay a higher, non-subsidized price. Currently an iPhone 5 is US$649 with no contract, but the carrier also offers extended payment plans. A cheaper iPhone like the rumored iPhone 5C could make T-Mobile even more attractive to some users.
The new less expensive iPhone, should it appear, will also be attractive in overseas markets like Russia, India and China where Apple has only a small footprint. It may also be the incentive that led Japan’s DoCoMo to announce that it will carry the iPhone starting this fall.
T-Mobile to reportedly have new iPhone at launch originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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