An earlier report indicated that Apple plans to slash iPhone XR prices in Japan by offering subsidies to carriers. The reason behind this alleged move was said to be low-demand for new iPhones in the market. Now, it appears the report turns out to be true.
As Japanese carrier NTTDocomo is offering the iPhone XR with a price drop of nearly $100 when purchased with a 24-month contract. The 64GB variant of the handset can be purchased with payment of 7000 Yen ($62) per month through NTTDocomo in the country. Sources also suggest that more carriers in Japan will likley follow suit in the next few days.
That said, it’s also worth noting that this price cut doesn’t apply if the iPhone XR is bought unlocked from a different carrier or retailer. As the price of the handset remains the same, unless one gets it with a 24-month contract.
Besides, it’s still unclear whether Apple plans to offer similar price cuts in other markets across the globe, apart from Japan. Though with all reports pointing to slowing down of 2018 iPhone sales, we won’t be surprised if something like this happens in other global markets as well.
Earlier reports also indicated that Apple plans to resurrect the iPhone X. The company reportedly plans to relaunch the iPhone X at lower prices, possibly to compensate for low sales of its new iPhone lineup. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise as this won’t be the first time Apple will produce old iPhone models for markets which have sufficient demand for cheaper handsets.
The latest price cut comes shortly after a report earlier this week which claimed that Apple has slashed production orders for its latest iPhone XS and iPhone XR models, due to lower than anticipated demand.
