With the iPhone hitting South Africa on the 20th of July, people must be wondering if they have to buy the phone on one of Vodacom’s contracts. Well, it seems that Vodafone are selling them elsewhere in the world on prepaid contracts, but the phone is going to cost around 499 Euros for the 8GB model, and 569 Euros for the 16GB model.
So, I’m speculating here, but a similar pricing model could be applied here with Vodacom.
- 8GB iPhone 3G = R6300 ±
- 16GB iPhone 3G = R7100 ±
So, if you take those prices into consideration, Vodacom has to recoup those costs when offering you a 24 month contract if they are going to give it to you the iPhone for free (or with a small pay in). So, expect the iPhone to come bundled with their very high-end contracts like the Talk 800 etc. 
Speculation? Leads to rumor and false claims and other nasties. Until it gives Vodacom ideas, lol – they might figure “Oh well, they’re already speculating the cost is going to be so high – let’s not disappoint them.”
But after all the hype, really, is there any reason to get an iPhone? It’s not as if it can do anything new, and it’s an exclusive device – so expect to see ugly Vodafone branding all over the software. And you can’t really extend it, either. All it has going for it is that its pretty.
~ Wogan
Thanks for the comment Wogan.
I don’t think Vodacom have much say in the pricing etc. Apple really do bully the Service Providers they choose, so Vodafone are going to be locked in to making XX per iPhone etc.
Yes there is a lot of hype surrounding the iPhone, but it really does have one fantastic UI and with the App Store also available, it really will be a very useful phone to have. Not to mention the street cred.
Totally agree…I have already owned an iPhone in South Africa and I must admit, I was really pissed off when I heard about the iPhone 3G’s selling price of $199 in the US. Its less than half of what I invested in bringing my one over here and doing the unlock etc…so anyway, I sold it…and am waiting for vodacom to release the new ones here…but I can safely tell you that if the prices are rediculously high by VodaCom, then everyone will simply import them from the US themselves…as I did with my first one…cause the only thing you now have to worry about is import tax…no unlocking issues etc…NADA…what a pleasure…totally awesome phone for less than R2k…bye bye HTC!!!
This might help to allay some of your fears Jason:
http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&ArticleID=1518-1786_2343988
Although let’s not count on ICASA as a watchdog…..not like they have been able to do much about Telkom and Eskom as yet.
@Michael – Very interesting article that! So at least consumers will know more information about costs involved. This could also impact the iPhone, as I am more than sure there will be quite a hefty subsidy that Vodacom will be paying to Apple – just like they are doing in the rest of the World.
hey guys, i kno we do get ripped off wit prices here in SA as u hav calculated it to be R6000+ BUT i recommend u check out steve jobs’ latest keynote on YOUTUBE hey.
With the release to the 70 initial countries he states clearly that the phone will cost NO MORE THAN $199 in ANY country across the entire globe where it will be sold!
Its jus something of interest and u guys might wanna check it out cos if it is so, i ain’t an expert but, i don’t kno if vodafone can increase the price SO much! else i think we can actually go complain to apple
@Spencer, that $199 Steve is talking about is the amount you pay over and above the contract you take out with the service provider.
If you think about it logically, an iPhone also has all the functionality of an iPod touch, and that retails between $250 and $350. So there is no way that an iPhone can retail off the shelf for $199.
Yeah, this syults doesn’t click into place like the plastic ones do, though I haven’t had any problems with it slipping out accidentally.Oh but your syults collection isn’t a waste! You can get a glass display case and lay your styli out as if they were museum artifacts. The clear feather syults is my favourite piece in your collection.
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aah i see, ok thanks, well i guess we an only wait and see wat the damage is haha thanx for clearing it up!
http://www.vodacom.co.za/iphone/iphone_details.jsp
Hi Stewart
Id like to know more about ordering the iphone 3g from the US?
All dis waitin and price speculation is driving me crazy all i can say is I’m gona get one even if it takes forever for me to get the money
one day I’ll have a “IPHONE”
peace my brothers
Good news Lads,,, I just started Checking the mobile out today
And after I read All your silly “speculations”, I came acros a south african website selling the 8GB for R2 999, wich means that if Your price differince is more accurate than your “speculation” the 16GB shoul cost around about R3 800, Wich means That a person like myself with a top up 315 from vodacom can upgrade and get it for free!!! (wich is taking place next month!!!) YAHOOO!!!
Hey UrbZ, can you post a link to that site?
Hi ppl.
I,m really considering to get that new thingamagik coz my bud has one and it totally rocks!! So as soon as i am able to get my claws on one, I will. Nice reading all yo ppl’s comments.
And if Vodacom doesnt ripppp us off like da feul ppl, then i am indeed a happy chappy…..
peace out
Response from Vodacom regarding iPhone availability:
ie no definite date yet…
“Thank you for your e-mail communication to Vodacom.
Kindly be advised that the Apple iPhone will only be released to Vodacom South Africa on the 20/07/2008. The Apple iPhone has not been launched on the Vodacom network as yet. At present there is no estimated time of arrival for the handset. Before the handset is launched it will still need to undergo stringent testing, which can delay the launch.
Should you have any further queries, please contact us via e-mail at customercare@vodacom.co.za
Warm Regards
Abigail Julius”
it’s all about the X1!!……the iphone actually isn’t that great if you break down the specs. Apple have done a great job of marketing this product and creating a demand.
X1 available in SA later this year. It will be the best business phone on the market by far.
J
p.s I have just been in France and the UK trying to source an iPhone 3g to sell over here. They are not available on pre-paid until next year in Europe, that means we won’t be getting it pre-paid in SA for a long while!
the Iphone 3G is released @ iGear SA!
The 8 GB is going for R2999.
aaaw…what idiot…Guess we’ll just have to wait and see…fools
Is it possible to buy ans iphone in Europe and come use it here. Or do I need unlock and all if I want to use a local network?
Hi Guys
What irrates me about the Iphone 3G is that no one from Vodacom can give you an answer of the launch date.
You would think that being such a big company in SA that they would have their launch preparations and dates all sorted out by now.
Really unprofessional VODACOM… But then again what do they care about customer needs.
I am an avid apple user, and really git upset that apple have not launched properly here yet. Although there are several signes that this may be on the horizon App store and itunes in preperation for sales in S.A, YAY its what we all waiting for. I phone is just the first step. I have had the i phone running on Vodacom network since it launched in the states. Although there are complaints about it running correctly, expect this phone to take the market by storm. The great thing is that with an internet connection this phone will always update to better software versions. Vodacom are being really professional, great marketing by way of simple pamphlets are making the public stop buying other phones until it is officially launched. Prepare for the best phone eve, its worth the excitement.
For Martin,
Totally agree with you. I have withheld upgrading my contract even though my current phone has been threatening to not switch on ever again. There’s so much hype going on around the iphone 3G that i feel it would silly to not just wait the few extra months until it arrives here. Just wish they could just provide us with at least a estimated month. I bought my mum an itouch for her birthday and i ,like any good child, have been playing around with it! and oh my word it’s fantabulous! I can only imagine how great it’ll be having how unblieveable the iphone 3G will be!
can the iphone get mxit????
@Spencer,
$199 is the up-front payment. Most phones are free in SA… this one will probably be R1500 plus R1000/month on Talk 500. That’s not $199 anymore.
The only figure that’s worth talking about is the pre-paid price of the phone.
According to a VodaCon Re-distributor this morning, iPhones 3G will “only be available to New Contracts” (for now), and not for existing contracts or upgrades.
The Re-distributor stated that “they are looking into getting this changed because there are so many existing Contractors that will then be adversely discriminated against.”
THEN, he said that VodaCon is looking at a Cash Purchase option: iPhone 8GB @ R6999
iPhone 16GB @ R7999
I understand that we are still looking at between $199 and $499 for unlocked iPhones. The UK, with the Exchange Rate, is more, but all of these do not appear as high as getting it in South Africa right now.
Furthermore, will we see a similar ‘price drop’ as seen in the States a month or two post-release?
In the modern era of the internet I have always marvelled at South African Business trying rip-off stunts. Even the threat not to support “grey” items is silly as it’s very easy, and normally faster, to send something to even the States for repair and back again, cheaper and faster than if done locally.
Yes, so the iPhone launched on Thursday evening. The prices are absolutely ridiculous. I don’t earn peanuts, but with the economy as crappy as it is right now, I’ll rather opt for a Samsung Omnia.
I was waiting for the iPhone for more than 3 months, believe me(and I think you’ll all agree) it’s VERY disappointing.
Maybe there’ll be a launch for ordinary people???
u can get them from a company called Wulin in Taiwan for US$750 plus shipping. Factory unlocked to work on any GSM network
wow, Im impressed you found that! Ill be checking this blog frequently!