iPhone 5s, 5c, on sale in SA

The new iPhone 5s and 5c went on sale in South Africa today, but expectations of a cheaper version of the device have disappeared.

The new ‚”low-cost‚” iPhone 5c went on sale in South Africa today at a pre-paid price of R8 499, dashing hopes of a cheaper iPhone for emerging markets. Thanks to a poor exchange rate, the price of the 5c is the same as the cost, at release, of previous versions of the iPhone. The new flagship iPhone 5s starts at an eye-watering R9 999.

The following pricing statements were released this week by the major outlets and network operators:

iStore

Customers can select to purchase the iPhone through cash payments, new contracts and upgrades on all networks or trade-in offers for all models of iPhone.

iStore acts as a full service cellular store and gives customers the option of selecting between Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom Mobile when signing up for a new contract or upgrading a current contract.

iStore also sells iPhones for cash and will offer the full iPhone range including iPhone 4s, Phone 5c and iPhone 5s. The iPhone 4s (8GB) will be available for the Recommended Retail Price of R5799, iPhone 5c (16GB) will be available for R8499 and iPhone 5c (32GB) for R9999. Additionally, the iPhone 5s (16GB) will be available for R9999, iPhone 5s (32GB) for R11 499 and iPhone 5s (64GB) for R12 999. On top of the contract and cash purchasing options, customers have the added benefit of trading-in any smartphone or tablet and getting money towards a new iPhone cash purchase or discount on cellular contracts.

‚”It is important to note that with every iPhone launch, there is always high demand for product. We want to ensure that all customers get their iPhone of choice. If customers are not able to get their preferred iPhone model on launch day, iStore will still process the contract paperwork and contact the customer when it is available,‚” says Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, iStore Director.

Vodacom

The new iPhone 5c and 5s are available at:

Vodacom World in Midrand from 5 am today (contracts and upgrades only prepaid available from tomorrow) as well as other participating stores from 9 am (contracts, upgrades and prepaid available).

Online here

The phones are also available on a range of Vodacom Smart plans which includes Anytime Talk, Mobile Internet and Anytime Text.

Stock is limited and will be issued on a first come first serve basis.

MTN

MTN South Africa offers iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s devices with a range of contract price plans. The first batch of devices will not be available to prepaid customers.

The most affordable contract package starts at R279, on MTN AnyTime 100 with 300MB bonus data.

Customers can check their spend balance to monitor their usage by their accounts by calling 141 or dialling *141# on their cellphone or through self-service channels such as IVR, USSD and www.mtn.co.za.

MTN South Africa customers can buy iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s at all MTN Branded Retail Stores and at MTN Service Centres, beginning of November 15 or visit MTN Online Shop at www.mtn.co.za

Some of MTN Anytime contract packages below:

Airtime

Internet

SMS*

MTN to MTN minutes

Bonus Internet

MTN

100

Anytime

Anytime

Anytime

Anytime

Cell C and Telkom Mobile

Both Cell C and Telkom Mobile have opened pre-registration on their sites, but have not announced further details.

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