"Mom!! I NEED the new Apple!!! Can we visit the store tomorrow?”
“Let’s go now! I need to buy some groceries too!”
“I don’t mean those. I meant the latest iPhone 11 pro!”
Many who buy the latest modes think that they “need” it, but in actual fact, it is their “want” rather than their “need” to possess the latest product and they will go the extra mile to get it, no matter at what costs.
“Why do I want to buy the new iPhone?” “How come I do not have the hype to buy another brand?” “Is it buying iPhone really worth my money?” If you want your questions to be answered, continue reading to find out!
How much do I need to pay for one iPhone Pro?
RM 5299! If you think that’s a normal price to pay for a communication device, well, you might want to rethink again!
There are several other brands of smartphones which are comparable and on par with iPhone, at much lower prices. Below are the prices of the such examples including but not limited to Samsung, Huawei and Apple. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is priced at about RM 3,599 and Huawei P40 Pro at only RM3899. By comparing these prices, it can be said that by buying the cheaper option out of the two stated above, you could potentially be saving about RM 1,400!
Despite the wider range of prices for the other phones as well as lower costs, Apple has managed to lead the global sales on electronics in 2020. They have successfully overtaken brands such as Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo and many more with a total sale proceeds of 229,234 million US dollars for the financial year 2019. This significant amount includes their sale for all their products from the simplest iPods to their extravagant MacBooks.
In fact, you may have been buying Apple products subconsciously for many years. But why not Samsung? Why not Huawei?
That’s the work of Apple’s advertisement approach!
THAT'S RIGHT!! Apple’s advertisement hasn’t just got it right, they have mastered all the necessary techniques required to “brainwash” their customers. Ever since the introduction of Macintosh (Mac) in 1984, every Apple advertisement have been giving the impression that hints at the benefits of separating from the dull, monotonous life and being part of something modern and new.
So, how much does it really cost to produce one iPhone 11???
You must be guessing that the cost of production must be, at the very least, RM3000. But you are WRONG!
It only costs US490.50 which is the equivalent of RM 2,060.10 to produce one unit of iPhone 11 Pro!
That’s right! Only this amount is needed for the production of the latest iPhone 11!
Don’t believe me? Well, in this era of Internet, nothing is a secret. With only a few clicks on Google’s search engine, it can give us an inkling of the estimated costs of producing an iPhone 11 Pro.
Here’s one of the many videos explaining the cost breakdown for the iPhone Pro 11!
Shocked? Well, that’s reality! The total costs of all the parts in an iPhone 11 Pro Max is only US$490.50. (RM 2,060.10 after the exchange rate of US$ 1 to RM 4.20)
Still don’t believe me? Well, here’s another article to reaffirmed this estimation of costs.
So, what actually makes the Apple advertisement so successful?
Carefully chosen language
The Apple Group of companies introduce their products with cautiously selected words such as “most advanced”, “the coolest”, “faster”, better”. This subconsciously manipulates the users to feel as if they are buying the best product in the world! Let’s look at the teaser for iPhone Pro 11!
“Best”, more immersive”, “highest-quality” …... how many of these words have you identified? Too many to count, right? Well, that’s one of the many techniques used to compel you into buying their products.
It’s as easy as ABC
Apple also emphasizes on the simplicity of its product. What does this mean? Well, even without mentioning the product’s feature, in just a matter of minutes, you would have wrapped your head around its functions and applications.
Having the same experience on all Apple products you own makes for a much more attractive experience as it would mean you will not need to re-learn a completely new operating system! Open the box, turn the device on, sign up and you’re ready to use it exactly the same way you have been using your previous five iPhones!
It’s my social status symbol
“OH MY GOD! Is that an iPhone 11 Pro Max 512GB? You must be so rich!”
Undeniably, social-standing plays a major role in a product or brand you buy. It is not uncommon to hear someone being labeled “cool” just for having the latest iPhone, or seeing someone brag when they buy a new APPLE phone. But this rarely occurs for other brands.
In addition, Apple also uses celebrities to tempt people into buying a product.
“The Rock uses iPhone?! I’m going to go get one now!”
Having seen your favourite celebrity use a certain brand, you will also want to obtain the same product. Advertisements often showcase your favourite movie star or singer to trick you into abandoning your existing phone for the new one, despite having the same features and functions (maybe a few improvements such as few mm larger or maybe a 5 % increase in picture quality). This method targets fans specifically, especially those who are obsessed and wished to have even a sliver of similarity with their idols.
So, is the sudden realisation of falling into Apple’s trap growing?
In conclusion, when we buy an iPhone, a substantial part of the purchase price actually goes to pay for the advertisements of iPhone. As a consumer, we should ask ourselves whether that is money well spent or not.
However, it is only a matter of perspective. Some are willing to pay the premium price merely based on the trademark branded at the back of a piece of technology. Others may measure its value in dollars and cent as well as the functions and usages of the device itself.
Take note that I am not here to dissuade anyone from buying an iPhone, but merely wish to bring to light, the hidden and less well-known facts regarding the product. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide, with full knowledge, whether to buy the product. That is the gist of consumerism!
Reference source
Most of writings nowadays dampen your reading mood halfway through but this one makes you want to gi more and more alas until reaching end.I must say a superb look into things and translated through a brilliant way of writing.Kudos and keep up the good work.
good information and nice presentation.
Woah! This post was really well done! I love the comedy you've incorporated, and all of the extra videos and pictures you've put in!
I like how you used a different colour font to help visualise the quotations/sayings from people! The videos and table were informative! As an Apple user, this really informed me about things I wasn't aware of! love it :D
What? Iphones only in reality cost $490.50 to make? Shocking! I like that little touch at the beginning, it was all tongue in cheek on that one! Your article is very easy to the eyes and I'm gonna give you a yes sister!