So for example, an iPad which might cost $399 retail would only be $329 or less when you order them through Verizon. Since Verizon sells the data package, they give you a lower initial cost so that you are encouraged to spend money on their data service.

This presents an interesting opportunity. Since devices have SIM cards that are locked to the vendor, by getting a different SIM card you could potentially buy a device from one carrier and use it on another carrier.

It is remarkable isn’t it that Apple which got popular through the average customer now seems to prefer business in some strange ways. Not only this, but Apple makes things available for business that it doesn’t for the average home user. Working with Apple technologies in business I have asked Apple for many special considerations in order to have a good user experience for their customers, and they have generally agreed. Nothing outrageous but definitely things that other computer companies would not have considered.

I think he problem is that even though a large amount of devices are sold to regular people, businesses are too tempting due to the large number of orders and lower cost per transaction. I think that Apple is moving towards prioritizing business customers, even if they don’t officially say this. I have seen that when I have had to get help, them knowing that 1,000 or more people were affected got progress a lot faster than just saying it affects one person or family.

In this way, the future of technology seems to be populist. That is, the more popular you are, the faster the issues get fixed. I wonder if one of the downsides of well publicized problems is that it changes the development schedule of features and security. I wrote earlier that security seems like an afterthought. It is disappointing to learn of security issues in Apple some of which have existed for 15 years or more.

Get those cheap iPads/iPhone if you want them. I am fine with my older iPhone 6 and I am unlikely to ever buy an iPhone again. It just doesn’t make the compelling case it once did when other things are so much cheaper.

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