When Apple unveiled its iPhone 5C last week, we finally learned what the “C” stands for, and it certainly isn’t “cheap.” While the phone’s subsidized price of $99 is half that of the iPhone 5S, the phone off contract is nearly as expensive as Apple’s fully-featured device. Many thought the 5C would be a way for Apple to gain some worldwide market share back from Android. But in China, where Apple owns only five percent of the market share, the 5C costs over $700, only about $130 less than the current price of the iPhone 5 and far, far more expensive than many Huawei and other midrange smartphones, which usually clock in around $150. So what does the “C” actually stand for when it comes to the iPhone 5C? Color. Available in white, pink, yellow, blue and green, the iPhone 5C is the most colorful iPhone ever. If you want a pink iPhone, the may be perfect for you. For everyone else? This one is a swing and a miss.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.