NYTimes: It used to be that Apple products were notoriously expensive, but recently the company’s prices have become much more competitive. For example, prices for the iPhone 4S start at $199 with a two-year contract, and while you can certainly find cheaper smartphones, some competing Android devices can cost up to $300. “They’re not cheap, but I don’t think they’re viewed as high-priced anymore,” noted venture capitalist Stewart Alsop.
Apple has been able to lower its prices because its growing sales have given it the cash to make long-term, favorable deals with suppliers.