Preference for SIM-free and online, early supply shortage concerns
'Click war' among iPhone enthusiasts from midnight on the 23rd
High preference for SIM-free due to 5G plan costs
Carriers offer pre-order benefits like insurance and delivery
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 will begin on the 23rd. Due to concerns about a shortage of unlocked units, there is high demand from customers aiming to pre-order early, and a "click war" is expected for online pre-orders.
Apple will start accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro on the 23rd, with the official release on the 30th. The three major carriers and online retailers such as Coupang and 11st will conduct pre-orders online.
High Demand for Unlocked Models... Carriers on Edge
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, supports 5G, and is equipped with the A14 chipset. It will be available in Blue, Green, Black, White, and (PRODUCT) RED colors, with an aluminum back finish. Prices for unlocked models are 1,090,000 KRW for 64GB, 1,160,000 KRW for 128GB, and 1,300,000 KRW for 256GB. Carrier models are priced at 1,078,000 KRW for 64GB, 1,155,000 KRW for 128GB, and 1,287,000 KRW for 256GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch display with the A14 chipset and improved camera performance with ultra-wide, wide, and LiDAR scanner cameras. It features a stainless steel back and comes in Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Pacific Blue colors. Prices for unlocked models are 1,350,000 KRW for 128GB, 1,490,000 KRW for 256GB, and 1,760,000 KRW for 512GB. Carrier models are priced at 1,342,000 KRW for 128GB, 1,474,000 KRW for 256GB, and 1,738,000 KRW for 512GB.
As the first iPhone to support 5G, carriers are putting great effort into attracting 5G subscribers. They are leveraging official online stores with same-day and early morning delivery services to attract customers, aiming to secure more units quickly. Events for iPhone 12 pre-order customers will be held both online and offline around the device activation period.
The growing preference for unlocked purchases is also making carriers nervous. Since the official subsidies for iPhones are low, there is less incentive to buy through carriers. Additionally, concerns about 5G plan costs and quality have increased the number of users preferring budget carriers or LTE plans. E-commerce companies like Coupang and 11st, which offer about 10% card discounts and membership benefits, are fierce competitors. Budget carriers are also targeting unlocked iPhone 12 buyers with prize events.
Carriers Prepare Early Morning Delivery and iPhone Insurance Products
SK Telecom offers early morning delivery to the first 1,000 pre-order customers and same-day delivery to the first 2,500 customers via the T Direct Shop. They provide up to 1,000,000 KRW compensation for trade-in phones and offer gifts such as adapters, wireless charging sterilizers, and Bluetooth speakers. They also launched the insurance product "New T iPhone Care," which covers loss and damage and includes 50GB of free iCloud storage. A showcase where customers can experience the iPhone 12 is also operated at 12 locations nationwide, including Lotte World Mall's 5GX Boost Park.
KT offers a one-hour same-day delivery service to the first 1,200 customers living in the metropolitan and major cities who purchase the iPhone 12 through KT Shop. Gifts include UV sterilizers, charging cables and adapters, wireless charging pads, and cases. They also launched the "KT Apple Care Pack," which provides AppleCare and 50GB of iCloud storage monthly. On the 29th at 11 PM, KT will hold an online live event for the iPhone 12 launch, inviting 100 people to receive the iPhone 12 with 7 PM delivery benefits. From the 30th to November 1st, the "ON Restaurant Bike Thru" event will be held at Seoul's Han River Sebitseom, where customers can receive their iPhone 12 by bicycle.
LG Uplus offers a Netflix pack that includes six months of free Netflix and two free secondary device lines for Apple Watch and iPad users. Online pre-order customers receive a U Shop exclusive partnership pack coupon worth 180,000 KRW and a case package, with a chance to win a 100,000 KRW voucher for Apple repair centers through a raffle.
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