The iPhone 5s and 5c, the latest iPhone models from Apple, went on sale in South Africa on Friday, with prices starting at R8 499 for the 16GB version of the iPhone 5c at the iStore, the retail chain operated by Apple distributor Core Group.
The phones are also available on contract through Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom Mobile.
Older models, including the iPhone 4S, will remain on sale at reduced prices. The 8GB 4S model will sell for R5 799 at the iStore.
A 32GB version of the 5c — a slightly cheaper, more colourful iPhone model — will cost R9 999. The 16GB iPhone 5s will set buyers back by R9 999, while the 32GB and 64GB versions will cost R11 499 and R12 999 respectively at the iStore.
Vodacom said on Friday that it would offer the 5s for R10 499 for the 16GB version. The 32GB and 64GB 5s would fetch R11 799 and R13 299 respectively. The 5c would cost R8 899, although pricing could vary at stores. Prepaid orders are, however, not yet available through Vodacom, only new contracts and contract upgrades.
MTN, meanwhile, has said the new devices are also available on its network, although it hasn’t revealed how much they’ll cost on a cash basis. Contract costs for the iPhone 5c start at R279/month on a calling plan that includes R100 of voice calls, 25 SMSes and 300MB of data per month. At the high end, an iPhone 5s with 64GB of storage will cost contract subscribers R1 099/month for R750 worth of voice calls, 750 SMSes, 180 MTN to MTN minutes and 1 250MB of data. — (c) 2013 NewsCentral Media
