The new iPhone 8 and iPhone X: a marvel of today’s technology or a price scam?

By Lily Curlin

At St. Mary’s, iPhones definitely dominate the halls, but will the new iPhones be just as appealing? Read here to find out what St. Mary’s girls think. ​​

On Sept. 12, Apple revealed three new phones: the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 plus, and the iPhone X. These phones come with impressive new features, but also a massive price tag. Specifically, the iPhone X will cost $999. We discussed these new alterations and additions with the St. Mary’s community, and here’s what they had to say about the new phones.

Sadhi Ganguli (9), says “I think it’s pretty innovative. That’s what Apple is special with - they are the most innovative company out there. But we’ll see where this goes, I’m a bit skeptical.” In reference to the iPhone X’s new face reading feature Sadhi says “that’s really creepy, absolutely creepy. I’ve been told that Apple keeps your fingerprints on file.”

Agreeing with Sadhi, Sophia Meibohm (11) is intrigued by the brand new feature in the new iPhones: an entirely glass front and back. She says “it sounds cool, but I don’t think that it is a good idea, especially for young people, since we always drop our phones.” Sophia adds, “it’s really expensive, too. I don’t know how many people are going to buy it.”

Lily Cloud (9) shares Sadhi and Sophia’s concerns over the potential of people actually purchasing the new phone. She does not think that they are worth the cost, saying, “I think the prices are a little bit outrageous and some of the features are unnecessary. I’m not going to be getting a new phone for a while.”

In addition to her thoughts on the new phone itself, Ansley Skipper (9) also holds strong opinions about Apple’s historical customer awareness. While reflecting on the keynote presentation, she says “my first reaction was that I miss Steve Jobs because I felt like when he still was around the products were very consumer driven, but now there is less of a regard for what the customer really wants.”

Though they might disagree on specific specs and perks, St. Mary’s girls can agree on one fact: the new iPhones are expensive. However, one can assume that Apple - the world's biggest tech company - certainly would not set such a price if they were not confident that people would purchase their product. And while it may not be well received among St. Mary's girls right now, perhaps other demographics will embrace it more eagerly.

Only time will tell whether these new phones will prove profitable or if the rest of the world will share Vivi Gray’s (12) reaction: “Heck to the no! Just for a phone?”