Online stores have become the stage for fervent searches for iPhones, especially on Mercado Livre. However, in principle, despite the expressed desire, the share of iPhones in Brazil is limited to around 18%, according to data from Statcounter, a mobile operating system traffic monitor.
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The Price of Apple's Desired iPhone
The high prices of devices, such as the simplest model, the 11 64 GB, sold for around R$2,800, put off many consumers. This happens despite representing a value 80% higher than the national average for spending on new smartphones, approximately R$1,540, according to consultancy IDC. For an iPhone 15 in the most sophisticated version (Pro 1 TB), the price jumps to R$13,000.
Smart Alternatives
Faced with this reality, iPhone leasing has emerged as an attractive alternative to meet demand. Both independent operators, such as Allugator, and Apple's official reseller, iPlace, offer this option. Lucas Gilbert, partner at Allugator, highlights: “Our model is based on the circular economy: the device must be returned, but we are testing the purchase option for those who keep the device for a longer period of time,” reveals the entrepreneur, who has already accumulated 20 thousand iPhone subscriptions.
Plans and Values
At Allugator, used iPhones are available for rent for an annual period, with options ranging from the iPhone 11 64 GB, for 12 installments of R$108.25, to the iPhone 15 Pro Max 256 GB, for 12 installments of R$516.58. The company also allows device upgrades with each contract renewal.
At iPlace, the rental is for a new device, for 21 consecutive months, with models ranging from the 128 GB version (21 installments of R$ 229) to the 15 Pro Max 256 GB (21 installments of R$ 349). “The discount can reach 34% in relation to the purchase price”, informs Wagner Alledo, general director of iPlace.
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Acquisition Alternatives
iPlace also presents “iPlace Hoje”, allowing ownership of the iPhone after payment of installments corresponding to 70% to 80% of the total value, resulting in more affordable access to latest generation devices.
Market Trends
The decline in cell phone sales and the increase in the time people own devices are current realities. Sometimes, this change in consumer behavior, combined with the constant evolution of technology, strengthens the proposal for renting and sharing devices.
The paradigm shift from possession to usufruct reflects a new consumer mindset, more connected to access than to ownership of technological goods.
Used Cell Phone Market
Above all, the downward trend in sales of new devices is boosting the refurbished cell phone market, a more affordable alternative that in times of economic restructuring and financial concerns can offer more options.
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