What Apple needs to know about releasing the iPhone in Saudi Arabia
Only less than 2 days until the WWDC 2008 Keynote and none of the Saudi Arabia mobile operators (STC, Mobily and the new Zain) announced any deal with Apple regarding the release of the iPhone in Saudi Arabia.
If this is the case then Apple is either:
1) Already in talks with one of those and nothing was announced until now.
2) Have no interest to officially release the iPhone in Saudi Arabia.
3) Going to release the iPhone unlocked directly to customers.
Let’s hope its the latter.
In any case, here are the issues that Apple needs to be aware of when/if they release the iPhone in Saudi Arabia officially:
1) Price: Apple is a US-based company and we hope to get a price based on the US Dollar. Assuming a base price of $400 that would be 1,500SR (Saudi Riyal) while the European price is 400 Euro which is equal to 2,368SR a huge difference in price that will effect the purchase. Also to note, Nokia devices cost less in Saudi Arabia than the European prices.
2) Arabic Support: Apple promised Arabic support for the iPods and Mac OS X two years ago. Only Mac OS X Arabic localization was release by Apple’s IMC. As for the current iPhone and iPod Touch. iPhoneIslam released an Arabic enabler application “Arabtaller”. Nokia is the number 1 phone in Saudi Arabia because they got the best Arabic support and we hope Apple would add that support as soon as possible.
3) Activation process: How will Apple handle the “activation process”? If it’s a “SIM locked” phone will the activation process be through iTunes or at the actual mobile telecom store?
4) App Store: Apple have not commented on any plans for an iTunes store in the Middle East. How will the iPhone and iPod Touch users access the App Store to download and install authorized applications and how can iPhone developers in Saudi Arabia sign up for the iPhone developer program?
5) Apple Service Centers: Apple only have 2 Service Providers and they are located in Riyadh only according to Apple IMC site. Compared to Nokia which have over 10 in Riyadh alone. And if you take an iPhone in, will they take 2 months to get a battery replacement in?.
Let’s hope Apple do in fact release the iPhone in Saudi Arabia at the same time as the rest of the world. If it takes more than a few months to bring the iPhone in the market then just like the first generation iPhone, people will sell unsupported unlocked iPhones.
Related posts:
- Official from Apple: iPhone 3GS & 3G in Saudi Arabia is unlocked
- iPhone 3G released in Egypt, without Arabic, disabled GPS and no Egypt App Store
- iTunes 7.7 adds Saudi Arabia iTunes Store
- Saudi Arabia iPhone 3G on Apple.com
- Issues with the Saudi iPhone 1: Arabic Support
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why iPhone is so expensive in Saudi Arabia
not really, the iPhone sold by mobily is acceptable.
Other phones are gray market anyway.
why 2much expensive in saudi arabia??
i check apple website there only $99, $199, $299, exchange rate 3.75 so why different in saudi Arabia why SR 2499 like ??
No, the $99, $199, $299 prices are subsidized. AT&T is paying a part of the iPhone price so that you will stay with them for a 2 year contract.
my iphone 3gs 3.0 struck on startup with apple logo. pls help i tried t repair from many shop but still the same.freeze n struck.pls help
where did you buy it from ?
Let me know the prize of apple iphone 8GB in Saudi arbia? Pls… mail me, tharinducom@hotmail.com
My uncle work in Al Jubail city of K.S.A, Please anyone let me konw the prize of Apple iphone 8Gb… Kindly.. Thank U…
mail me – tharinducom@hotmail.com
i bought my iphone one of my friend, the problem is when i charge it for about two hours and its fully charged, when i used it and open applications suddenly there is pop window say 20% left or it low battery… what i do? is this need to change the battery?
most likely, is it from Mobily ?
i dunno where my friend bought it… can help me pls what will ido?
what shops in riyadh that authorize to repair iphone?
mail me @ hilok187@yahoo.com ….. more thanks
i dunno where my friend bought it
so, ask your friend
if it’s not under a warranty, try itechia, they should might be able to handle iphone repairs
where is that ? can u pls tell me where is that in riyadh?
http://www.itechia.com/