[lenerdenator]

Unless the 17 is meant to replace it, the 16e is the "entry" model at a price of $599.99.

Which is not a $500 phone, but a $600 phone. Take that as you will.

[mrweasel]

Closer to $850 here, so I guess it's used phones for me, or time to switch.

[lenerdenator]

I think Apple sees other (not North American) markets as... not necessarily expendable, but they don't have the foothold they do here outside of the iOS devices, so maybe they just focus on getting more out of the people who already do have devices?

I'd be interested to know their logic. It obviously hasn't caused them too many problems, revenue-wise.