Was wandering around Costco in Docklands today and noticed that they had some Apple stuff on discount. (Not sure if these guys are grey import or local stock).
iPhone XS Max - 256 Gb = $1.969.99 (RRP $2049)
iPhone XS - 64 Gb = $1579.99 (RRP $1629)
Still expensive but might be useful to some people who are looking and are Costco members
I have an iPhone 6 plus and, although these are singing to me, I will probably wait and get a new iPad Pro instead - that is the device I use the most. The really attractive thing to me is the new camera - my old phone technology is getting a bit beyond it now.
Jesus. Since when is almost 2k for a phone either reasonable or a bargain?
When you have to pay more than 2K for it when it is RRP. I'm just highlighting it for people who want to get it a bit cheaper. Better than buying well overpriced shoes.
Different people have different definitions of value. It's a bargain because it's below the RRP and lowest price around.
I guess it depends on your personal financial and working circumstances.
As for some people, you could buy the 512gb iPhone Max and offset the costs via the following:
- claim it when you fly overseas (need to buy it within 60 days before flight) (10% back there and then)
- claim it in tax at 100% for two years. This means assuming I bought it on 1 Nov 2018, spend $2,369 on the phone and my highest tax rate is 48% I can claim in this FY 8/12 months * $2,369 = $1,579.33 (ie save $758 in taxes) and the following year it will be claimed again but I’ll also sell that phone to someone for probably >$1000 and buy the next model (but still claim the phone in the second year)
- most years you should come out ahead or at least feel good about getting the newer phone the following year
This may not work for everyone’s circumstances but hopefully someone knows someone who is flying out within 60 days to at least plan for a GST TRS claim.
FYI I am not a tax guy and some of the things I have suggested will probably be contested by someone here but this is what I do each year and so far have been fine (until I get audited). 😋
Ill also add that the resale value of iPhones seems to be significantly higher compared to androids though. I had a friend who was trying to do what I do but no one wanted his Samsung.
I do exactly the same with tax claim. (I either do TRS if I bought 2 phones this year, and one is under depreciation, but never do both on same phone).
When you go overseas and claim TRS, do you think they can track that you brought it back and claimed work expense if they actually do investigate you?
I'd say we are small fish in a big pond.
I'm also going to buy my iPhone at Myer around mid November as I have been hoarding up a lot of gift cards which I got for free for via Amex type deals to reduce the personal cost to me even more (but still claim at max price).
Yeah not to be that guy, but just be aware that unless you are using the phone 100% for business purposes, then claiming 100% of in your tax is, well, illegal. Same as any work-related expense.
I claim 100% for depreciation (diminishing value) over two years. In the past it was 66.6% over three years but my HR Block advisor said I can use 100% over two years for this FY.
As for the ongoing costs, I just made it 80% of my monthly charges were tax deductible.
Just wanted to delineate between the depreciation schedule vs ongoing costs.
@danielh: There is a whole number of ways you can claim things against your tax, and I'm not a tax accountant myself. But regardless of how you claim, whether immediately (capital expense) or over time (depreciation), every claim has to be for a work related expense. Claiming expenses for things you have bought for personal use is illegal. Heaps of people do it. Some tax advisers even encourage it. Doesn't make it any less illegal.
Here's an article from Comm Bank which talks about things you can claim (would be better if it was straight from the ATO, but their website ain't great). I've included a quote below from the article which directly address this issue:
"Tools and equipment such as computers, furniture and phones used for work purposes may be claimable, either immediately or over a period of time (via depreciation of the asset).
You may also claim for costs incurred from running your home office, including heating, lighting, repairs and cleaning if some of your work is from home. But make sure you’re only claiming the work-related portion and not the portion for private use. If in doubt, speak to an independent tax adviser."
https://www.commbank.com.au/guidance/consumer-finance/60-sec…
Bargdebarg… You do know there are many products that are priced much higher than others. For instance, there are watches that are priced well over $40,000.
At least the XS Max is only valued perhaps twice as high as other handsets.
I'm an android guy but can we have a iphone thread that isn't filled with comments about price and everyone who has an iphone is a sheep?
Amen to that. Sick of the "phone wars" comments. I'm just highlighting the cheaper price, not advocating people go out and buy it - that is up to them.
The funny thing is the hypocrisy
Android saying apple are fanbois and sheep. Yet it seems that the Android crowd are the most extreme when it comes to defending their gadgets and get most passionate in debates. They are always the ones who make the most comments and noise about which phone is best. They seems to cherish their phones in a way that normal people simply don't understand. That to me is a definition of a fanboi
As for sheep, they seem to all respond in an incredibly repetitive fashion with little imagination and the same jokes….which to me is the definition of a sheep.
I converted to Android earlier this year and hate apple and some of their ways of doing business. However, despite my Huawei P20 Pro being an obscenely better value and better looking and better functioning phone than anything apple has to offer, I'm switching back. My preference, my choice and my money! I simply prefer IOS. I'm aware they are over priced….so are many other things that I use. I certainly don't buy them for status but I can afford to and don't mind spending on something that makes my life easier and simpler.
I know most phone users are not like this and just accept that a phone is an object to be used and is a personal preference, however, those that do get upset really need to look why they are so triggered and need to troll anything related to iphone!! It is dull, boring and repetitive!!
awesome writing. i just switched too for iphone, from s9 plus
Well said!
Good writing, wish I explained this feeling long ago. :) I got both iOS and Android, they both got goods and bads, so…. It’s a personal thing, move on :)
I guess at least you said Android, most people will refer Android phones as Samsungs.
Yeah, but still, 2 grand for a phone, jeez. Although Samsung's next big thing (foldable) will probably top this lol
Damn thats expensive for a phone. Apple have really done well to get people paying for what they deliver no matter the cost, build quality and overall experience.
Thanks OP.
Helpful to know where I can get the iPhone XS and XS Max for a bit of a discount.
Another Ozbargainer has pointed out there are other options for people who want to get this cheaper again. Look for discount gift cards for, e.g. David Jones, through the Entertainment book or RACQ etc. You may be able to get something like a 10% discount. My only quibble with this option is I have a Visa card that gives me extra insurance options; however, this is something people might want to investigate as well given ACL etc.
Personally, if I do buy something like this, I would be getting a good cover and screen protector. So far, knock on wood, I've never had one of my Apple devices break - even when I rolled one onto concrete.
With this comment, yes.
would that be possible to price match in apple store?
thanks in advance.
Highly doubt it; you don’t pay $60 to shop at the Apple store, nor is it a warehouse
Hi OP - would you have a better quality pic of the price at Costco? - I might try to use that for a price match with Officeworks.
Anyone know whether Officeworks price matches Costco ??
They don't, they consider it a warehouse
Is it just those two models? I was looking for XS Max 64 GB and was hoping to price beat through Officeworks and use employee discount + claim TRS anyone know if that is possible? ahhaa
Just these two at this point. I don’t know if Office Works will price match Costco.
Is there a photo of the XS 64GB with the price please?
Will try to post tomorrow.
Thanks mate!
I like iphone, but I simply can't afford it.
So I guess it should be available for all Costcos, not bad.
More and more ppl will switch to Android in next few years.. As the Apple users won't be able to keep up with the latest devices and Apple will make the old phones slower with every ios updates..
That's exactly what they didn't do with iOS12 whereby old devices have been refreshed and faster than ever but sure, whatever you say.
https://www.imore.com/ios-12-how-apple-will-make-old-iphones…
I agree..
I was totally disappointed with ios 11 but 12 is a pleasant surprise.
just the new phones disappointed me.. bought my wife the X last year cuz she was still using a 5S and refuse to upgrade.
well she's my wife…. and I do love her.
but the 2018 ones…. I've got to own a bank to buy it… X was already pushing my limit at $1.8k! 2k?!No way!!
I do agree that the XS has been quite underwhelming compared to the X and is actually the first year I am not upgrading annually since the 3G in 2008. My iPhone X will be the first iPhone I've kept for 2 years.
Hopefully next year will see a major improvement as it's the Tick cycle.
@Hybroid: Tick Vs Tock is an interesting argument. I only jump when there is a big tick. The iPhone 4, the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPad mini 4, etc. I will, probably, get a new IPAD pro this year if they get rid of the home button and increase the screen realestate. However, the Tock version is, often, where the new technology is debugged. When a device is dropped from IOS upgrades it is usually the tick that goes first.
Not intended as a rage inducing comment but… what's the attraction to a $2000 phone… ? social status… ? being locked into one ecosystem??
I just don't get it…
Quality, ecosystem, familiarity, status symbol, preference of iOS, hardware and software fluidity and harmony, iMessage/facetime within family/group, impressive camera, touch and feel, Apple's stance on environment and sustainable materials/energy in production, Apple's stance on privacy which no one else does, general longeveity and up to 5 years of software updates unlike others, Carplay/Apple Watch/Airpods/Apple Pay support, high resale value after a year or two unlike other devices etc etc..
Many many reasons why they've sold hundreds of millions.
thanks for reply, I was genuinely interested and this answers my question. I do like the iMessage feature.
The main alternative is being locked into Android (OK you may also list Windows phone or Blackberry or various other platform that I have not heard about), but it always the case, you will be locked into something. Big android phone maker always have their own spin of android to try to lock you into their ecosystem. Sure you may switch hardware but its still the same android. How is buying an iPhone meaning locked in, and getting a Pixel means setting yourself free ?
I like to get the latest iPhone XS though - for the social status (would go great with my Ferrari), but hey, may paymaster said NO.
What ecosystem am I locked into by buying an iPhone? I use Spotify for music, so it's not iTunes. I use a Google Home, so it's not that either. I use a Chromecast, so it's not Apple TVs either. Which particular ecosystem am I locked into?
When does the deal finish?
Thanks bought 0.1
TBH, I've been using Android for about 10 years, and as much as I do enjoy the experience of being able to customize my user experience, I'm beginning to become frustrated with the hardware longevity.
I was asked a question from a guy at work the other day about migrating message history, SMS and WhatsApp from Android to iPhone, and the only one we've struggled with so far is WhatsApp. Most other apps are available on iPhone, and the Google experience can be extended pretty easily these days
Has anyone out there found a reliable method of migrating WhatsApp history from Android to iPhone? It seems to be something of an enigma, with most links referring back to some dodgy looking shareware…
I don't have a problem with iphones costing this much. My problem is phones are barely improving. If the phone was a massive jump over previous generation than it would be worth the extra. Unfortunately we have hit the point where improvements are small but costs are increasing faster.
Good point, exactly my thought.
I think the real technology leap for me, over my iPhone 6 Plus, is the camera technology. The phones have become the only camera I tend to use now.
I dont have a problem with however much iphones costs. In saying that if apple has the gall to charge this much at least throw in the lightning to 3.5mm dongle and fast charger.
What i do care about is how this gives fuel to the fire for android phone manufacturers who do include things like a fast charger to start pushing the pricing envelop.
That to me benefits no consumer at all. Apple users or android users.
Companies are there to make money. In the words of Havelock Vetinari, “the maximum milk for the minimum moo”. Apple has gone for profit over sales volume, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. The context of the phone cost is how often do you use the phone and what features are you getting. Compared to some things in their life this, may well, be a bargain.
Have to agree with you here too..
As the owner of an iPhone X, what is the difference between the X vs XS? is it significant?
I am about to pop out and buy one of these for my wife. Would love the discount but I would have to buy Costco membership first! Bugger.
Ah well off to the apple store.
OK, I will bite here. The Costco membership is $60, the discount is $70 - you will still make a profit compared to the Apple store if you buy the XS Max.
I would also have to drive to the other side of Brissy. I would use more than $10 in fuel and gateway bridge tolls.
On the phone itself, I expect it will be a massive step up from a 6 plus.
@entropysbane: Hopefully you can still buy a lot of Myer gift cards at Woolworth to get the extra bonus on it and effectively save even more on the iPhone. Eg. spend $200 get $220 creeit on the GC.
Deals ends today 6 Nov 2018 at Woolworth.
Moore's law certainly applies but you need to define your expectation of "generation". The X and XS are the same generation, they're on a Tick-Tock cycle.
The X was a large leap forward as a new generation from previous iPhones. Next year's iPhone will likely be a new generation with added features.
The XS was always going to be the iterative "tock" device with slightly better specs and reduced bugs/issues but it's essentially still an X.
Hi guys not sure if this is useful but if you are after an iPhone xs max, current eBay deal with 20% off has xs max for $2399 which at 20% off comes down to $1919.20. Less 1% cash rewards $1900. https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-Iphone-XS-max-256gb-Gold-Bra…
What is Apple’s view on matching eBay? I presume the answer is “no”.
That price jacking is quite offensive IMHO. It should not be countenanced.
That's not even 5% off RRP.
Can easily get 5%-10% off RRP by getting gift cards like JB HiFi, Myer or David Jones.
I've covered this above. I do think using gift cards are a good idea, unless you want the extra insurance that comes with using a card.
I can confirm JB Hi-Fi matched the Costco price for me today. And I paid with 39 seperate gift cards . I’ve spent the last 12 months stockpiling ultimate teens gift cards that can be redeemed at JB only when woolies or coles had them on sale with 2000 ($10) bonus points attached to them .
They must’ve loved you. Which model did you buy?
the XS Max 256GB. The receipt is a mile long. Can't wait to show that to TRS on my way to Hong Kong next month ;)
Went to JBHiFI Elizabeth, they rejected me for price matching with Costco coz it needs membership card.
I would suspect that would happen.
Is there any price tag for iPhone XS 256 gb model?
I just ordered my iPhone XS max 512 from Myer and will be paying with gift cards etc. anyone know what a good resale price for an as new iPhone X 256gb black model with unused accessories would sell for? Mobile monster says $930.
anyone know what a good resale price for an as new iPhone X 256gb black model with unused accessories would sell for?
I give you $300 for it.
If you dont accept you are just a bedwetter.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/355211
Im kidding by the way.
![[VIC] iPhone XS Max 256GB $1969.99 (RRP $2049), iPhone XS 64GB $1579.99 (RRP $1629) @ Costco Docklands (Membership Required)](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/72/409472.jpg?h=f940bc45)
I see why the 6s/7 is their most popular phone! Unless I was filthy rich, I really don't see how the majority justify this phone.