Skip to main content

Sprint’s iPhone 4S launch: ‘best ever day of sales’

iphone-4-sprint
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sprint’s iPhone gamble has begun to pay off. The wireless provider announced today that its offering of Apple’s iPhone 4S “resulted in Sprint’s best ever day of sales in retail, web, and telesales.” In addition, Sprint recorded lower losses than expected during its third fiscal quarter, which ended before the launch of the iPhone 4S on October 14.

According to its earnings report, Sprint gained a net total of 1.3 million wireless subscribers during the third quarter, which is more than it has achieved in the past five years. The subscriber growth was driven by adding 304,000 postpaid subscribers, 485,000 prepaid, and 835,000 wholesale and affiliate additions.

Sprint reports a net loss of $301 million, or 10 cents a share, on revenue of $8.3 billion, which is a 2 percent jump from a year ago. Wall Street analysts had predicted a loss of 22 cents a share on revenue of $8.38 billion.

Third quarter sales were primarily driven by Android-based devices from Samsung and Motorola, and new BlackBerry devices.

During the company’s earnings call, Sprint chief executive Dan Hesse said this of the iPhone 4S:

Our early results of selling the iPhone for an iPhone 4S have confirmed the iPhone’s ability to attract new customers. What one hopes to see from the device is a high percentage of gross adds, new customers and the revenue to Sprint. The time we have been selling this device is very short, the early results indicate the iPhone is breaking the previous Sprint record held by the Evo in terms of percentage of device buyers who are gross adds or new to Sprint in the weeks following the launch. We believe two weeks in the March is not enough time to constantly estimate gross add percentages but we plan to provide you with the estimate after the full fourth-quarter results are in. But, early indications are extremely encouraging.

Sprint has reportedly put all its chips in on Apple’s new handset, having committed $20 billion over the next four years to purchase at least 30.5 million iPhone units. Unfortunately, iPhone 4S users have already begun experiencing data speed issues with their Sprint service, something both Sprint and Apple are reportedly working to correct.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone 14 for $507
An iPhone 13 in white color option.

Apple started the whole idea of a smartphone, so it's probably no surprise that it makes some of the best on the market. Of course, they are known for being quite expensive, especially if you want to grab the best iPhones, which will easily run you close to or over $1,000. Luckily, there are some great iPhone deals you can take advantage of, whether unlocked or through a carrier. There are also some other alternatives in the form of refurbished phones. Now, a lot of folks do sometimes shy away from refurbished gear, but it's important to note that many, if not all, refurbished phones come with a guarantee and extended return windows, so you shouldn't worry about getting something defunct. Also, refurbished phones tend to be substantially cheaper than new ones; plus, they do cut down a lot on e-waste, so you are helping the environment.

Either way, we've gone out and found some of the best refurbished iPhone deals out there to save you a little bit extra. We've found a pretty wide range too, so be sure to checkout all the deals available below.
iPhone XR -- from $166
iPhone XR Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Read more
The iPhone 16’s huge redesign has leaked. Here’s what’s new
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple fans might be in for a lukewarm surprise when Apple releases its next wave of iPhones this fall season. Over the past few weeks, numerous outlets — including 91 Mobiles and MacRumors – and independent insiders have shared alleged CAD-based renders of the entire iPhone 16 portfolio.

In 2024, it seems Apple will shower more love on the entry-point models, bestowing them with a slight design refinement on the rear shell. Leaks suggest the camera island on the iPhone 16—and likely its Plus variant as well—will get a pill-shaped makeover. Other changes are reported for the 16 Pro and Pro Max models. There's a lot to cover, so let's dig in.
The iPhone 16's brand-new design
On the current-generation iPhone 15 duo, we get diagonally arranged camera lenses positioned atop a square-ish glass bump. In the upcoming versions, Apple is reportedly replacing it with a vertical pill-like camera island, mirroring the look we first saw on the iPhone X.

Read more
How to remove location data from your iPhone photos
How to transfer photos from an iPhone to an iPhone

We all love making memories, and a great way to collect those memories is to take a quick snap of a gorgeous landscape, a party in full swing, or a particularly incredible meal. The Apple iPhone now also adds a location to your pictures, meaning it can collate those images together into a location-themed album, or show you all the shots you've taken in a specific location. It's a fun little addition, and it's one that adds a lot of personality to the Photos app.

Read more