Here's why a $1000 iPhone make sense for a lot of people.
Consider how much money you would spend on:
- iPod
- phone
- PDA
- digital camera
- camcorder
Add on the cost of those devices separately, and the $1000 iPhone price actually is not that bad, considering it can do all those in one device. Plus, for many people, the iPhone is also their "laptop" and "TV". Then you can add social standing/status, the price becomes quite "affordable" for most.
For others, the iPhone is a tool that makes them money. So the cost is an investment for them to recoup from their job tasks that are helped by the tool/iPhone.
And Apple is not just selling a 1.500€ phone. They have the SE, 12, 13 mini, and 13. Plenty of price points.
If you are struggling to pay for electricity or food, you shouldn't even be thinking of buying an iPhone in the first place. It's a luxury item. If you need a smartphone, a $200 Android can do the job just fine, no need on a $1000 iPhone.
In short, I'm not following the point of view about having to choose between rent and iPhone. People struggling with rent shouldn't even be looking to buy an iPhone in the first place. Priorities. People who can afford an iPhone are mostly in a position where they are not struggling to get food on the table.