The power of addiction to a mobile phone exceeds that of a heroin addict; it's drug dealer economics. Jones'ing for keeping up with the Jone's.

Demand!

Many people use their cell phone only and do not own a computer. 

You aren't exactly comparing Apples to Apples (pun intended).  The price of an iphone goes up.  The price of an Apple laptop (Macbook) goes up.  There is one company that makes those products, so they continue to raise the price.

The price of Windows computers goes down because there are many manufacturers.

Many years ago as I was graduating from high school, I remember Texas Instruments with a "state of the art" calculator I was in "awe".  The cost was relatively high as I recall and today calculators can be found on a peg at the grocery store in the check-out line with far more power at practically pennies in comparison.  Why?  Because they can. . . 

Paul,

I have the pro11.  The reason the price went up is because there are additional features including a special fusion chip that takes incredible photos.  It has a whole camera system/video built in to it...and I got mine for less because my former phone was a traded in and that was valued at $400. A

It's called the law of supply and demand.

Because cell/smartphones are in high demand and the movement is to doing everything on that phone. If people would be disciplined and revolt by not purchasing then prices would drop BUT, me thinks that has a prayers chance in hell of happening

Because people are sheep and will happily fork over thousands of dollars for the latest iThing to come out of Cupertino, regardless of if it's cutting edge or not.  Apple knows this and keeps the prices high because of it.

It's all about demand and what the market will bear, I think.

Probably because almost everyone has a cell phone (or wants one), so there is still a lot of demand for better and best cell phones. Lap tops? Meh.

There are plenty of smart phones that are significantly cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy, and the I-phone's latest offerings.

But consumers really like those high-end machines (whether warranted, or not)... Samsung and Apple have built a brand that can demand those kind of prices.  It's not based on burden-rate, it's simply because they "can".

The REAL consumer, which is not us old folk, place a premium on MOBILITY.

These folks define mobility as, "It must fit in the back pocket of the jeans."

I thought the 7+ was expensive. Not looking to upgrade anytime soon!

I have many clients that do not own a computer, use their work computers if needed.

This cannot last and reminds me of different pricing found for same items. 

Because people are still buying and are apparently willing to pay the price. Can you live without your smart phone?

haha good question Paul!

actually my macbook pro costs more than the iPhone and I wouldn't buy any other brand of laptop again.  It's a workhorse with some age on it and still lightening fast and never crashed.

Try living without your iPhone.

yes, it makes you wonder doesn't it. The newest stuff is the most expensive. Have to pay for all those nice features at we really don't need. Now it's 2 cameras front & back - wow, double pictures. We will use it for what?

Because they got you, one maker, one product, no competition and everyone wants one. 

You are reminding me that it is probably time for me to upgrade my phone. Argh!

Cell phones are mini computers that are making many other devices redundant.... maybe that's why?

Because they can and people will line up around the block to buy it.  I have never understood the need to have the latest and greatest in cell phones.  In fact, I buy a few generations behind.  

I purchased an Apple SE cellphone two year's ago for $215.00 at Walmart. Has the 'guts" of an IPhone 7, including the upgraded camera! My Dell Desktop becomes more problematic as the month's go by. It's almost easier to "print" or forward document's using the SE than firing up the Dell and waiting for the system to "warm up"!