More than half of iPhone sales in the US are provided by telecom operators: at a discount under a contract or even for free

Only 24% of iPhones in the US are distributed directly through Apple, according to new CIRP research.

67% of sales were made through carriers: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Carriers sell iPhones under contract or exclude them from giving away for free, even when new models come out.

Often, operators return favorable rates for the purchase of a smartphone under a contract. In addition, stores operate almost everywhere, while the Apple Store is not found in all cities.

The remaining 4% of iPhones are sold at Best Buy and 5% at “other” stores like Target and Walmart. [The Verge]