Final answer:
No, Apple did not use a skimming pricing strategy when they introduced the iPhone in 2007.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pricing strategy used by Apple when they introduced the iPhone in the United States in the summer of 2007 was not a skimming pricing strategy. A skimming pricing strategy involves setting a high initial price for a product and then gradually lowering it over time. However, Apple initially priced the iPhone at $599, which was considered a high price for a smartphone at the time.
Instead of using a skimming pricing strategy, Apple used a premium pricing strategy to position the iPhone as a high-end, innovative product. The high price helped to create a perception of exclusivity and quality. Apple targeted early adopters and tech enthusiasts who were willing to pay a premium for the latest technology.
Over time, as production costs decreased and competition increased, Apple lowered the price of the iPhone to attract a wider consumer base. This is more consistent with a penetration pricing strategy, where the initial price is set low to gain market share.