Switching From Apple (AAPL) iPhone to Samsung Galaxy S4 Costs $78.85 and Headache

How hard is it to switch from an Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy S4? For starters it will cost about $79.85. This does not include the cost of lost apps and movies that will not transfer. The calculations were made by Goldman Sachs analyst Bill Shope. In his view, high switching costs aside, Apple users are a loyal bunch.

"Our conclusion suggests the cost of switching platforms is significant, and indeed, it was not possible to transfer all of our content. The explicit switching costs of our switch totaled $79.85. While that is substantial in its own right, our inability to transfer 13% of our apps or any of our iTunes purchased movies and TV shows was not included in our calculation; this coupled with the significant amount of time required to complete the switch added to implicit switching costs that exceeded the explicit figure," said Shope.

"Overall, we believe Apple’s installed base loyalty clearly differentiates it from traditional IT hardware companies, though the company’s ability to attract new consumers with new products remains the core of the long-term story," added the analyst.

Goldman Sachs has a Buy rating on Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) with a price target of $500.00.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Apple click here. For more ratings news on Apple click here.

Shares of Apple closed at $431.77 yesterday.

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