Rumours of a low-cost iPhone have been circulating for some time, but now reports are claiming that it will launch in 2013.
The Wall Street Journal states that Apple is finally going to launch an entry-level iPhone in 2013, citing “people briefed on the matter” as the source of its information.
“While Apple has explored such a device for years,” it says, “the plan is progressing and a less expensive version of its flagship device could launch later this year.”
Apparently this new cheaper iPhone will resemble the premium iPhone model, but with a less expensive body. Under consideration, its claimed, is a shell made of polycarbonate plastic (somewhat like the Nokia Lumia 920) to replace the iPhone 5‘s expensive aluminium casing.
Other components could well remain the same as the current iPhone model, or even be recycled from previous iPhone designs.
Despite the advanced state of these plans, the report suggests that Apple could yet choose to scrap them.
Whilst there are now two types of iPad, and there have been multiple iterations of the iPod for some years, there’s still only ever been one current line of iPhone. Apple has continued to sell previous generations of the phone at a slightly cheaper price, but has never launched multiple SKUs within the same calendar year.
That could finally be set to change this year, with the launch of an affordable iPhone potentially opening out the exclusive brand to a wider audience.
Would you be interested in a cheaper, less premium-feeling iPhone? Or is that kind of going against the point? Let us know your thoughts on our Twitter and Facebook feeds, or via the comments box below.
Via: WSJ
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
