Rumors connected with upcoming Apple products go hand-in-hand like bread and butter and the latest ones to reach to itching ears of iPhone fans has to do with a cheaper model that Apple may release as soon as this year, according to a report yesterday by the Wall Street Journal.
The rumors
The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and DigiTimes have all put forth rumors according to Apple inside sources that indicate a new version of an iPhone is near release and will be relatively cheaper than previous iPhone models. Some analysts believe that we could see the new iPhone as soon as this summer.
To save costs in manufacturing the new iPhone, some industry watchers are speculating that the model will incorporate a plastic body instead of the more expensive aluminum frame of the present models. The new model may also be smaller in size than present iPhone editions.
At the moment the low-end price estimate for the cheaper iPhone is $99, while other industry analysts believe the price will fall in the $149 to $199 range. The iPhone 5 presently sells for $199.
Is it really a deal?
Although the rumored new low-cost iPhone may only be priced at $99, the last generation iPhone 4S can be picked up for $99, while the iPhone 4 is free, both prices valid with a two-year contract with a wireless carrier.
So how does the new low-priced iPhone fit in? The overseas market may gain the most from a $99 iPhone because non-contract iPhones cost $450 and upwards. But if the cheaper iPhone has the same innards as an iPhone 5, with a smaller screen and plastic body, the $99 price tag may entice new customers in the U.S. into the Apple fold.
Via CNET
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