My guess is that this budget iphone is probably a reskinned iphone 4s. A5 chip, 3G, with the fatter form factor to fit in the antennae that aren't "outsourced" to the sides of the iphone any longer.
Why not just resell excess 4s stock in other countries? It is possible that while the iphone remains highly desired, consumers may have qualms about buying a 2-year old phone model. This budget iphone would effectively allow Apple to remarket the 4s as a brand new model in these countries that want an iphone, can't afford the high-end model, and dread getting an older model.
To imagine pricing for a new iPhone you have to look at current pricing. The base 16GB model is $649. I doubt that will change. It will get better specs and probably the base model will move to 32GB but I am confident that $649 price will stick.
That means the most likely price for a cheaper iPhone which would replace the 4/4S/5 models would very likely be a base model with a $449 price.
Flagship iPhone
32GB $199 on contract $649 unsubsidized
64GB $299 on contract $749 unsubsidized
128GB $399 on contract $849 unsubsidized
Cheaper iPhone
16GB free on contract $449 unsubsidized
32GB $99 on contract $549 unsubsidized
I think this is pretty much what it will be. Prices could be $50 lower on the cheaper iPhone to break $400 but looks about right otherwise. Carriers will like it because they will have to subsidize a little less on the low cost model.
We don't know the spec difference yet. That will answer the question for many.
Probably a repackaged iPhone 4S with 4" Retina, LTE, unibody polycarbonate, and lightning port.
Apple could probably sell that for $400 off contract and recycle that design for the next few years with marginal updates. Throw in a selection of iPod touch like colors and you've got the perfect hook for a budget iPhone that is more palatable to emerging markets and budget minded consumers.
More importantly, it frees up Apple to go balls out on the iPhone 6 without worrying about coddling "legacy" iPhone lovers with an aversion to change.
I just hope they do not dumb it down in technology like they did with the iPad Mini! Low resolution screen and a 2 year A5 processor and little RAM. But I think that is exact what Apple is going to do!
I still waiting to see the 5S before I buy another smartphone. If it comes with an A7- quadcore and 2GB RAM and available in 128GB flash I may jump and buy it - if it is offered unlocked at the start! If not; then I just keep my current phone until it comes unlocked and then re-evaluate the marketplace.
[quote name="Harry Wild" url="/t/158181/new-3d-renderings-show-expected-design-of-apples-low-cost-iphone/80#post_2357500"]I just hope they do not dumb it down in technology like they did with the iPad Mini! Low resolution screen and a 2 year A5 processor and little RAM.[/QUOTE]
1. No other processor would have afforded the same battery. 2. No retina screens existed, nor do they still.
[QUOTE]But I think that is exact what Apple is going to do![/QUOTE]
... It's the low-cost iPhone. The low-co–someone physically restrain me. :no:
[QUOTE]If it comes with an A7- quad core and 2GB RAM and available in 128GB flash I may jump and buy it[/QUOTE]
Sounds about right, actually.
[QUOTE]- if it is offered unlocked at the start![/QUOTE]
Not going to happen and you know it. And you'd be fine with paying $849 for a phone that you'll just be forced to get a contract with anyway?
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by abazigal
My guess is that this budget iphone is probably a reskinned iphone 4s. A5 chip, 3G, with the fatter form factor to fit in the antennae that aren't "outsourced" to the sides of the iphone any longer.
Why not just resell excess 4s stock in other countries? It is possible that while the iphone remains highly desired, consumers may have qualms about buying a 2-year old phone model. This budget iphone would effectively allow Apple to remarket the 4s as a brand new model in these countries that want an iphone, can't afford the high-end model, and dread getting an older model.
All valid points.
To imagine pricing for a new iPhone you have to look at current pricing. The base 16GB model is $649. I doubt that will change. It will get better specs and probably the base model will move to 32GB but I am confident that $649 price will stick.
That means the most likely price for a cheaper iPhone which would replace the 4/4S/5 models would very likely be a base model with a $449 price.
Flagship iPhone
32GB $199 on contract $649 unsubsidized
64GB $299 on contract $749 unsubsidized
128GB $399 on contract $849 unsubsidized
Cheaper iPhone
16GB free on contract $449 unsubsidized
32GB $99 on contract $549 unsubsidized
I think this is pretty much what it will be. Prices could be $50 lower on the cheaper iPhone to break $400 but looks about right otherwise. Carriers will like it because they will have to subsidize a little less on the low cost model.Quote:
Originally Posted by charlituna
We don't know the spec difference yet. That will answer the question for many.
Probably a repackaged iPhone 4S with 4" Retina, LTE, unibody polycarbonate, and lightning port.
Apple could probably sell that for $400 off contract and recycle that design for the next few years with marginal updates. Throw in a selection of iPod touch like colors and you've got the perfect hook for a budget iPhone that is more palatable to emerging markets and budget minded consumers.
More importantly, it frees up Apple to go balls out on the iPhone 6 without worrying about coddling "legacy" iPhone lovers with an aversion to change.
I still waiting to see the 5S before I buy another smartphone. If it comes with an A7- quadcore and 2GB RAM and available in 128GB flash I may jump and buy it - if it is offered unlocked at the start! If not; then I just keep my current phone until it comes unlocked and then re-evaluate the marketplace.
1. No other processor would have afforded the same battery.
2. No retina screens existed, nor do they still.
[QUOTE]But I think that is exact what Apple is going to do![/QUOTE]
... It's the low-cost iPhone. The low-co–someone physically restrain me. :no:
[QUOTE]If it comes with an A7- quad core and 2GB RAM and available in 128GB flash I may jump and buy it[/QUOTE]
Sounds about right, actually.
[QUOTE]- if it is offered unlocked at the start![/QUOTE]
Not going to happen and you know it. And you'd be fine with paying $849 for a phone that you'll just be forced to get a contract with anyway?