Apple reaffirmed to debut two new iPhone models in early Sept.
While it doesn't offer any new information, a report from The Wall Street Journal published Monday reaffirms what most observers already expect: Apple is planning to launch two iPhone models in early September, including an entirely new low-cost option.
Apple is said to have asked its primary assembly partner Foxconn to begin shipping both new models in early September. They will be a "standard iPhone" in a "metal casing" much like the current iPhone 5, as well as a "lower-cost version," reporters Lorraine Luk and Ian Sherr said.
The company is expected to hold a media event on Sept. 10 where it will likely introduce both new products. In years past, Apple has made its new iPhones available to the public the second Friday after the announcement. This year, that would peg a launch for Friday, Sept. 20.
Availability of the so-called "iPhone 5S," the expected name of Apple's next flagship handset, may be limited at launch. That device is expected to feature a fingerprint scanner embedded within its home button ? a technical achievement that could restrict initial production, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities.
As for the so-called "iPhone 5C," that model may be in greater supply at launch, as the device is expected to feature largely the same components as the current iPhone 5. Apple is expected to be able to cut costs on that model and also offer a variety of new color options by utilizing a plastic back instead of glass and metal.
While the "iPhone 5C" is likely to follow the way of the iPod and come in a variety of colors, the "iPhone 5S" is rumored to receive just one new color option: a champagne shade of gold that's been described as "elegant." That color is expected to join the current black and white options Apple offers with the iPhone 5.
Apple is said to have asked its primary assembly partner Foxconn to begin shipping both new models in early September. They will be a "standard iPhone" in a "metal casing" much like the current iPhone 5, as well as a "lower-cost version," reporters Lorraine Luk and Ian Sherr said.
The company is expected to hold a media event on Sept. 10 where it will likely introduce both new products. In years past, Apple has made its new iPhones available to the public the second Friday after the announcement. This year, that would peg a launch for Friday, Sept. 20.
Availability of the so-called "iPhone 5S," the expected name of Apple's next flagship handset, may be limited at launch. That device is expected to feature a fingerprint scanner embedded within its home button ? a technical achievement that could restrict initial production, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities.
As for the so-called "iPhone 5C," that model may be in greater supply at launch, as the device is expected to feature largely the same components as the current iPhone 5. Apple is expected to be able to cut costs on that model and also offer a variety of new color options by utilizing a plastic back instead of glass and metal.
While the "iPhone 5C" is likely to follow the way of the iPod and come in a variety of colors, the "iPhone 5S" is rumored to receive just one new color option: a champagne shade of gold that's been described as "elegant." That color is expected to join the current black and white options Apple offers with the iPhone 5.
Comments
Mark my words: 5C will have a higher margin % than 5S. More $$ for aapl.
It would be nice if there was better independent sources, although daringfireball.net seems to be in general agreement. Again caution regarding details.
You mean like when the wireless keyboard, original atv, etc were leaked? Leaks happened under his watch too and other then Think Secret people got away with it. Also apple is a much higher profile company with many more suppliers.
Originally Posted by jacodb
Even Samsung is paying attention to the Apple rumors. Is it just coincidence they are rushing a smart watch to market?
Yes, given that we've no proof Apple is actually doing anything remotely similar, just like when everyone in the industry panicked and made "better" TVs after Apple was rumored to be (wasting their time) making one.
I still HATE this idea.
Then again, Tim Cook is CEO of a nearly half-trillion market cap company, and I'm a guy typing on his iMac at home, because he doesn't have a job. *shrug* But I still hate the idea.
Not exactly the same as [I]confirm.[/I] The two words have overlap, but different shades of meaning and authority over establishing truth. A more accurate substitute for "reaffirm" would be "reassert."
Only Apple, Inc. can [I]confirm[/I] something about their products.
And while we're at it, are there any reaffirmations of the Disney-buys-Apple rumors?
It's been a long time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Yes, given that we've no proof Apple is actually doing anything remotely similar, just like when everyone in the industry panicked and made "better" TVs after Apple was rumored to be (wasting their time) making one.
This is true, we can't honestly be surprised by these rumors tho, on All things D, Tim Cook said that 'Wearable Devices & TV' "continues to be an area of great interest for us".
Apple (under SJ) danced around the iPhone the same way for a few years, I'm not saying that Apple is bringing a TV & Watch, out, just wouldn't be too shocked.
It's sparked some public interest, so this could be apples way of testing the waters before a major launch?.
When whenever there is a leak part of me still thinks its apple doing it, to build hype.
I thought of that for this reason:
If it's being released in at least 5 colors (as seems to be the case based on earlier rumors), then let's imagine for a moment the logistical nightmare of 3 'sizes' (16gb, 32gb, 64gb) times five colors, times multiple carrier versions (take the current 2 for example's sake).
5 colors x 3 sizes x 2 carriers. That's at least 30 different 'models'?? Add a TDD-LTE version and that climbs to 45 different models (unless a new Qualcomm 'all-in-one' chip turns up)?
For a "cheap iPhone", I think it's possible they'll do something like the 'cheap iPod Touch', in that they'll limit the size to one choice. Say 16 or 32GB.
That narrows the number of models to 10 or 15. Much more manageable.
Just a thought. Then again, in this era of 'instant manufacturing fulfillment' of custom orders and low standing inventories, it's possible they'll offer those 45 variants, and just roll with it.
PS: When I say 'cheapest model' I mean at the bottom of the price range. I see the following line up as pretty possible: iPhone 5S (3 colors, 3 sizes 32 ~ 128GB, 2 carriers incl TDD-LTE) at the high end, iPhone 5 (at today's configurations) at the mid-range, iPhone 5C (at the single storage size) at the low-end.
Warning: extremely speculative hypothesis alert!
Originally Posted by xjyamaha
Makes you wonder if they'll update the "C" model annually. Next year would be the 6C, but would a year after be the 6SC, or just maintain the standard "C" despite incremental updates....
How about this:
2013: iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C
2014 to heat death of universe: "the new iPhone" and "the new iPhone C"
Why would Apple want to still call this year's models the 5S and 5C? To firmly establish the "C" model as the lower cost iPhone by giving it the same "version number" as the high-end model. But only for this year. After that, all they'll really need is the "C."
And why would Apple want to drop the numbering scheme at some point? Because the iPhone is the only numbered Apple product left, and the numbering scheme has been a source of confusion and controversy. And, as you say, xjyamaha, Apple would be forced to call this year's low-end model the "iPhone 5CS," and the 2015 model the "iPhone 6CS," which is unacceptably dorky-sounding.
Dropping the number keeps it simple, and also instantly obsoletes the previous years' models. There would just be "the new iPhone" and "the new iPhone C," and production of older models completely stops.