Rumor: Apple planning $330 polycarbonate iPhone, deferring 4.5" model to 2014 [u]
A new iPhone design with a polycarbonate body similar to Apple's legacy entry-level MacBook may be released at a targeted price of $330, while plans for a next-gen handset with 4.5-inch display have been pushed back to 2014, according to a new report.
Update: In an update to its original report, Macotakara now claims there are two distinct forthcoming iPhone models, an iPhone 5 follow-up with a 4.5-inch LCD and a less-expensive version made from polycarbonate. The publication originally listed the two separate phones as one device. This article has been updated to reflect the changes.
The details were published on Thursday by Japanese blog Macotakara, which claims that Apple has "deferred" its planned release for a larger-screened iPhone 5 successor, but may debut a less expensive handset sometime soon.
As for the cheaper iPhone model, it is suggested Apple will be using a material similar to the glossy polycarbonate body seen on the company's entry-level MacBook, which was discontinued after it was replaced at the $999 price point by the 11-inch MacBook Air.
A pair of iPhone mini prototypes were revealed by Apple in its court battles with Samsung.
Apple apparently hopes to price its new entry-level iPhone at $330, matching what the company charges for the iPad mini. The entry-level iPhone is also expected to be thicker than the iPhone 5, thanks to the use of a polycarbonate body rather than aluminum and glass. The thicker material will reportedly increase the durability of the device.
But in spite of those changes and cost cutting measures, the cheaper iPhone is said to have a design largely similar to all previous iPhones, including a home button below the LCD display.
Finally, Thursday's report also made mention of Apple's follow-up to the iPhone 5, sometimes referred to as a so-called "iPhone 5S." It claimed that Apple apparently plans to add a dual-flash LED module on the back of the device to aid in picture taking. The two flash exposures are rumored to be stacked on top of one another to the right of the camera lens.
The publication noted, however, that Apple has put the brakes on unveiling the purported next-generation handset that is said to employ a 4.5-inch display, slightly larger than the the 4-inch panel seen on the iPhone 5.
Update: In an update to its original report, Macotakara now claims there are two distinct forthcoming iPhone models, an iPhone 5 follow-up with a 4.5-inch LCD and a less-expensive version made from polycarbonate. The publication originally listed the two separate phones as one device. This article has been updated to reflect the changes.
The details were published on Thursday by Japanese blog Macotakara, which claims that Apple has "deferred" its planned release for a larger-screened iPhone 5 successor, but may debut a less expensive handset sometime soon.
As for the cheaper iPhone model, it is suggested Apple will be using a material similar to the glossy polycarbonate body seen on the company's entry-level MacBook, which was discontinued after it was replaced at the $999 price point by the 11-inch MacBook Air.
A pair of iPhone mini prototypes were revealed by Apple in its court battles with Samsung.
Apple apparently hopes to price its new entry-level iPhone at $330, matching what the company charges for the iPad mini. The entry-level iPhone is also expected to be thicker than the iPhone 5, thanks to the use of a polycarbonate body rather than aluminum and glass. The thicker material will reportedly increase the durability of the device.
But in spite of those changes and cost cutting measures, the cheaper iPhone is said to have a design largely similar to all previous iPhones, including a home button below the LCD display.
Finally, Thursday's report also made mention of Apple's follow-up to the iPhone 5, sometimes referred to as a so-called "iPhone 5S." It claimed that Apple apparently plans to add a dual-flash LED module on the back of the device to aid in picture taking. The two flash exposures are rumored to be stacked on top of one another to the right of the camera lens.
The publication noted, however, that Apple has put the brakes on unveiling the purported next-generation handset that is said to employ a 4.5-inch display, slightly larger than the the 4-inch panel seen on the iPhone 5.
Comments
Looks bad... maybe because its just a mock-up.. Apple would never release that
You never know. Apple after Steve Jobs has never been the same. They haven't really released anything worth being excited about except minor upgrades to old OS and hardware cosmetics. Apple is also loosing groung to its two biggest copy cats, naming Samsung and Android to the point where the copy cats now surpassing the victim and makes the original look dated. Doomsdays are ahead my dear Apple.
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelross2408
Looks bad... maybe because its just a mock-up.. Apple would never release that
If my memory serves me right, those are pre-first gen iPhone mockups.
I'm just glad that it doesn't say "menu" on the home buttons of my current iOS devices.
So, ummmmm like uhhhhhh the iPhone 3G?
Maybe it is, with a facelift.
That's exactly what they are. Good memory.
I don't think mockup is the most appropriate term. I think early prototype is much more apropos. Now the display UI doesn't look real so I'd call them mockups, if that's the case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bleh1234
What? Plastic iPhone?
Yeah. You know, like 3G and 3GS.
If this thing is real, it will NOT have a 4.5" screen. That much has been established.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluefish86
If my memory serves me right, those are pre-first gen iPhone mockups.
Yes, You can tell by the icons that they predate the original iPhone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain J
Jeez these people are dumb. If Apple does make an entry level phone, it won't have a bigger screen than the top of the line flagship model. If they do make one, I see it having the same size as the 4 and earlier, without retina. IF!!
Indeed the headline does not match the copy in the article.
More stock manipulation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluefish86
Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelross2408
Looks bad... maybe because its just a mock-up.. Apple would never release that
If my memory serves me right, those are pre-first gen iPhone mockups.
Yep. Don't know why those images are even being used here. (?)
They need this phone by June 2013.