Reuters: Apple mulling $99 multi-color and larger-screened iPhones
A report on Thursday claims Apple is looking into a variety of possibilities to expand its iPhone lineup for 2013 and 2014, including cheaper pricing, larger screen sizes and multiple colors.
According to Reuters, four people with knowledge of Apple's plans say the company is investigating a number of iPhone models for 2014, such as a $99 version, 4.7-inch and 5.7 iterations and models with color options other than black and white.
While the sources appear to be reiterating rumors that have been bandied about for months now, they claimed to have direct knowledge of the situation via suppliers within Asia that are fielding inquiries from Apple regarding iPhones with larger displays. More specifically, these people said the company has narrowed down possible screen sizes to 4.7 and 5.7 inches, and may introduce two "bigger" models next year.
The publication reports Apple's rumored iPhones are a direct response to the Samsung's performance in the smartphone market, which has outpaced Apple since mid 2012. As per usual, the sources hedged their statements by noting Apple "constantly change[s] product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype."
In January, a questionable report first suggested that a 4.8-inch iPhone could be in the works for 2013, but rumors surrounding a "phablet" iPhone have since died down.
Perhaps more interesting in Thursday's report are details regarding a lower cost iPhone, which sources said could be priced as low as $99. As widely speculated, the entry-level handset is to be produced in a variety of colors and will be made of plastic to keep costs down.
Reuters apparently received conflicting reports regarding the cheaper iPhone, however, as one of its sources claimed the handset may not launch until 2014, while others said test runs are already scheduled for July ahead of mass production in August.
"Trial production was originally planned to start in June, but the mixing of colours is taking longer than expected as Apple has very high and idealistic standards," one source said, adding that some 20 million units of the less expensive iPhone are expected to ship in the fourth quarter.
According to Reuters, four people with knowledge of Apple's plans say the company is investigating a number of iPhone models for 2014, such as a $99 version, 4.7-inch and 5.7 iterations and models with color options other than black and white.
While the sources appear to be reiterating rumors that have been bandied about for months now, they claimed to have direct knowledge of the situation via suppliers within Asia that are fielding inquiries from Apple regarding iPhones with larger displays. More specifically, these people said the company has narrowed down possible screen sizes to 4.7 and 5.7 inches, and may introduce two "bigger" models next year.
The publication reports Apple's rumored iPhones are a direct response to the Samsung's performance in the smartphone market, which has outpaced Apple since mid 2012. As per usual, the sources hedged their statements by noting Apple "constantly change[s] product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype."
In January, a questionable report first suggested that a 4.8-inch iPhone could be in the works for 2013, but rumors surrounding a "phablet" iPhone have since died down.
Perhaps more interesting in Thursday's report are details regarding a lower cost iPhone, which sources said could be priced as low as $99. As widely speculated, the entry-level handset is to be produced in a variety of colors and will be made of plastic to keep costs down.
Reuters apparently received conflicting reports regarding the cheaper iPhone, however, as one of its sources claimed the handset may not launch until 2014, while others said test runs are already scheduled for July ahead of mass production in August.
"Trial production was originally planned to start in June, but the mixing of colours is taking longer than expected as Apple has very high and idealistic standards," one source said, adding that some 20 million units of the less expensive iPhone are expected to ship in the fourth quarter.
Comments
With the new iAd Exchange and advertisement driven iRadio. Here is whats next:
$99 4.8" iPhone without a contract. Subsidized by advertisements on lock screen. Let user add details like age, interests, area, etc.
Let the advertisers subsidize phones, and Apple can take a 30% fee like with everything on iTunes.
This way you can disrupt GOOGLEs business, while seriously enter India, China etc. And the IOS ecosystem will become a whole lot stronger. It´s a win win.
Consumers have indicated they want a larger iPhone as demonstrated by the S3 S4 sales. Once Apple creates a larger iPhone it will return to its stock price glory of 6 mos ago.
other companies can make profit on phones at this price point, why can't Apple?
Are u sure this is unlocked retail iPhone for $99, I know it is speculation, but is this a rumor or maybe strong thought by Apple. Interesting even though the specs would be lower than high end iPhone, it would sell like 'hot curry fries' in India.
This week Apple have shown me innovation, now they going to blow the competition out water (in India anyway) with such a price point for iPhone.
Other companies aren't making the kind of profit everybody expects from apple.
An American living in China....
The only reason I moved to an S4 is the larger size screen. I'd move back if Apple created a bigger screen. They should also consider a removable battery.
Cheaper? Not a chance in Hell.
Larger? No kidding.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Carpenter
The only reason I moved to an S4 is the larger size screen. I'd move back if Apple created a bigger screen. They should also consider a removable battery.
Having gone from a HTC Tytn II with its removable battery, to an iPhone 3GS and subsequently iPhone 5, I can see there are numerous advantages to the non-removable design, chiefly not being stuck with a redundant battery once you change handset.
I've got one of those pocket battery packs with a small multi-connector cable and this has the following advantages over a dedicated removable battery:
can be used with different makes of phone so still usable when you get a different model.
can be used to charge other people's phones, not just your own, e.g. colleague's battery goes flat whilst travelling.
no need to swap batteries in order to charge or have a dedicated charging dock for it.
easier to plug into a phone than to fiddle around taking the cover off a phone to swap its battery.
On balance much happier with this arrangement than with messing around with swapping batteries.
I still have the now useless dock and spare battery for my old Tytn II gathering dust in the house.
Bigger screen? Sure.
Removable battery? Hahahahahahahahaha. Hahahaha. Get out of here with that foolishness.
$99 with contract? That's what the iPhone 5 will be.
This rumor is DOA but I do believe a lower cost iPhone will come this year.
IMO it may just be an iPhone 4S with Lightning and colors for $399.
As far as a larger phone that's a possibility. They could increase the screen size and double the pixel count or completely double the resolution again. But at the sane time I don't know if Apple sees larger screens as a big opportunity of growth. The lower cost market could be more valuable.
Who is making money at that price point? Only Apple and Samsung are churning a profit. Moreover point me to a 99 smartphone that is unlocked and is not old inventory.
I say the 99 phone contract free is bunk as well. I also think Apple will release a cheaper rebranded iPhone 4S, but this is largely to compete in other markets.
I think Apple is also ceding a big part of the market not having a 4.8 inch phone. This is hardly scientific, but I live in a college town. A lot of men and Asian people seem to gravitate toward larger phones.