Sam Oliver
Case makers in the Far East have begun to produce accessories they hope will fit a new low-cost iPhone model from Apple, featuring a slightly thicker design and rounded edges.
The appearance of a case alleged to fit a new iPhone would suggest that schematics for such a device, legitimate or not, are in the wild. Photos and video of the accessory were highlighted on Tuesday by Macotakara.
The case designed by Japan's MGM Corp. shows rounded edges, and a slightly thicker frame than the iPhone 5. It includes space for a rear-facing camera with flash, as well as volume buttons and mute switch on the left side.
According to the report, the case for the low-cost iPhone is about 2 millimeters thicker than a similar accessory designed for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 case also has squared off edges, while the low-cost iPhone case has rounded sides.
Rumors have persisted throughout 2013 that Apple plans to build a new, low-end iPhone model that could be used to target customers who prefer not to sign a new service contract. Currently Apple does not serve the low end of the smartphone market, where the most industry growth is being seen.
In recent weeks, reports have claimed that suppliers are now shipping parts for such a device. One alleged part claimed to show a plastic rear shell with rounded corners allegedly intended for the device.
Market watchers believe Apple could sell a low-cost iPhone for $399 without negatively affecting the company's margins. It's also been suggested the device will be available in an array of colors, taking a cue from the company's iPod lineup.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
60 Comments
Yup. Just like the 4S was suppose to be tapered.
I remember those guys from last year. They showed legitimate iphone 5 components ahead of the launch. With the amount of leaks we have on iphones parts and accessories they got to be manufacturing them right now. Maybe the low cost phone will launch this summer ahead of the high end iphone 5s
If Apple wants to be competitive in other markets, it needs more options. The less expensive phone for pay as you go carriers will be nice, but Apple really needs a larger phone if it wants to truly continue to compete worldwide.
"We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still."
- John Stuart Mill
"If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
- George Orwell
Odd that you would know he was banned if you were not reading the forums. It also seems in poor taste insulting somebody who is not around to defend himself.
Apple can release a lower cost iPhone without sacrificing quality. It has done so with its iPod line. For instance, the iPod, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle. The Macbook, and Macbook Air. All these products have different price points, and distinguishing features.
If Apple wants to be competitive in other markets, it needs more options. The less expensive phone for pay as you go carriers will be nice, but Apple really needs a larger phone if it wants to truly continue to compete worldwide.
"We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still."
- John Stuart Mill
"If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
- George Orwell
I agree that they don't necessarily have to sacrifice quality but I'm still of the opinion that the only way to make a significant drop in price is to sacrifice margins.
BTW - I think a lot of people are/were reading the Forum but wouldn't bother contributing because, as your Orwell quote points out, they were not allowed to say things that TS didn't believe yet still may have been true.
Anyway. I personally think Apple should stay a premium brand. Forget low cost iPhone shit. If people want low cost ,buy Android.
Maybe you are thinking of the US market only? In a lot of countries, an iphone is months of salaries. The low cost iphone is primaly for emerging markets, not to mention the design should fit there needs better.
Another aspect of it is the ecosystem. Below a certain point Apple will become a niche market, exactly like they did in the 80's with the PC market. Once there is pretty much game over. Seriously if Apple makes the same mistake twice, they should run out of business, they deserved it.
and yet, another used for it would be countries with no subsidize phones. not to mention that even in Canada and the US, the carriers are trying everything they can to reduce subsidies.
Finally, a low cost iphone doesnt mean its going to be a piece of garbage.... It may be a very usefull and well design device that integrates with iOS avoiding market segmentations in OS versions.