Market watchers hoping for Apple to introduce a radically cheaper iPhone model this week came away disappointed, as the company opted to maintain its smartphone pricing strategy rather than aggressively cutting margins.
The long wait for Apple to reach a deal with China Mobile, a carrier with more than 700 million subscribers, may finally be near an end, as the company has received the required license for its iPhone lineup from government regulators.
With the iPhone 5c, Apple was able to deliver a cost effective plastic smartphone with a "premium" feel by applying its considerable expertise in design, engineering and manufacturing to the project, a process highlighted during Tuesday's special media event.
Following the Apple's announcement of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, the company has posted videos shown in Tuesday's media event to the Web, offering a closer look at both devices and their new features.
Apple announced two new iPhone models at its media event on Tuesday and AppleInsider was on the scene for first hand look at the devices set to roll out on Sept. 20.
During Tuesday's unveiling of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, Apple announced that China will be part of the initial launch on Sept. 20, and finally inked a deal with Japan's largest cellular carrier NTT DoCoMo.
Seemingly going the extra mile to celebrate its colorful new array of lower-cost iPhones, Apple will ship the iPhone 5c with a default wallpaper that matches the color of each unit.
Apple's iPhone 5s will launch on the same date as the iPhone 5c, but unlike the plastic-shelled handset, the 5s won't be available for preorder, leading some to believe that supplies of the high-end device may be constrained.
While not announced during Apple's iPhone media event on Tuesday, the latest iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are both compatible with TD-LTE bands used by China Mobile, hinting at a future deal with the world's largest cellular carrier.
Just a few hours after it concluded on Tuesday, Apple made its keynote presentation — at which it unveiled both the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c — available online for all to view.
Apple on Tuesday quietly increased the cost of accidental damage coverage for the iPhone, as the company will now charge $79 for up to two incidents through its AppleCare+ protection plan.
Apple is stepping back into the iPhone accessories market with iPhone cases, leather for the iPhone 5s and silicon for the iPhone 5c, and Lightning-ready docks for both devices.
In introducing its new iPhones on Tuesday, Apple both adhered to tradition and shook things up, dropping the iPhone 5 but keeping the iPhone 4S alive as the low-end model.
The new multi-colored iPhone 5c was made official by Apple on Tuesday, with the device packing a 4-inch Retina display, A6 processor, hard-coated polycarbonate body, and coming in five different flavors when it launches next Friday, Sept. 20.
Less than one day before Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone lineup, a report from The Wall Street Journal reiterates rumors that the flagship "iPhone 5S" will carry a biometric fingerprint reader.
In preparation of Tuesday's special media event, Apple has dressed up its Town Hall at 4 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, Calif., with banners and regalia identical in design to invitations sent out last week.
The debut of a new, less expensive iPhone model may have the greatest domestic benefit for T-Mobile, America's fourth-largest carrier which appeals to more budget-oriented customers.
A batch of photos claiming to show the logic board bound for Apple's rumored low-cost "iPhone 5C" hit the Web on Saturday, with the alleged part showing minor design changes from the current iPhone 5.
According to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, China Mobile will introduce Apple's iPhone to its 700 million subscribers by the end of the year, but the world's largest telecom first needs to finish rolling out its TDD-LTE network, a task that could delay the phone's launch until November.
The first iPhone line waiters have already staked their claim outside New York's iconic Fifth Ave Apple Store, camping in front of the shop's jumbo glass gemstone a full four days before the company will formally acknowledge the new products exist.
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Neil Hughes
Sam Oliver
AppleInsider Staff
Kevin Bostic
