A new report coming from the Japanese blog Macotakara (via AppleInsider) claims that a new iPhone with polycarbonate body – see low-cost iPhone rumours – is coming as early as 2014 after Apple ditched the initial launch for a cheaper handset this year.
The material used to manufacture the low-cost iPhone’s body will be similar to the glossy polycarbonate body the Cupertino company used on its entry-level MacBook, discontinued after the 11-inch MacBook Air took its place.
One of the wow factors of the report is that this cheaper iPhone could sport a 4.5-inch screen, in line with Digitimes’ first report published in the early days of January, which spoke about the possibility of Apple releasing a cheaper handset with bigger screen to target the emerging markets like China.
The price will apparently be $330, but this is how much Apple charges for its iPad mini.
As analysts have already pointed out, Apple could bet on price below or equal to $300, matching the move the company did with the iPad mini. For those expecting the cheaper iPhone to be much thinner, the report has bad news – but even iLounge’s Jeremy Horwitz has emphasized it – the polycarbonate body will add more thickness to the device, in terms of millimeters compared to the iPhone 5. But it will also increase the durability of the iPhone.
The good news: Cost cutting measures and changes won’t affect the design as much as expected, so the Home button will retain its usual spot below the LCD display.
In addition, the report mentioned the iPhone 5S as well, claiming Apple has plans to add a dual-flash LED module on the back of the device to improve the iPhoneography experience.
[Image credit: Macotakara]
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So… Not only is Apple making a cheaper iPhone, to which Apple themself have already said its not likely, they’re making one with a bigger screen on a lower end model, which also go against Apple’s emphasises on comfortable one-hand use? Yet it’s still far cheaper than the current iPhone 5….??
I’m not a bunny, you’re not a frog so lets not jump ahead … This is only a rumour.
I was trying to point out how unrealistic these rumors are becoming. It’s getting somewhat ridiculous. Like those iWatch rumors. I mean, seriously? When it’s well known that Apple keeps all projects a secret and only a handful of people knows about them, but somehow these so called reliable sources can tell you exactly 100 designers are working on it? I wouldn’t believe it until I see the damn thing.
I completely agree. But sometimes rumours do come to fruition … Pretty much all the iPhone 5 rumours came true … Also the iPad mini and even the original iPad.
What I can’t stand the most is the stupid artist mock ups … Remember the stupid iPhone wrist spider thing? That’s the worst … All the mock ups are crap!
haha yeah that one was horrible!! But I’d like to have some of what that designer was smoking.