According to new reports from the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Digitimes, Apple may be planning to to introduce a low-cost iPhone with a new design sometime within the second half of this year, effectively targeting emerging markets.
The Wall Street Journal notes that Apple was reportedly working on developing a cheaper, smaller iPhone roughly two years ago, but the device never made it to production. As for the design, sources suggest that it could resemble a typical iPhone with a different body, made from “less-expensive” materials (possibly polycarbonate plastic). Other internal components could be adopted from pasted iPhone models; like the iPhone 4′s A4 processor.
Currently, Apple offers older iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S models are sold at a reduced price over their flagship iPhone 5. Therefore, if the rumored device comes to fruition, it will likely target various emerging markets in other parts of the world where pre-paid cellphones are more common.
In their own report, Bloomberg states that Apple may have “plans to sell a smaller, cheaper version of the of the iPhone as soon as this year” and reiterates that it will be aimed at customers in developing parts of the world.
Stay tuned for complete coverage on iOS-based devices, Apple and their rumored less-expensive iPhone.
