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High-Resolution Renderings of Apple's Lower-Cost Plastic iPhone

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
63,490
30,731



While Apple has been rumored for some time to be planning to launch a lower-cost iPhone available in multiple colors with a plastic shell, reports have been picking up steam in recent weeks, led in part by a claim that Apple will be adopting the bright colors it used for its iPhone 4/4S bumpers. That report was followed by leaked design drawings from a case maker showing the expected measurements and physical features of the device.

And just this past weekend, several new images were posted to Chinese forum site WeiPhone showing what may be rear shells from the lower-cost iPhone in yellow, red, and green.

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Rendered mockup of lower-cost plastic iPhone front and back
(Click for larger)​
Based on all of this recent information, we once again commissioned Ciccarese Design to produce some high-quality mockups intended to capture the lower-cost iPhone's size, shape, and texture given that it will mark a departure from the nearly all metal and glass bodies of recent iPhone models.

​
Rendered mockup of lower-cost plastic iPhone in white, yellow, red, and green
(Click for larger)​
The renderings show a slightly thicker device than the iPhone 5, measuring at 8.5 mm thick compared to 7.6 mm for the iPhone 5. The lower-cost iPhone is also slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 5 to account for the thicker plastic shell.

​
Rendered mockup of lower-cost plastic iPhone in green
(Click for larger)​
Physical features are very similar to those of the iPhone 5, although the volume buttons appear to be shifting from the round design seen on recent iPhone models to pill-shaped, and the speaker and microphone holes along the bottom edge will also see a simpler design compared to the iPhone 5.

Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 5S flagship device later this year, most likely around the same September-October timeframe seen the past two years. The company's lower-cost iPhone is likely to make its debut at around the same time, offering an updated more affordable option for consumers, particularly in markets where carrier subsidies are uncommon.

Article Link: High-Resolution Renderings of Apple's Lower-Cost Plastic iPhone
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/07/02/high-resolution-renderings-of-apples-lower-cost-plastic-iphone/
B

bobbytallant

macrumors 6502
Apr 6, 2010
375
38
Everyone prepare to see these renderings used again and again for the next several months on here ;)
 
Asclepio

Asclepio

macrumors 6502a
Jul 11, 2011
718
315
this is top secret but i post it anyway
rhr98i.jpg
 
M

milo

macrumors 604
Sep 23, 2003
6,891
522
I don't mind the colors as long as neutral versions are available…but really, the rumors are saying no black?
 
Nightarchaon

Nightarchaon

macrumors 65816
Sep 1, 2010
1,393
30
is it just me, or does this look a lot better in white only...

unless they match the face to the case colour, that would be cool
 
T

ThatsMeRight

macrumors 68020
Sep 12, 2009
2,289
251
I actually really like the 'lower-cost' iPhone. It seems to have all the key features people want, but with the same old iPhone 3GS-like design.

I love it. And I am an iPhone 5 owner.
 
keysofanxiety

keysofanxiety

macrumors G3
Nov 23, 2011
9,539
25,302
Cool, mock-up renderings of a phone; a phone whose existence has been neither confirmed nor even proven.

If that isn't innovation, I don't know what is. They've practically made up a new Apple product! ;)
 
philipfreire

philipfreire

macrumors member
Oct 11, 2012
68
79
Toronto, ON
Id take this over an iPhone 5 - why? Because I bet the wear and tear wont be as bad as this iPhone 5 has been. Stupid Anodized Aluminium!
 
tomegun

tomegun

macrumors 6502
Sep 29, 2007
347
36
Las Vegas
It is probably fake, but I would buy one. The iPhone 4, 4S and 5 are great...while they are sitting on a desk, but they are not hardly the most comfortable to hold. For me, I will always have a case on them so that kind of defeats the purpose.

If they made a model like this in black, and it had all of the hardware (it wasn't a "cheap" version) I would get one of these in a heartbeat. I would mind it a little thicker too, if they improved the battery life.

What if the colors were some sort of Apple cases where someone could buy whatever color they wanted and replace it if it got damaged due to a drop? That would be nice. Women could match their case to their outfit.
 
C

cuda12

macrumors member
Mar 13, 2011
67
0
Miami, FL
With colors like these, I can see this cheaper iPhone being used by kids (around middle school/high school). I've helped out at a couple of elementary schools and been shocked at 4th and 5th graders having smartphones. I don't see the necessity of having a constant data connection at such a young age, but a cheap iPhone could replace a feature phone, iPod, and portable gaming device for kids.
 
M

Mr.damien

Guest
IDK what Apple want to do with those but if it's real, it can be very very dangerous for their traditional market.

If the "low cost" is done with same hadware as iPhone 4/4S or 5 but with less expensive materials, a lot of people in western countries won't like to pay premium price just for aluminium and glass.

They will want to switch on those low cost stuff. And if Apple refuse to sell them, they will probably be upset enough to buy a competitor phone instead.

Apple is playing a dangerous game if this is true.

I find the current line quite enough. They should continue to sell their older model for less money.
 
T

tann

macrumors 68000
Apr 15, 2010
1,944
813
UK
What do we think the internals of this would be?

I think the A5 is too old to use inside it now, so A6?

I think it will have the iPad mini camera though and 16gb of storage.

But then if it was $400 off contract (for example) I think a lot of people would pick this over a discounted 5 ($550) and 5S ($650)?
 
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