WSJ: Less Expensive iPhone Could Come as Soon as This Year

[MacRumors]

A less expensive iPhone is in the works and could go on sale as soon as this year, reports the Wall Street Journal. Digitimes reported something similar earlier today.

The translucent iPhone case for the iPhone 5, from iPhone5mod

While Apple has explored such a device for years, the plan has been progressing and a less expensive version of the flagship device could launch as soon as later this year, one of the people said.

The cheaper phone could resemble the standard iPhone, with a different, less-expensive body, one of the people said. One possibility Apple has considered is lowering the cost of the device by using a different shell made of polycarbonate plastic. Many other parts could remain the same or be recycled from older iPhone models.

The WSJ reported that Apple was working on a cheaper, smaller iPhone two years ago, which the paper does note. Of course, Apple already does offer cheaper models than the flagship iPhone -- currently the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S.

The device could be aimed at emerging markets like India where postpaid plans are scarce, and users typically pay in full for their phones up front.

Update: Bloomberg echoes the WSJ, saying Apple "plans to sell a smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone as soon as this year" and the device will be aimed at customers in developing countries. Bloomberg says that the device could sell for $99 or $149.

Article Link: WSJ: Less Expensive iPhone Could Come as Soon as This Year

[GeekLawyer]

Hmmm... it's moved beyond Digitimes "reporting." Maybe there's something to the rumor?

[abhishake]

I think it'd be cool to satisfy those customers with bigger hands and larger tastes.

[SoApple]

The WSJ is usully very reliable from what I can recall. Maybe there is something to this rumor after all.

What i really want is an ipad mini with retina display!

[iGrip]

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

[rendevouspoo]

Isn't this the kind of stuff that Apple 'fans' hate?

[TC03]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

Sigh.

[Allenbf]

If this is true, wonder if it'll appear in the States? Or Europe? If it is a move for a less expensive iPhone, what are the chances of Apple selling it only in markets needing cheaper iPhones?

[RemE]

I'd choose a black polycarbonate iphone 5 any day over the current aluminum version, it just makes more sense. The stainless steel 4's were so much more scuff resistant than the current soft aluminum so just give me light weight quality plastic. It wouldn't chafe in the case any worse than what I have now. If it's cheaper, that's a plus as well.

[ahmet]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

so you were thinking that you were elite, and insult other people with prejudgement and state them as "unwashed' by just using a device, previously. so sad to see what happened to humanity.

[KieranDotW]

They already have the discounted iPhone 4 and 4S. If they're thinking prepaid markets I find that extremely unlikely.

[MrDc2]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Image


A less expensive iPhone is in the works and could go on sale as soon as this year, reports the Wall Street Journal. Digitimes reported something similar earlier today.

ImageThe translucent iPhone case for the iPhone 5, from iPhone5mod

The WSJ reported that Apple was working on a cheaper, smaller iPhone two years ago, which the paper does note. Of course, Apple already does offer cheaper models than the flagship iPhone -- currently the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S.

The device could be aimed at emerging markets like India where postpaid plans are scarce, and users typically pay in full for their phones up front.

Article Link: WSJ: Less Expensive iPhone Could Come as Soon as This Year

Wow. And I was totally calling BS on this in the previous post only an hour ago. Sorry guys.

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

I really doubt it. Apple doesn't do stuff like this that cheapens their brands. If you want a cheaper iPhone, get the older 4S.

[basesloaded190]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

This is why there is a stigma towards those who own Apple products.

[needfx]

smoke & mirrors, smoke & mirrors

[sinsin07]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

You should change your handle.

[nfl46]

Well, thats pretty much confirms the rumor...

[Patriot24]

Hey! Hey! Over here! What is a CES!?! Look heeeeeeere!

[OrangeSVTguy]

Don't see how the replacing aluminum case with a plastic one will make it cheaper. The most expensive part I believe is still the flash memory. Wasn't Apple tinkering around with stream only iPhones with enough memory for Apps/iOS to keep costs down? Even with the 3G>4 redesign, the price still stayed the same. Guess people just want a 3G style flimsy plastic iPhone back.

[MrDc2]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

What's next? Poor people owning BMWs, Mercedes and Audis!? I wholly agree! If it makes us feel any less "elite" we should deny them access to it for our own selfish purposes. I know my self esteem is improved whenever I see someone begging for loose change or struggling to feed their family. Poor people, where do they get the nerve to keep on living? It's such an inconvenience to have poorer people owning cool things. Stupid people that can't afford as much as I can... damn you!

[Shrink]

Originally Posted by iGrip

Geez - all we need is more of the unwashed masses using Apple products. What is this world coming to? I remember when owning Apple gear made you one of the elite. So sad to see what is happening.

This post expresses a truly pathetic need for some spurious feelings of superiority, supplied by owning an electronic device.

So many sad and needy people in the world...

[myrtlebee]

It's pretty hard to be less expensive than a $0 iPhone 4 (in the US, anyway).

[krravi]

Originally Posted by sinsin07

you should change your handle.

lol!

[tech4all]

Originally Posted by ahmet

so you were thinking that you were elite, and insult other people with prejudgement and state them as "unwashed' by just using a device, previously. so sad to see what happened to humanity.

Any brand can be a status symbol.

[iGrip]

Originally Posted by ahmet

so you were thinking that you were elite, and insult other people with prejudgement and state them as "unwashed' by just using a device, previously. so sad to see what happened to humanity.

The same thing happened to Porsche. It used to be a brand that was for those with truly great taste. They could turn heads and become the subject of conversation just by driving past. But now, anybody can buy one at some crappy used car lot.

Remember back when you could get a whole conference room full of meeting attendees to stop and redirect their attention just by pulling out an iPhone?

Nowadays every pimply faced high school loser has an iPhone. And Apple wants to make them cheaper?

Whatever.