While I wrote this in another post, but here's my prediction for the 2014 iPhone line-up:
- iPhone 5c for $0/$450 off contract: This is the price drop the 5c needs. For FREE, the iPhone 5c makes a lot of sense. It's an excellent phone with a very capable chip, 4" display, LTE, and a decent camera.
With its bright colors and durable build, it makes a lot of sense for teens who're looking for a new iPhone on the cheap, and a much better value and durability than the 4S currently. Apple may update the colors, as it used to do with iPods, to regain some excitement for the 5c. A black one would be awesome.
- iPhone 5s for $99/$549 off contract: I believe the 5s will simply drop down to the mid-tier level instead of putting the internals on a plastic design. The 5s is a much more mature product than the iPhone 5, so it makes sense to keep it and keep its beautiful design, while lowering it down for the new iPhone.
- iPhone 6/Air for $199/$649 off contract: While we're still not sure what Apple will call it, this is the iPhone that most of us have been waiting for. Finally with a modernly-sized display at 4.7" - 5.0", inside a body that's only slightly larger than the current 5s. Based on the rumors and leaks, the display will truly be edge-to-edge with no side bezels. The design will probably be based off the iPad Air, and it'll be crazy thin. Other enhancements will surely include camera and processor. I'm not expecting much more else, as the focus this year will probably be display size!
- iPhone 6L/Pro for $299/$749 off contract: A phablet-like iPhone still isn't sure for this year and no concrete evidence shows a 5.5"+ iPhone, I'm still taking this with a grain of salt. However, if they are making a big iPhone, I'm adamant this iPhone will be an extension to the lineup, rather than a replacement. As with all Apple products, the bigger one is always the better one, as they do with bigger Macs and iPad Air. I'm betting if we'll ever see a big iPhone, it'll be a very premium product that's priced higher than most phones in its class, so a $299/$749 price is likely I think. Apple thrives in the premium business, and this will be a dream for many iPhone buyers who wanted something like a Galaxy Note made by Apple and are willing to pay the extra.
I think 2014 will probably be one of the most important years for iPhone. Remember this: iPhone alone makes 50% of Apple's total revenue. The current line-up is weak for something that generates half of the company's money, and I'm sure Apple knows this, so they'll probably pump it up.
