Rumors about a cheaper version of the iPhone could end up true after reputable news sites The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News confirmed that Apple is working on a cheaper phone in order to gain more following in emerging markets. Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the plans, reports that Apple is weighing retail prices of $99 to $149 for the new device, which would debut in late 2013.
What Else You Need To Know
- The next-iteration of Apple's flagship smartphone, also known as the iPhone 6, is expected to debut in the fall.
- Apple, which is known for its pricey devices, is selling its latest-generation iPhone starting at $649, although the devices can be purchased from a carrier-subsidized price of $199 on a two-year contract.
- Apple's rival, Android, has cemented its dominance in emerging markets where inexpensive smartphones are more popular and many are on no-contract prepaid plans.
- Apple did provide a low-cost version of its other mobile device, the iPad. A $329 iPad mini was launched alongside the $499 full-sized iPad late last year.
Other sources
Such a drastic drop in price (a 16GB iPhone 5 costs $649 from Apple) would inevitably mean a drastic drop in quality and performance – a sacrifice Apple doesn’t seem likely to make, particularly when you take the iPad Mini, it’s recent attempt to attract the budget crowd into account.- Andy Boxall, Digital Trends
That price would likely be aimed at emerging markets and at people looking for a cheap alternative to the inexpensive Android smartphones that have seemingly flooded the market in recent years.- Adam Mills, Gotta Be Mobile
- iPhone Download Blog
- Bloomberg: less pricey iPhone to cost $99 to $149, arriving late-2013
- GigaOM
- How cheap will a low-cost iPhone be? Maybe $99 to $149
- Phone Arena
- Bloomberg puts a price on the rumored affordable iPhone - $99 to $149
- iPhone Download Blog
- Why T-Mobile is the right fit for the $99 iPhone mini
- Gadgetorama
- Entry-level Apple iPhone to sell for as low as US$99?
- iPhone Hacks
- Apple’s Cheaper iPhone Will Reportedly Retail for $99 to $149, to Debut in Late 2013
- Digital Trends
- Rumors of cheap iPhone continue to spread, this time touting $99 or $149 price tag
- iPhone In Canada Blog
- Apple Considering $99-$149 Price Point for Cheaper iPhone says Bloomberg
- GottaBeMobile
- $99 iPhone Launch Rumored for 2013