Apple may introduce a cheaper iPhone in an effort to reclaim some of the sales that the company has been losing to less expensive handsets running on Google's Android software.
Apple Inc. is reportedly planning to sell a smaller, cheaper version of its iPhone later this year in a push to gain customers in developing countries.
Apple, which has been working on a more affordable smartphone since February 2011, is considering prices of $99 to $149 for a device that would be released in late 2013.
Executives at Apple have been particularly interested in building a lower-cost model with less-expensive components such as using aluminum frames as a way to appeal to customers who turned off by high prices.Also there is possibility to use the materials which are obtained from recycling of the old IPhones to generate new affordable models.
More affordable iPhones would help Apple play catch-up with smartphone makers such as Samsung Electronics Co. using Google Inc. ‘s Android mobile software system.Android made up 75 percent of smartphone shipments in the third quarter, compared with 15 percent for Apple.Via Bloomberg
Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has said China is a priority. The company generated $5.7 billion in sales in China in the quarter ended in September and sold more than 2 million iPhone 5s during its weekend debut there last month.
via Apple may introduce cheaper iPhone this year VIDEO – San Antonio Business Journal.
