It's beginning to look like 2013 will be the year Apple finally expands its iPhone lineup beyond just one model. A new report released by Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White asserts that a cheaper iPhone variant could be releasing as early as June.
White, who is a well-known voicer of Apple trends, believes that Apple will call the low-cost iPhone the "iPhone mini" or the iPhone "Air." His pricing estimates line up with a previous rumor floating around.
"A $250-$300 price range would also be competitive with China-based Xiaomi that offers a high-end phone experience at a mid-range price of ~$320 in China," he writes. "We believe a $250-to-$300 price point will allow Apple to significantly expand its reach in the smartphone market and better address developing markets such as China, while opening up more opportunities in Brazil, Russia, India and elsewhere."
This price point refers to unlocked models, and a low-cost iPhone purchased with a contract should be far cheaper. For comparison, the unlocked iPhone 5 starts a $649. This would lead to a lower profit margin for Apple, White explains, but should bring in dollars through volume sold.
The cheaper iPhone would help Apple gain traction in markets such as China, where the expensive iPhone's price is simply unaffordable for many. It would also strengthen the possibility of an Apple deal with China Mobile, the largest wireless network in China.
There are no details currently about what this cheaper iPhone would entail, although some have speculated that it would have a cheaper, plastic body (possibly see-through) and utilize components found in the iPhone 5.
Would you pick up a cheaper iPhone, or still spring for the full-fledged, more-expensive model?
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