Apple's next smartphone could make its debut as soon as June, if an analyst's projection serves accurate.
Piper Jaffray's Senior Research Analyst Gene Munster, who has indulged on predicting Apple's ventures, stated the iPhone 5S will be released in June. In addition, a low-cost iPhone is expected to be out by September this year.
In regards to the iPhone 5S, Munster believes the smartphone will have substantial upgrades compared to the iPhone 5. With "an outside chance" of having an NFC chip, the iPhone 5S could feature a faster processor, improved camera, and a biometric security feature, although the latter could be saved for the iPhone 6 instead.
As for the low-cost iPhone, it is a topic Munster has commented on numerous occasions.
"We continue to believe Apple will have a cheaper phone product to address the emerging markets," Munster wrote in a note to investors. "In recent public comments, Tim Cook noted that the original iPod cost $399 and eventually the company released a $49 iPod Shuffle which addressed a broader market. We believe Apple will likely introduce a cheaper device in the September quarter."
In a previous note, Munster stated the low-cost iPhone could feature a price tag between $199 and $249.
Munster's latest note comes after KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated the next Apple smartphone would launch in June or July, also with an improved processor, enhanced camera, and a fingerprint sensor.
As for the low-cost iPhone, Kuo believes it will simply be a repackaged iPhone 5, but thicker. The low-cost iPhone is also projected to be available in six color options.
Speculation about the iPhone 5S includes a report by Japanese blog Macotakara, stating carrier NTT DoCoMo began reducing the number of smartphones for the 2013 autumn season, likely to signal an influx of the future iPhone.
For more on the latest iPhone 5S rumors, click here.
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