Analyst predicts cut-price, updated 3G iPhone models
Original iPhone to re-appear, sort of
A market analyst has compiled a list of potential features that he’s claimed could be included on an upcoming cut-price iPhone.
Abramsky's predictions for a cut-price iPhone (left) and updated model
The list comes from RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Abramsky who - according to a report by Silicon Alley Insider - has predicted that the phone would cost just $99 (£68/€76).
Dubbed the “Entry Level iPhone”, the device would only feature an Edge connection. It would support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The model would still have a 3.5in screen – blowing rumours of an iPhone Nano out of the water – and be available as an 8GB device. A sub-2Mp camera would be included, but GPS wouldn’t be.
A range of network providers, including Orange and T-Mobile, could also be allowed to sell the cheaper model alongside O2. The handset could be available from June this year.
Abramsky’s also predicted development of an “updated iPhone 3G” with a higher resolution screen than the so-called entry-level model would feature. Much like existing models, the updated iPhone would come in 16GB and 32GB capacity options, but would also include GPS.
He’s claimed the same range of network providers will also offer the updated model from June, but that they’ll ask between $199 and $299 (£207/€231) for the device. ®
COMMENTS
OMDZ
My wife's friend Zoe, used to go out with a guy called Mark, but now Mark is with Sue and they have a dog Buster, who goes to the Vet on a regular basis as he has a problem with his hearing, now the Vet has another patient which is a budgie, and the budgie's owner lives over near a construction site, where just the other day he was speaking to one of the builders who has a cousin who told him the new iPhone is going to have a camera either equal to 2Mp or better....
One of the worst stories I've heard, similar to this article...
@Jerome
>lack of 3G in the cheaper model - it hardly costs anything to build in
AFAIK the licence cost of a 3G baseband is still fairly high. I'd be surprised if it wasn't one of the most expensive 'parts' in the phone. So it'll really come down to whether they (Apple and carriers) think they can still get away with a 2.5G data connection. If they're trying to boost revenue from the App store, then they need to get more handsets shipped, which, since they'll soon saturate their current demographic, means attacking different price points. And lowering the cost means reducing build cost.
Does anyone believe the analyst?
I hear his previous recommendations to "Sell" apple have been coupled with share price increases...
@ Robert Hill: I think Orange does EDGE, the Pink T does not.
No
This is just pants. Better specifications than he claims in a $99 iPhone CutPriceTM can be found in other phones for contracts c. £20/mo...
