Apple is believed to be working on a smaller and cheaper iPhone, reported Bloomberg. The new iPhone plans to battle against Apple’s falling market share. In the last quarter, Google’s Android owned 32.9 percent of the smartphone market share while Apple only had 16 percent.
The difference in mobile OS adoption is due to Apple’s strict control over its software and product, which acts as a double-edge sword. On the other hand, Android opens up its platform for mobile makers to innovate. For example, Tencent, China’s internet giant, had recently announced its Android powered phone which potentially could be used by millions in China.
The price of the “smaller and cheaper iPhone” is believed to be around $200. Its low price would also appeal more in markets such as China and India, where mobile users “opt for lower-priced devices that don’t carry long-term contracts.” Apple took this path as it understands that it can’t afford to lose too much market share to Android. But it remains to be seen if this device would take flight in China and India. $200 isn’t considered affordable in most parts of China and India.
Don’t keep your hopes too high as Apple may simply just scrap this plan. Apple CEO Steve Job, who is currently on medical leave, is believed to be involved in this plan. If everything goes smoothly, the smaller and cheaper iPhone is aimed to be unveil around June this year.
via Bloomberg
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Why not just continue making the “last years model” for another year. Similar to the iPhone 3GS is now. There selling it for 50 bucks with a 2 year deal. How much cheaper than that do you want?
I don’t see them making a low-end version…. It’s not the Apple way. Look at there response to netbooks. They just said no. Then created the iPad….
: / and it may dilute the brand too. a little too far stretch. but they have to do something about it. android is dominating
Makes sense. Perhaps a 480×320 resolution on retina display, then we can have a smaller iphone.
Ah but then again tapping accurately will be a bitch, maybe not after all..