Supply chain indicates Apple to release two new iPhone models

by Mark Tyson on 29 May 2013, 10:16

Tags: iPhone, PC

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Apple plans to launch two new iPhone models which will launch during Q3 2013 say supply chain sources in Taiwan. The company is asking its suppliers and manufacturers to prepare production capacity able to put out 20 million units a month, according to a report in DigiTimes.

The two new iPhones, which could be unveiled as early as June, will include an updated iPhone 5 model and a lower cost iPhone model. The lower cost smartphone is said to most closely resemble the iPhone 4S in its hardware spec however display and processor specifications may take a little snip/dip according to sources.

The supply chain sources told DigiTimes that shipments of the new iPhone models are expected to start in late June and build through July and August. It is estimated that the total number of iPhones shipped in H2 2013 will be over 100 million.

Tim Cook talks about “game changers”

While DigiTimes found the above information from its supply chain sources in Taiwan’s computer industry AllThingsD held a conference in California and Tim Cook was in the hot seat as a guest yesterday.

Investors are worried about Apple’s apparent treading water, innovation-wise, under Cook’s leadership. There is pressure on Tim Cook “to debut something fresh to reignite sales growth” reports Bloomberg News. Cook said that Apple has some “incredible plans” and Apple has “several more game changers” in the pipeline.

These game changing products may well be in the field of wearable technology as Cook said that wearable computing is a “profound area” and a wrist worn device would be particularly interesting. While on the wearable tech topic Cook said that Google Glass would probably have trouble being accepted into the mainstream, as they might be too obtrusive, also users “probably want them to reflect their fashion.”

Meanwhile a big change is forecast to come with Apple’s upcoming iOS 7, with the skeuomorphic leather, wood and paper core app appearances being dumped for a flat minimalist look.



HEXUS Forums :: 8 Comments

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oh dear - first a 7" tablet that was mocked as being too small, and now a low cost iPhone, something they didn't want to do before either…
Hmmm. It'll be interesting to see Apple's interpretation of “ lower cost ” …. which I note didn't say “low” cost. I wonder if it'll be a bit like a lower cost Rolex, that is, cheap for a Rolex but still more than a large majority will pay for a watch?
Same thoughts crossed my mind. Must admit it does make sense to make a lower cost version but I reckon it will still be out of reach of many. I'm seeing many people migrating away from Apple and it's associated problems/advantages
Saracen
Hmmm. It'll be interesting to see Apple's interpretation of “ lower cost ” …. which I note didn't say “low” cost. I wonder if it'll be a bit like a lower cost Rolex, that is, cheap for a Rolex but still more than a large majority will pay for a watch?
Well they had the iPad mini, this ground has been trodden before.

However, unlike the iPad, the iPhone changed design noticeable from afar with the 3-4-5 jumps. Apple were always selling the latest revision to the major version behind the major version. When the 4 was launched, cheap 3S, when the 4S was launched, cheap 3S, when the 5, cheap 4S.

This meant that they offered a lower priced entry point, but it was fashionably less desirable. Pretty clever! The iPad never had such design changes that someone could tell at a glance that you're a poor street urchin, not rocking the latest model. I think this was why, despite the high margins, they never priced previous versions low.
TheAnimus
Well they had the iPad mini, this ground has been trodden before.

However, unlike the iPad, the iPhone changed design noticeable from afar with the 3-4-5 jumps. Apple were always selling the latest revision to the major version behind the major version. When the 4 was launched, cheap 3S, when the 4S was launched, cheap 3S, when the 5, cheap 4S.

This meant that they offered a lower priced entry point, but it was fashionably less desirable. Pretty clever! The iPad never had such design changes that someone could tell at a glance that you're a poor street urchin, not rocking the latest model. I think this was why, despite the high margins, they never priced previous versions low.

And whilst Steve was in charge he rubbished 7“ tablets and said there was no need for a cheaper iPhone or one bigger than 3.5”. These “statements” are all gone now and this is another example of how Apple is chasing dollars. Many suppliers are trying to move away from Apple, Foxconn for example as their huge amounts for tiny prices paid to them is hurting them now. Share price is staying low and they need a boost, something a cheaper iPhone will give them