Wednesday, 11 July 2007

Is Apple Planning a Cheaper iPhone?

Less than two weeks after the much awaited iPhone made its debut, analysts have already started speculating that a less costly, next generation version may soon be just around the corner...

Less than two weeks after the much awaited iPhone made its debut, analysts have already started speculating that a less costly, next generation version may soon be just around the corner.

According to Reuters’ reports, JP Morgan analyst Kevin Chang, said the Cupertino based Apple may in fact be looking to "launch a cheaper version of the iPhone in the fourth quarter that could be based on its iPod nano music player."

The report also said that a patent application referring to a “multifunctional handheld device with a circular touch pad control” was filed by Apple on July 5.

The two iPhone models are being sold for USD 500 and USD 600 depending on their storage space. If a cheaper version was to come out, it would probably be in the price range of USD 300 said Chang.

Analysts say this move would be ideal for the consumer electronics goliath if it plans to reach its target sales of 10 million units by 2008 in order for it to gain a 1 percent share of the global market.