It has been reported that Apple is quietly working on creating a new low cost version of iPhone, in an attempt to directly challenge the market dominance of Android in this segment. The new device is likely to cost about $200 (approx Rs 9,200), according to Bloomberg. The phone is likely to be somewhat smaller than iPhone 4 but may support a universal SIM in which the users would be able to change their network without physically changing their SIM card.
Android is growing continuously in the budget smartphone segment, and it recently overtook the Symbian platform as the most popular smartphone operating system. Apple believes it is a high volume market and sees an opportunity for itself here. Earlier the company used to target the top end of the market only, and now it has decided to go for the 100 per cent, according to Bloomberg.
Apple has refused to comment on the speculation whereas the report itself says the device may be out in the market this July. It is reported that the iPhone mini will not have a home button. Curiously, the leak has arrived at the same time when Nokia is also announcing its new strategy.
Chances of Apple offering low cost iPhones increased vastly after the success of low cost LG Optimus Series phones. Apple would be able to penetrate the international market better with the help of low cost iPhones. There also remains a possibility that some carriers may offer the smaller iPhones for free if the users agree for a contract with them. Bloomberg hedged its bets by saying that Apple at times works on products which don’t get released at all.