WSJ: Less Expensive iPhone Could Come as Soon as This YearA less expensive iPhone is in the works and could go on sale as soon as this year, reports the Wall Street Journal. Digitimes reported something similar earlier today. The translucent iPhone case for the iPhone 5, from iPhone5modWhile Apple has explored such a device for years, the plan has been progressing and a less expensive version of the flagship device could launch as soon as later this year, one of the people said. The cheaper phone could resemble the standard iPhone, with a different, less-expensive body, one of the people said. One possibility Apple has considered is lowering the cost of the device by using a different shell made of polycarbonate plastic. Many other parts could remain the same or be recycled from older iPhone models.The WSJ reported that Apple was working on a cheaper, smaller iPhone two years ago, which the paper does note. Of course, Apple already does offer cheaper models than the flagship iPhone -- currently the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S. The device could be aimed at emerging markets like India where postpaid plans are scarce, and users typically pay in full for their phones up front. Update: Bloomberg echoes the WSJ, saying Apple "plans to sell a smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone as soon as this year" and the device will be aimed at customers in developing countries. Bloomberg says that the device could sell for $99 or $149. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • Otterbox Announces Waterproof "Armor Series' iPhone Cases • CES 2013: Hipkey - a 'Bluetooth Smart' Proximity Sensor for iOS Devices • CES 2013: Scosche Introduces Weatherproof BoomBOTTLE Speaker For Cyclists and Outdoor Enthusiasts • iPhone5mod Launches Translucent Mod Kit in Seven Colors for iPhone 5 • CES 2013: Panasonic Announces iOS-Compatible Smart Viera Plasma HDTV Lineup
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/08/wsj-less-expensive-iphone-could-come-as-soon-as-this-year/
