Apple May Be Developing iPhones with a Range of Prices

[Ed Hardy]

Apple will release less expensive versions of the iPhone, if an unconfirmed report is correct.

First Generation iPhone (view large image)

This company's first smartphone is set to debut at the end of this month in two versions, one $600 and the other $500 with a two-year contract. Those are high prices even for high-end smartphones, and the consumers Apple is primarily targeting with the iPhone often get their phones for free when signing a contract.

Apple may already be working on new products for those who want some cheaper options. An analyst for American Technology Research, Shaw Wu, said in a recent note that he'd been told by unnamed sources that Apple is developing “lower cost iPhone prototypes for release at unspecified future dates.”

Wu had no additional details, like what features will be scaled back in order to reach the lower price points.

This wouldn't be out of character for Apple; It's iPod line of digital music players come in a wide range of prices and configurations.

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Via TechWack

 

 

[Ed Hardy]

Before anyone gets their hopes up, it's my understanding that Apple's exclusivity contract with AT&T covers not just the iPhone but subsequent devices. So I wouldn't expect to see the less expensive models available from another carrier.

At least in the U.S. What's going to happen in the rest of the world is still up in the air.

[Antoine Wright]

According to a patent some time back via Apple, there was a nano-sized iPhone like device that had a trick screen (touchscreen with scrollwheel). I wonder if that is part of it. Though, if looking at the history of the iPod, there will be at least a substantial memory jump in a minor update in 18 months, with a nano-like model with the same specs as the low end iPhone now has not long after that. I'd also guess that some sort of new tech would also debut in terms of some kind of music controller that picks up some where the touchscreen leaves off.

Of course, I am guessing at all of this, I haven't been right on an Apple prediction in a good bit.

[tmedvick]

My expectation would be a "phone-less" iPhone.

They could even come out with a video ipod; no net, no apps, just a player with the better screen and battery.

[RobbM]

My expectation would be a "phone-less" iPhone.

They could even come out with a video ipod; no net, no apps, just a player with the better screen and battery.

This is almost for sure going to happen. The iPhone is kind of the test device for the screen and the mobile iTunes-type app. However, it could be possible that this widescreen iPod would be more like the Upstage, with a control surface on the back which manipulates interface elements on the front (the Upstage doesn't do this, but what I mean is a two-sided device). Apple has applied for a patent on that.

Sure, you could knock out some stuff on the current iPhone. WiFi, for instance. And I never use my phone for mail or web stuff. You could knock out a lot of stuff and have a device that would still be quite useful for me, personally.

[rkevwill]

My expectation would be a "phone-less" iPhone.

They could even come out with a video ipod; no net, no apps, just a player with the better screen and battery.

Well, a unit just like the iphone, but without the phone app would work for me. Just make it a bluetooth and wifi device. One could tether it via bluetooth if ya have to get online via cellular. And yes, I know there are other devices out there that can do that now. But, not like the iphone/iphoneless

No 3g was a deal breaker for me. That and no access to sync Now Up to date and Contact at present.

[Konrad Pierce]

An Apple iPDA without all that phone nonsense ... that's something I would consider buying. At least, assuming it doesn't cost more than a new car.