Supply-chain sources reveal Apple is set to roll out a budget version of the iPhone.
Digitimes reports that sources close to the matter have seen samples of the low-cost iPhone, saying it will have a brand new exterior design and a 5-inch screen.
The budget iPhone is said to be initially aimed at China and other emerging markets, apparently this reason Apple will target China is because a large number of 5-inch displays are sold there.
Digitimes also reports that other sources claim the recent release of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets will pave the way for Apple to bring out a budget smartphone. The new handsets are apparently intended to release in the second half of 2013.
It seems out of character for Apple to release a budget version of anything, but then again, and while I would be very surprised if Apple decided to release an iPhone with a larger screen, yet charge less for it, there have a been a number of analysts predicting that an ‘iPhone mini’ will be entering the smartphone market in the next few years.
"The iPhone 5 is growing fast and profitably right now, so there is little incentive for Apple to launch an 'iPhone Mini' this year. We expect the iPhone Mini to be more likely next year, in 2014 when Apple will be forced to discover fresh growth streams," commented Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics.
"For Apple to be effective in this segment it needs to come to market soon with a Mini or other similar type product," suggested Foad Fadaghi, research director at Telsyte.

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