No low-cost iPhone coming in June, says RBC
updated 03:45 pm EDT, Mon March 30, 2009
No low-cost iPhone?
In spite of continual suggestions to the contrary, a low-cost version of the iPhone appears unlikely to be announced this June, says RBC Capital analyst Mike Abramsky. Citing "build data and other checks" as evidence, Abramsky suggests that if a cheaper iPhone is in development, there is little chance of it shipping soon. For Apple this is said to offer the advantage of protecting profit margins, but at the possible risk of letting more affordable competitors steal marketshare.
Said to be much closer to certain is a phone Abramsky labels the "iPhone 3G Pro," upgraded with faster HSUPA 3G instead of the current HSDPA. The phone is also expected to have better graphics performance, and new video recording and messaging capabilities, with the possibility of a thinner size. Capacities are predicted to rise to 16 and 32GB, while maintaining previous $199 and $299 price points. Distribution will probably begin with AT&T and proliferate outwards, says Abramsky.
