Filed under: Rumors, WWDC, iPhone
Rumor: Budget iPhone model expected, says FT.com
If the promise of a new, faster and video-editing enabled iPhone isn't enough to make you block out time for Monday's WWDC keynote on your calendar, check out the Financial Times report that revitalizes rumors of a new lower-priced iPhone model (iPhone mini? iPhone nano?) said to be ready for announcement on Monday. The new device would also come subsidized with a carrier contract, but would cost buyers just $149US or $99US up front.
While rumors of a cheaper iPhone have been circulating since the original iPhone introduction, the option to split the product line may make more sense now that consumer spending is in recession-tightened mode. Still, PCworld points out that FT's choice of analysts to quote is a little bit problematic; Morgan Stanley's Kathryn Huberty got cited by Seeking Alpha as the worst predictor of Apple's numbers in September 2008.
If you had a choice between a full-featured iPhone capable of video calls and clip capture/editing, or saving $100+ on a 4GB model with capabilities similar to today's iPhone 3G, which would you choose?
[via Engadget]
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Steven said 2:23AM on 6-06-2009
After having a 16GB iPhone 3G for a year now I have come to realize something. The bigger and better it is the more willing I am to spend ANY money. Just give me the biggest and baddest phone available.
Reply
Jaap said 2:32AM on 6-06-2009
Give me the full fat one please -and make it quick!
Reply
Chris said 2:35AM on 6-06-2009
If it's a phone I'll definitely spend the extra bit and get the nicest, most full featured and/or pay a premium for something that is the smallest form factor possible (i.e. if there were a thinner iphone that cost an extra $100). I am not made of money -- but for the amount of time I spend using a cell phone and laptop I am more than willing to pay a premium for the best. Other areas and interests have me making more modest decisions. That being said, I think it's a smart move to provide an option for someone that wants and iphone but doesn't need the latest/greatest/best.
Reply
Joel said 2:36AM on 6-06-2009
What if they just continue the old model as the cheap entry version.
With the iPhone Video costing more. Makes sense to me.
8gb iPhone 3gb @ $99. Also fits with the Wal-Mart rumours from way back.
Reply
Carl said 4:23AM on 6-06-2009
My iPhone 3g was stolen a week and a half ago, and I've been without a phone since--holding off a replacement--specifically to see if they announce a price cut. With every bone of hope in my body, I would be thrilled to find out I can replace my 3g for cheap soon--maybe even monday (fingers crossed)--until I can get the new one whenever it's released. If my phone was never stolen, though, I would upgrade to a third gen iPhone as soon as its released. My 3g needed more processor power. Regardless of what news emerges, I'm excited!
Reply
Noah said 4:49AM on 6-06-2009
All rumors are pointing towards the new 16/32 GB models being able to purchase on Monday, while the 4 GB ($99 edition) will be available in July.
Reply
oliver hart said 11:56AM on 6-06-2009
Wrong. Its vice versa-they're saying apple is putting a 4GB iPhone on fast track for Monday to rain on Palms parade.
And I'm fine with my 3G for now-just give me 3.0
dan said 5:46AM on 6-06-2009
the price of the phone is irrelevant. it's the at&t contract that is the dealbreaker for many.
Reply
mikull said 12:11PM on 6-06-2009
Apple is not helping anyone in this recession unless they work something out with AT&T. Whether the phone is $100, $200 or $400 truly is irrelevant. It's the total 2 year cost of ownership that kills the deal for many.
brackintosh said 12:47PM on 6-06-2009
Absolutely. I could care less about the up-front cost, its the monthly charge that has me owning an iPod Touch instead of an iPhone.
Work pays for my Blackberry Bold, but my wife wants an iPhone and I'd love to be able to use the iPhone on weekends and be able to leave the Bold back at the house.
She won't be a heavy data or minutes user but the $60+ a month plan from ATT is whats keeping us from dropping Sprint and moving over.
Our current phone plan for her runs less than $25 a month, so the difference over two years is pretty significant.
Nate said 5:48AM on 6-06-2009
Apple has never been a company to cater to the low budget crowd... I call Shenanigans on this.
Reply
mike said 8:29PM on 6-06-2009
Huh? The current 8gig iPod touch is like 200 bucks, and you can't imagine a 4 gig iPhone being 100?
You're a moron.
And the blanket statement about Apple ripping off its customers, is so 1996. Giggle off.
milkmage said 1:35PM on 6-06-2009
except for the mini and the nano and the shuffle.
iphone market penetration has peaked. they have to do something to increase market share.
i would be really surprised to see lines like we've seen before for the new model.
i'm down for a faster CPU, and more RAM, but I might stay with 16GB vs 32 (I don't use mine as an ipod)
@ab - leave it, when 3.0 comes your phone will be nuked. it will get completely reimaged. if you're not having problems syncing, i wouldn't worry about it.
basscadet said 9:52AM on 6-07-2009
no one said anything about apple ripping off people, only that they're not interested in serving the low budget portion of the market. And calling people morons for supposedly insulting your Kool Aid providers is not new either.
jeyadev said 6:31AM on 6-06-2009
mmm, they might do a 4GB... cos in Asia we get lots of people who are Apple & iPhone fans, who can't afford the RM2000 (non-subsidised)
Reply
iBearTouch said 7:21AM on 6-06-2009
As much as I would like an iPhone, I think I still might hold out for Fall's new version of the iPod Touch, especially if it too has the camera and all that. But yes, I would prefer the fully tricked out iPhone. ;-)
Reply
gerdozain said 7:42AM on 6-06-2009
I'll take a biggest and fastest iPhone every tiime. For some reason my iPhone 1G was faster at everything except internet.
I want faster!!!!!!!!! Oh, and skype on 3g.
Reply
Martin said 11:25AM on 6-06-2009
You are not the only one in that boat. As far as I'm concerned, the 2.0 update screwed the performance of the OS, and it still isn't back to what it was pre-update.
I'd rather they fix that then adding all this new stuff ... or *gasp* do both.
Ali said 1:18PM on 6-06-2009
Gimme the full featured one please ... Based on Apple's own words they won't aim at that market; And I think it's true at least for this time ...
Reply
milkmage said 1:40PM on 6-06-2009
...3 years ago, apple said they'd never release a phone either.
they also said 99 cents would be the price for songs and wouldn't bow to the RIAA for tiered pricing.
@thwarko - right on, dad!