Apple plans smaller, cheaper iPhone for customers in developing nations
New model will debut later this year as part of a push to gain customers in developing countries
Apple plans to sell a smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone as soon as this year, said a person familiar with the plans, part of a push to gain customers in developing nations.
Apple, which has been working on a more affordable smartphone since at least February 2011, is weighing retail prices of US$99 to US$149 for a device that would debut later this year, at the earliest, according to the person, who asked not to be named because the negotiations are private. Apple had spoken to at least one of the top US wireless carriers about its plans, the person said.
Apple executives have been particularly interested in building a lower-cost model with less expensive components as a way to appeal to customers in emerging markets, another person has said.
More affordable iPhones would help Apple as it plays catch-up with smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics using Google's Android mobile software system.
Android made up 75 per cent of smartphone shipments in the third quarter, compared with 15 per cent for Apple, according to IDC.
Natalie Kerris, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported a cheaper iPhone might debut later this year.