Apple’s highly anticipated event on Tuesday looks to extend the reach of the iPhone to new markets as the tech giant moves to regain momentum in the smartphone segment.
Analysts believe an invitation-only special event at Apple’s headquarters in Silicon Valley will spotlight a more economical iPhone priced to compete in places where money is tight, along with a beefed-up top-end model.
Forrester analyst Charles Golvin said the consensus was for Apple to unveil a new high-end phone, “most likely called the 5S, with the same look and feel physically but with a speed boost; new processor, and new graphics capabilities.”
A lower-cost iPhone, had been dubbed the 5C “because it would come in multiple colours analogous to today’s iPod touch,” Golvin said.
Speculation about the iPhone 5S included the debut of a gold colour and fingerprint recognition for enhanced security.
Analysts were keenly focused on the promise of an iPhone 5C to win over buyers in China and other developing markets where there is fierce competition from low-priced smartphones powered by Google’s Android operating system.