Despite previous information put out earlier, sources have told the media that Apple is not planning to release a smaller iPhone version this summer. However, they report that Apple is looking into a less expensive version of the iPhone.
An earlier announcement had reported that Apple already had a prototype of a smaller and less expensive iPhone. The phone was supposedly between a third to one-half the size of the current iPhone 4.
But now, all reports coming out of Apple say they are not working on a smaller version of the iPhone. The sources for this information didn’t wish to be identified because Apple’s plans are all confidential. Instead, they said Apple was working hard to finish a new generation of the iPhone which is probably going to be the same or similar size as the iPhone 4.
Yes another source said that the reason Apple is not pursuing a smaller iPhone is because it wouldn’t be that much less expensive to build and it could be harder for users to operate. Plus, Apple doesn’t want software developers to have to rewrite their applications to work on it.
A senior Apple official reported during a private meeting that it wouldn’t make sense for them to have several models of iPhone, but he did say that Apple would keep selling their older models of iPhone at cheaper prices.
The report confirmed information from previous announcements about the upcoming iPhone version coming with MobileMe enhancements and improvements to the voice navigation features. The improvements to the voice navigation are because users have said they don’t like using a virtual keyboard.
The enhanced MobileMe that would let users sync files without a cable. It was suggested that the MobileMe could possibly be used as Apple’s “brain” for a new cloud that would host files on a person’s own device.
Then, if physical storage space was less important, Apple would be able to make the iPhone cost less. While the insides of the phone would then change accordingly, the size of the iPhone itself wouldn’t.
The rumors that the alleged smaller iPhone would have the code name of N97 are also untrue. It was made known that N97 was instead the code name for the Verizon iPhone 4 that came out earlier in the month.
Analysts have said that is it critical that Apple comes up with a less expensive version of the iPhone, especially one not requiring carrier subsidies, if they expect to have continued growth overseas. One analyst said that they need a prepaid option in order to be a player in the world market. They added that if Apple comes up with a less expensive iPhone, it could increase their sales as much as sixfold.
