Apple making plastic iPhone to cater China market

[Alamaking]

Apple tailoring cheaper iPhone model
SAN FRANCISCO: Online reports on Tuesday fuelled speculation that Apple is tailoring a low-price version of the iPhone for China and other emerging markets.

DigiTimes.com, which specializes in news about the supply side of the technology industry, cited unnamed sources as saying an iPhone model made with less expensive parts would be rolled out in the second half of this year.

The rumour was later endorsed by the Wall Street Journal, which based its report on people briefed on the matter.

The low-priced iPhone will have a big screen along the lines of those popular with consumers today, according to DigiTimes.

Such a move would be a dramatic shift from Apple's unabashed style of crafting premium products that sell in the high-end of the market instead of getting caught up in price wars with rivals.

Apple sees a huge potential in China, and coming out with a more affordable iPhone may be a necessary move to ward off competition from bargain-priced smartphones powered by Google-backed Android software.

Expanding the ranks of iPhone users would also increase the potential for the California-based company to sell people mini-applications, music and other digital content popular on smartphones.

- AFP/al

 

[Narong Wongwan]

cant beat them then join them.........Apple is smart

 

[Leongsam]

cant beat them then join them.........Apple is smart

It wouldn't have happened with Steve around.

 

[shOUTloud]

It wouldn't have happened with Steve around.

Yeah. Apple has the highest profit margin in the smartphone market. Why would they jeopardise it for a few extra buck? If they really want, they should invest in another mass market phone company and use that brand to sell cheap stuff. It is the continuation of the end of the road for Apple.

 

[johnny333]

Yeah. Apple has the highest profit margin in the smartphone market. Why would they jeopardise it for a few extra buck? If they really want, they should invest in another mass market phone company and use that brand to sell cheap stuff. It is the continuation of the end of the road for Apple.

People want the Apple brand name. It's something like buying a pair of Timberland shoes vs Bata shoes
Some people have been predicting that Apple would become a consumer brand. They may be right.

The challenge will be to design a cheaper "quality" product and yet maintain healthy margins.

 

[tonychat]

The losers in Apple is going to kill the brand. this will allow samsung an easy win over them in times to come.

 

[kongsimi]

There are already lower price versions of I phones.

It is called goophones only 999rmb. Can access android marketplace. Lots of free apps. Dun buy apple. They closed the pirate sites recently. No more free apps leow.

Check it out.

 

[Froggy]

People want the Apple brand name. It's something like buying a pair of Timberland shoes vs Bata shoes
Some people have been predicting that Apple would become a consumer brand. They may be right.

The challenge will be to design a cheaper "quality" product and yet maintain healthy margins.

Whatever cheaper smartphone Apple throw out I still believe most people will save, borrow, beg, steal, rob to get the premium model.

 

[johnny333]

Whatever cheaper smartphone Apple throw out I still believe most people will save, borrow, beg, steal, rob to get the premium model.

Apple may be learning from the competition. They did release the iPad mini. Now people like me don't know which model to get. Maybe I'll have get both

Maybe Apple is going to adopt a Swatch like strategy

 

[johnny333]

There are already lower price versions of I phones.

It is called goophones only 999rmb. Can access android marketplace. Lots of free apps. Dun buy apple. They closed the pirate sites recently. No more free apps leow.

Check it out.

That will not appeal to people who are interested in buying a status symbol.

Just ask any girl why they are willing to pay so much for branded handbags. Economists call it giffen goods.

 

[drifter]

After so many years of marketing apple as a high end phone ... Has gone to waste !!

 

[drifter]

Whatever cheaper smartphone Apple throw out I still believe most people will save, borrow, beg, steal, rob to get the premium model.

I agreed with you joe . Just like LV woman will do anything to get it . Why make themselves go cheap .

 

[laksaboy]

Cheaper does not necessarily mean 'shittier'.

Cheaper may mean a smaller screen size with slightly lower hardware specs. An 'iPhone mini'.

It'll still be beautifully designed and have access to all the apps on the App Store.

It'll still sell wonderfully well. But Nokia will be screwed.

 

[drifter]

Imagine Rolex comes out with a cheaper watch $50 and LV comes out with a $50 price tag for cheaper model ... In the long run .. It will affect the company image .

 

[GOD IS MY DOG]

Yeah. Apple has the highest profit margin in the smartphone market. Why would they jeopardise it for a few extra buck? If they really want, they should invest in another mass market phone company and use that brand to sell cheap stuff. It is the continuation of the end of the road for Apple.

u r right..........Apple has hi-end image that appeals to buyers............once they go low-end, appeal lost liao.............