Bigger, cheaper iPhone rumors resurface post-WWDC

Rumors have resurfaced suggesting a cheap, colorful range of iPhones with bigger screens. The last time this story cropped up we paid little attention, figuring it to be just another unsubstantiated piece of gossip on the never-ending iPhone rumormill. Interestingly enough it’s not only back, but has been reported on by Reuters with multiple sources claimed. If true, this would represent a substantial shift in marketing models for Apple. Even during the recent WWDC the ethos of quality over quantity was repeated as mantra. The phrase “it takes time” cropped up more than once. Throwing together a bunch of gaudy, plastic smartphones to pick up the areas of the market where iPhones are failing doesn’t seem in keeping with Apple’s advertized philosophy. It would be, however, a smart move. The rumors point at a set of devices ranging from 4.7 to 5.7 inches, allowing Apple to compete in the emerging phablet market, while also offering a modern and affordable option to mid-range customers. Evidence is pointing towards a colorful set of plastic devices and we can definitely see this happening. Apple has already successfully embraced colorful design with the 5^th generation iPod Touch line. The plastic would keep costs down and colors would provide an unmistakable line between Apple’s ‘premium’ iPhone and the new cheaper models.

Bigger is better, sometimes

Companies like Samsung have continued to change the mobile market. With Android in the lead, flagship phones have been getting bigger to meet consumer demand for larger screens. So great is the desire that the once foolish-sounding Galaxy Note series is about to release its third and keenly-awaited instalment – the Galaxy Note III. Apple has already admitted that larger screens are what the public wants, finally upgrading from 3.5 to 4 inches with the iPhone 5. At this point 4 inches is still pretty small for a modern flagship. Apple may have to go bigger if it wants to appeal to the entire market.

The cheap shall inherit

Another issue that Apple faces is in the middle and lower ends of the market. Apple maintains affordable options by continuing to sell older iPhones, but that’s not always good enough. There can be a distinct psychological difference between buying a more affordable phone and buying a phone that has become affordable because it’s old-hat. The iPhone 4S is the current mid-range iPhone. It’s 3G, has a meagre 3.5 inch screen and isn’t compatible with all of the new features in iOS 7. Conversely, the mid-range Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is 4G LTE, has a 4.3 inch screen and rocks the latest version of Android. Plus, buying last year’s phone is a bit more like inheriting hand-me-downs from an older sibling. If Apple were to release a dedicated line of more affordable iPhones, a line that was updated yearly, then customers could be reassured that despite not having the best, they would at least have the most recent.