A cheaper iPhone named the 5C could be on its way shortly
We may finally know the name of the upcoming “cheap” iPhone if a recently leaked photo is correct. The photo shows the packaging for a device called the iPhone 5C.
The iPhone 5C is expected to include a plastic covering as well as multiple different colors. The “C” in the name makes sense because it signifies that the device is in-between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 6, although we have yet to figure out what the “C” may actually stand for.
Even though the picture looks relatively legitimate, there are no sources from within China reporting on whether or not the iPhone will actually be called “5C.” The photo first appeared on forum site WeiPhone, which does not have a strong record of producing accurate reports.
Since the iPhone 5S is expected to come out within the next couple of months, a release of a cheaper device–which could be the iPhone 5C–is also expected. Apple has always tried to keep at least three iPhones on the market at all times and now that they are phasing out the old 30-pin connector, they will need a device to replace the iPhone 4 and 4S.
Emerging markets are also a treasure trove filled with millions of customers which Apple has been unsuccessful in targeting up to this point. Their devices have had a hard time taking off in China and India due to their starting price points even though the iPhone has recently seen some success in specific Asian markets.
If the iPhone 5C costs just a few hundred dollars off contract then Apple actually has a shot of taking over market share from Android in these countries.
As long as Apple follows their same release schedule that we have seen in previous years, the iPhone 5S should be coming out in September and the cheaper iPhone 5C may come out shortly afterwards.