Whispers about three new iPhones set to arrive this September are emanating from Apple’s Chinese supply chain — suggesting that we may be set to receive the expected iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, alongside a 4-inch iPhone referred to currently as the iPhone 6c.
Check out details about internal components, possible pricing and projected sales below.
Digitimes suggests that all the devices will feature Corning Gorilla Glass screens, as well as the expected Touch ID and NFC (for Apple Pay) technology. However, the 6s series phones will use Apple’s next-gen A9 chip, while the lower-cost 6c will use the A8 chip.
The report goes on to note that the LTPS panels for the iPhone 6s Plus and 6c will come from Japan Display, Sharp and LG Display, while the one for the iPhone 6s (which would most likely be the biggest seller by a decent margin) will come from Japan Display and LG. Wistron is apparently set to receive the orders for manufacturing the iPhone 6c, and the 6s devices will be made by Foxconn and Pegatron.
A separate report meanwhile claims that the iPhone 6c will carry a price tag between $400-500, and is expected to sell 10 million to 20 million units in its first year. Apple attempted to target low- to mid-level consumers with the iPhone 5c, but initially priced the device too high at $600, so there wasn’t much to separate it (other than lower specs) from the iPhone 5s.
By going with a lower price out of the gate, Apple can focus on tapping into emerging markets such as India, Africa and Latin America, where price is a big obstacle to Apple gaining ground. Although the plastic casing of the iPhone 5c was criticized by some, it is likely that any iPhone 6c Apple chose to sell would be also use plastic cases, since this brings down production costs considerably.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors from the supply chain about a smaller iPhone 6 device. At the time, I wrote that I considered these rumors to be unlikely, predominantly because of the record-breaking sales Apple has achieved with its larger iPhone 6 devices, the observation that larger phones have consistently shown themselves to be the fastest-growing smartphone category, and the fact that much of Apple’s focus right now is expanding into Asia, where the phablet form factor is especially popular.
I also noted that I hadn’t personally heard too much demand for a return to smaller iPhones, although since then I’ve received plenty of emails and comments from readers suggesting otherwise. It wouldn’t be in keeping with Apple’s classic way of doing things to diversify its iPhone product line to three phones per year instead of just one or two, but in a year when the company launches its Apple Watch (which has a strong focus on female users, as seen through the various fashion magazine spreads) maybe it makes sense to try and get as many iPhones into people’s hands as possible.
I just hope that if Apple does take another crack at its “c” line of iPhones, it uses the tagline “I’m 6c and I know it” for ads. Cupertino can have that one for free!
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
8 responses to “Apple may release three different iPhones this September”
People are choosing the smaller form factor for the smaller form factor – in Japan flip-phones are making a comeback because they fit in your pocket easier. Say what you want, but as Japan goes with phones, the rest of the world goes. So, price isn’t really a factor here. Given that, I don’t understand the need or plan to make the smaller form factor a sub-par iPhone. Apple should make a 4″ phone with the same quality (and price) of the larger ones. People will buy it because they want smaller phones. Make a cheap one, too, if you want – call it the iPhone 6cc (goes well with the term Applecrack). There are people that want the smaller form factor, but don’t want to skimp on the internals or the quality of the product.
You really are mad. At no point in your rambling, incoherent comment did you utter anything that could even be considered a rational thought. I award you no upvotes, and may God have mercy on your soul.
I had an iphone 4S before switching to 6plus.. Everytime i borrow my friends’ 4S i realized that i will never ever going back to smaller screen.. Its content rich.. Browsing the internet and facebook is nicer and im still comfortable using it despite of its larger size in my pocket..
I’m hanging on to my 5s till Apple comes out with something better in the small form factor. I’d hate to have to buy a lesser 6c but as someone who wears clothes that fit, I’d like a phone that fits in my pocket. I’m not watching video or doing things where a larger form factor would be advantageous. I have a laptop and a tablet if I want to watch movies or need more screen real estate. Phablets look ridiculous to me, but I’m not their target audience.
yes my thoughts exactly. The “C” stands for crippled and I don’t want a crippled 4″ phone. Give me a 6S mini.
I have an iPhone 6 but am so glad I held on to my iPhone 4s. I am one of those crazy people who actually prefers a compact phone, even though my eyes are going, (thank goodness for reading glasses). I ended up giving my iPhone 6 to my wife and she likes it fine. For myself, I prefer to keep my iPhone in my breast pocket and my iPhone 4s fits perfect there, buttoned up (better than a case).
I think big phones are best for “desk” workers, and the smaller phones are great for people who move around a lot who use their phone as a tool. ie. Building calculations, site survey recording, audio recording, voice memos, GIS Mapping, and quick hands free searches.
Granted I do not use Facebook and rarely use my phone for many of the social apps out there. It is a phone, iPod, radio, and powerful little calculator mini computer. When I want to do stuff that needs a big screen I pull out my iPad, or go back to my desk with 3 27″ screens.
I think for a lot of consumers, the iPhone 6 plus simply replaces their computer and tablets in many day to day uses which is great for them.
They do laptops in three sizes. They did iPods in three sizes. Doing a phone is three sizes is not too far fetch. While 5c might be a “flop”, they continue to sell them and the 5S. The “S” stood for Speed and then Siri. Next time, it will be “Sameness” since all three sizes will look the same next year.
I’ll be holding onto my 4″ display 5s until Apple realizes that while gaining new buyers they will loose a few of us that have clothes that fit. I won’t be doing an 80’s retro look just so I can fit a phone in my pocket. I won’t be buying a de-featured product either.