RUMOUR: Will Apple release a budget handset at iPhone 5 announcement?
We’re just a day away from Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone announcement and the rumours are coming in thick and fast.
There’s already been a lot of speculation about the announcement of TWO handsets, the fancy iPhone 5 everyone is secretly crossing their fingers for, as well as an updated iPhone 4 device (see the handset photo above). Many have been suggesting the iPhone 4 reincarnation will be better and faster, but there are also rumours that it will be Apple’s first budget offering.
This certainly isn’t the first time there’s been whispers of a budget Apple handset, but considering there’s been so much talk of a big launch double whammy tomorrow, it seems to be the first time most people are taking the rumour seriously.
But does Apple really need to bring a low-cost handset to the smart phone market?
A feature on The Next Web this morning suggested that a budget handset would be the only way Apple could successfully penetrate the notoriously tricky Asian markets and open up new opportunities for the brand.
However, we can’t help but think a low-cost option would de-value the highly aspirational Apple brand in the long run, even if the device is still of a comparatively high quality.
Do you think a budget handset would help or hinder the famous Apple brand?
