Apple Launches Cheaper 8 GB iPhone 5c In Select Markets
In the midst of rumors and leaked images, Apple finally decided it was time to go official with its much talked about 8GB iPhone 5c. The phone first appeared on the website of UK carrier O2. Since then, the handset has made its official appearance on international Apple Stores in the UK, China and Australia, reports The Verge.
In the UK, the new 8GB version has been priced at at £429 ($712). This is almost $66 (should we include sales tax) less than the existing 16gb version. The 32GB version on the other hand has been priced at £649 ($1077). In the event of Apple deciding to launch the new version in the US, you can expect it to cost around $499 – unlocked. That said, there has been no word from Apple regarding such a possibility. It is also likely that this version of the handset could make its way to emerging markets like India and Indonesia.
The 8GB iPhone 5c is identical to its larger memory-capacity-toting cousins in every other way. The device packs in Apple’s A6 processor, the 4-inch retina display and the same 8 megapixel camera as the other variants of the iPhone 5c sports. Then of course, there are the various catchy color options that the phone is famous for.
The possibility of the existence of an 8gb iPhone 5c has been mulled for quite some time now. In fact, just yesterday, there were convincing reports about its existence when a German blog known as Caschy’s blog revealed internal communication between O2 Germany staff members and retailers that talked about the 8gb, entry level handset. The same was corroborated by a picture posted by Engadget of the device’s packaging which showed that the handset did actually exist. There were estimations about the possibility of Apple replacing the iPhone 4s with this new entry-level iPhone. However, it seems Apple would continue to sell the former as well.
In the meantime, the arrival of a lower priced iPhone in the middle of its life cycle is being seen by many as evidence of the fact that iPhone 5c sales haven’t met Apple’s expectations. That said, Apple executives themselves have never expressed disappointment with the sales performance of the iPhone 5c, so far. Also to be noted is the fact that it still manages to sell more than what the iPhone 4S did to – when it was relegated to a mid-range iPhone post the launch of the iPhone 5s.
It was just a few days ago that The Inquisitr talked about a new Tumblr page that cropped out of nowhere with professionally made pro Apple iPhone 5c videos. Many suspect this blog was part of an undercover marketing campaign by Apple to project the iPhone 5c as a success.
What do you think? Will people flock towards the 8gb iPhone 5C just because it is more affordable now?
