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SALT LAKE CITY — A cheaper, plastic version of the iPhone is slated for production in 2014, according to an analyst known for accurately predicting Apple's product lineup.
Ming-Chi Kuo with KGI Securities told AppleInsider recently that Apple is planning on releasing an entry-level handset with a four-inch display, matching that of the iPhone 5.
He said the design had been planned since 2011 and was unlikely to be changed because of the market shift toward larger screens.
The new device would have a "super-thin plastic casing mixed with glass fiber" and be stronger, thinner and lighter than the average smartphone casing, he said. It would come in a range of 4–6 colors, similar to the iPod Nano and Shuffle.
Apple has apparently contracted with Foxconn and Green Point for the casings. Rumored to be losing orders with Apple's cheaper iPhone, Foxconn stands only to gain from the new product, according to Ming-Chi.
Foxconn saw a record $3.2 billion in net income in 2012, thanks in part to the launch of the iPhone 5 and three different iPad models in 2012.
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Ming-Chi is known for his accurate predictions regarding Apple, including the iPhone 4S release time and changes, the release of a white iPhone and the iPad 2, according to TechCrunch.
Other analysts have said Apple needs a cheaper iPhone to boost earnings and market share. BTIG analyst Walter Piecyk said March 14 a lower-cost iPhone sold during fiscal year 2014, which begins in October, could add $11 billion to Apple's revenue.
"As we have previously detailed, we believe a product that addresses the more than 70 percent of global wireless subscribers that are unsubsidized pre-paid is necessary in order for Apple to grow its EPS (earnings per share) next year," Piecyk said, according to CNET.
Top image credit: KGI Securities
