This summer it looks as though we will welcome the new iPhone 5S and there is every chance that this new model will arrive alongside a new budget version of the iPhone. We have heard numerous stories relating to this new entry level phone recently and a new patent filing by Apple seems to suggest that the rumours could prove to be correct.
Suggestions that Apple are working on a new entry level device have been backed up by a recent patent that has been granted for the company to produce a new smartphone that looks very much like a cheaper alternative to their premium iPhone devices. This patent dates back to February 2012 but was only granted on 29th of January this year which means that developers could well have been hard at work on the device for the past 12 months. This would help to support claims that the new phone is set for a summer launch alongside the iPhone 5S. Apple have been advised to enhance their appeal at the cheaper end of the market in order for their smartphone business to remain viable. Pay As You Go packages are becoming increasingly popular as are cheaper contract deals and this new phone will prove a perfect option for consumers at this end of the market.
The patent that has been granted to Apple shows a device featuring a primary camera but missing a secondary, front facing facility. This would help Apple to keep productions costs to a minimum and this will be reflected in a cheaper price for the model. The filing also mentions that plastic could be used in the construction of the handsets body Recent Apple models like the iPhone 5 and 4S have featured metal and glass materials and once again the use of plastic points towards a cheaper model. One thing that does stand out on the design is that the famous Home key is missing but this is also rumoured to be the case with the new iPhone 5S. It seems as though Apple’s next generation of devices will be relying on a completely gesture based UI.
News of this latest patent filing backs up reports that a new budget version of the iPhone is in development and this model could very well appear alongside the new iPhone 5S in the summer months of this year.
