If rumors are to be believed, Apple may announce an 8 GB version of its iPhone 5c in the coming days.
The launch caught the attention of tech-watchers on Monday, who pegged the launch to iPhone 5c's unimpressive performance since its launch last year. The 5c has reportedly been outsold several times by its more expensive sibling, the iPhone 5s, according to CNET. Apple CEO Tim Cook has even admitted 5s was the sales grabber.
According to Apple Insider, the news of the launch was leaked by German Wireless carrier O2, which mentioned the new model in an email. The 8GB 5c model is expected to be priced at $707, about $84 cheaper than the current selling price of the 16GB model. However, the exact date of launch date is not yet known.
Engadget published a photo of the device packaging, indicating that the iPhone 5c exists.
The latest launch may improve 5c sales; a survey report from China indicated that 5s had outsold 5c by nearly six times.
Yet if user reactions are any indication, reducing storage may not lift sales. Many commenters on Engadget believe that 8GB on an iPhone would make it an over-expensive low end Android phone, defeating the purpose of improving sales.
"8gb smartphone with no microSD? That's low-end Android stuff right there for 2x the price," said one user.
Apple Insider pointed out that the launch could replace the older iPhone 4s that is the only iPhone being sold with 8GB storage.
"A move to replace the iPhone 4s and iPhone 4 could make sense, as those devices still use Apple's older dock connector technology and sport smaller, 3.5-inch displays. The move would put all current-generation iPhones on a common platform as the company gears up to introduce the so-called iPhone 6, which is rumored to ship with a larger display," Apple Insider said.
