According to a report by Bloomberg this afternoon, our friends from Cupertino are preparing to release a smaller version of the iPhone, an iPhone mini. Apparently this iPhone mini, is just one of many iPhone variants which Apple plans to release in an effort to slow the pace of Android handset sales. Will we see an iPhone mini in 2011?
Before you run out to your local electronics retailer asking for an iPhone mini, let’s dive into the source of these rumors. Bloomberg received word of a smaller and cheaper iPhone from an unnamed source who claims to have seen a prototype. Adding fuel to the fire, two other sources came forward to corroborate the story with claims that Apple is developing a technology to make it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks.
So how much is this iPhone mini going to cost? Best estimates place the handset in the $200 range with no contract. A contract-free iPhone for $200? Sounds good to me. According to the source, Apple is aiming to release this smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone near “mid-year”, but the introduction may be delayed or possibly scrapped. Bloomberg went on to say that few Apple employees know the details of the project and that Apple often works on products that don’t get released.
Now let’s dive into the second claim in the story. Apple is purportedly working on a “universal SIM”, which would let iPhone users toggle between GSM networks without having to switch the SIM card. The move would help cut the cost of distributing (and managing) millions of SIM cards. The source also disclosed that Apple is working on redesigned iPhone software that would let customers choose a network and configured their device on their own, without relying on a carrier.
So will we see this rumored iPhone mini in 2011? As of right now, it is very much a rumor and until we see actual images of the prototypes, we won’t be holding our breath. The idea is interesting, a no contract iPhone for $200 is an attractive proposition for the prepaid market, especially if it is powerful enough to run the latest version of iOS. Will the iPhone mini make a dent in Android handset sales? Only time will tell, but I invite you to give it your best guess.
via Bloomberg
