Andre Yoskowitz
29 Jun 2011 23:24
Speculation about the upcoming iPhone 5, its specs and its release date has begun to go rampant this month, with multiple analysts fueling the rumor flames.
Last week, Chris Whitmore of Deutsche Bank said he believed Apple would release a "mid-range" iPhone 4S (with pre-paid calling and data option) alongside its new iPhone 5.
Keith Bachman of BMO Capital says there will be no iPhone 5, just an iPhone 4S, which will be Apple's updated new smartphone.
Toni Sacconaghi of Sanford Bernstein notes that Apple needs to offer a cheaper a iPhone, in general, and could possibly do so this year.
Finally, Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital added to the fun this morning saying he expects Apple will drop the price of the iPhone 3GS to $0 with contract and the iPhone 4 to $99 with contract, when it rolls out the iPhone 5, whenever that is.
"While a $49 iPhone is already available (AT&T), psychologically a $0 iPhone provides a compelling offer," adds the analyst (via Barrons).
Abramsky also believes that Apple will release a smaller, pre-paid iPhone, as well, but sometime later in 2012.