Apple prepares iPhone 5S and a cheaper version of iPhone 5

Apple could fight on two fronts this summer, asking demands from customers with full pockets, which will offer a better iPhone 5S than the current iPhone 5 model and for those with limited budgets who would settle for a cheaper version of iPhone 5.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst at KGI Securities Company, both iPhone models could be launched this summer, in June or July.

The new iPhone 5S will enjoy a similar design of the current model, but with notable improvements on the hardware, such as inclusion of new generation chipset Apple A7 with superior performance found in the heart of the iPhone 5. On the list of specifications they could sneak a fingerprint reader for security system used to unlock the phone and a more powerful camera, equipped with F2.0 lens aperture offering smart technology and LED flash.

The current iPhone 5 model could be reborn in a low-cost version, housed in a casing made of a thicker plastic and available in no less than six color variations. According to estimates, the new iPhone 5 could be purchased without a subscription option at a price of between $350 and $450.

Rumors concerning the launch of a cheaper iPhone seem to take more and more power, being taken over by major publications like Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, citing various reputable sources. However seems unlikely that Apple will give up so easily on the image built up over the years, which name is associated with luxury products, built without compromising its quality.

Meanwhile, Apple investors are concerned about the recent news announcing halving orders for iPhone 5 components, reaction reflected by the decrease in the stock market for the company. According to the same Ming-Chi Kuo, the sales figures for the period Q4 2012 will exceed expectations, relieving concerns about the company’s future.

According to checks made among component suppliers, Apple shipped 52 million iPhones in Q4 2012 only, 41% more than from the same period last year. Of these, about 35 million are iPhone 5, followed by 9.5 million copies iPhone 4S and 7.3 million copies of iPhone 4. According to the same analyst, the sales volume for the full year 2012, could reach 140 million iPhones.