Nearly a year and a half since Apple introduced a “budget” iPhone in the form of the slightly more affordable plastic iPhone 5c, rumours pinpoint that Apple again intends to return to making a lower-cost smartphone, in the form of the iPhone 6c.
Recent leaks seemingly confirm this, showcasing a bright pink plastic iPhone 6 that seemingly houses a 4″ display.
The leak, courtesy of Future Supplier, depict a pink rear shell sporting a similar design aesthetic to Apple’s flagship smartphones, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The leak showcases some measure of difference between the rumoured budget model and the past iPhone 5c: the rear flash on the speculative 6c is circular, while on the 5c it was oval-shaped.
The speculative 6c model further features two speaker grills on the device’s bottom panel, while the 5c only had one to the right of the Lightning socket.
Additionally, a new report cites that supply chain sources inside AU Optronics, which is supplying Apple with an in-development iPhone 7’s display, disclosed that Apple is additionally looking to source 4 inch, 4.7 inch, and 5.5 inch LTPS In-Cell displays.
It is likely that with the introduction of an iPhone 6c, Apple is looking to cater to audiences that – while looking for the latest features available in the iPhone – don’t need or can’t afford the premium aluminium shell the iPhone 6 possesses.
Rumours suggest that an iPhone 6c – if made – will still feature NFC connectivity and Touch ID allowing the device to take full advantage of Apple’s iOS 8. Additionally, similar rumours pinpoint that the 6c will still retain Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
It is, however, debatable as to what iPhone model the 6c would arrive alongside: rumours pinpoint that Apple might be looking to skip an “s” edition of the iPhone 6 and instead move to produce an entirely new iPhone 7 model that features – amongst other improvements – an entirely new (or updated, rather) design.
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