Apple
iPhone 6 Price Rumored
Rumors have detailed the iPhone 6 release date, screen size, processor, and camera and now, rumors have focused in on the iPhone 6 price.
Next week, Apple will take the stage at the Moscone Center in San Francisco to kick off its annual WWDC developer conference. WWDC 2014 is expected to deliver at least two new products, iOS 8 and OS X 10.10, but it’s not expected to be the launch pad for the new iPhone, currently dubbed iPhone 6.
The iPhone 6 is widely expected to replace the iPhone 5s as the company’s flagship smartphone model and if rumors are correct, the device could usher in some major changes to Apple’s iconic smartphone.
One of those changes is said to be the iPhone screen size. iPhone 6 rumors have continually pointed to two alleged models, one 4.7-inch iPhone 6 model and a larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6. The two devices are expected to boast higher resolution displays and come with a number of other upgrades including a sapphire display, A8 64-bit processor, and more.
And while the iPhone price has remained the same for many years, some analysts believe that these changes could come at a cost to consumers.
A second rumor points to an iPhone 6 release date in August, earlier than many predictions.
In November, shortly after the iPhone 5s release, Chris Caso of Susquehanna Financial Group said that he believed that the price of the iPhone 6 could jump up as much as $100. Caso’s prediction was recently backed up by Jefferies analyst Peter Misek who said that he also believes that there is a potential for a $100 price jump and that Apple is negotiating a $100 price jump with carriers.
This analysis was recently echoed by Nomura Securities research. The firm states that it believes that the price of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 model could arrive with a price tag in and around $650. The iPhone 5s, unlocked, starts at $650. However, it believes that Apple could charge a premium for the larger version of the iPhone 6, the 5.5-inch model.
The firm believes that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could be priced at $100 more than the smaller model. Samsung’s equivalent, the 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 3, is sold for $299.99 on-contract though its off-contract price is far more expensive, in some cases, upwards of $700.
For years, Apple has stuck to a three-pronged iPhone attack that offers three options to consumers. A $199.99 flagship iPhone model, a $99 mid-range option, and a free iPhone. Apple’s current lineup consists of the $199.99 iPhone 5s, the $99 iPhone 5c and the iPhone 4s that the company sells without any up front cost.
Even if Apple doesn’t raise the iPhone 6 price many consumers could pay more for a new iPhone.
iPhone 6 release date rumors continue to point to a release this fall though it’s not clear if the company plans to release both models at the same time. EMSOne, Reuters, Ming-Chi Kuo, Steve Milunovich from UBS, and a report from The Commercial Times all point to a delayed release for the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6. The Commercial Times suggests that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could have been pushed into 2015 while the others point to a release later in the year.
Virtually all iPhone 6 rumors point to an arrival during the month of September. In fact, a German carrier recently started telling its customers that it believes that the iPhone 6 release date will drop on September 19th. September 19th is a Friday and the past two iPhones were released on the third Friday of September.
In addition to the iPhone 6 price, release date and screen size, rumors have pointed to the inclusion of an A8 64-bit processor, an upgraded camera with new image stabilization technology, the new iOS 8 update, and a brand new design that features rounded edges to compliment a much thinner frame. iPhone 6 design rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 could be as thin as 7mm.
While iPhone 6 rumors continue to swirl, the biggest iPhone 6 leak to date comes from the well-sourced Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities. Kuo, like many others, believes that Apple has two iPhone models up its sleeve for 2014 and that they will both come equipped with a number of upgrades including:
- iPhone 6 Screen Size and Resolution – 4.7- inch (1334 x 750) 5.5-inch (1920 x 1080).
- iPhone 6 Release Dates – 4.7-inch in September, 5.5-inch in Holiday season.
- iPhone 6 Design – Power button on right, narrower bezels, larger iPhone 6 as two-hands needed.
- iPhone 6 Camera – No major Megapixel bump, but added image stability.
- iPhone 6 Specs – A8, 1GB RAM, Touch ID, 6.5mm to 7mm thickness, NFC.
While analyst predictions are often dismissed, Kuo predicted many of the iPhone 5s’ features before the devices’ arrival last September.
