iFans could see the second-gen iPad Mini and the much-rumored low-cost iPhone arrive as soon as August, if new reports are to be believed.
Pegatron is tipped to manufacture the cheaper iPhone, dubbed the iPhone mini. The company apparently also handles orders for Apple's iPad mini 2, which too is slated to release alongside the cheaper iPhone.
Per a DigiTimes report, "Pegatron has landed orders for an inexpensive iPhone with plastic chassis and next-generation iPad mini from Apple and will begin shipments in August, according to Taiwan-based supply chain maker."
Apple is synonymous with top-end devices that dig a hole in the wallet, but with an inexpensive iPhone in the offing, the company's smartphones could well become more affordable.
We recently reported that Apple intends on releasing 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhones in 2014. But the oft-rumored cheaper iPhone could be a reality this year.
Reports have suggested that trial production for both the iPhone 5S and cheaper iPhone is slated to begin next month "with mass production ramping up in August to meet a September launch target."
Rumors have been rife that Apple could possibly launch the cheaper iPhone, along with the iPhone 5's successor, which may be called either the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 6. However, the DigiTimes report reveals that the "next-generation iPhone and 9.7-inch iPad reportedly will appear in early 2014." Foxconn will apparently manufacture these iDevices.
This low-cost iPhone is anticipated to feature a plastic casing, which will allow Apple to offer the device at a cheaper price (speculated to be around $99). At this juncture, it is unknown what features and specs the cheaper iPhone will tout.
According to DigiTimes' sources, "The upstream supply chain will start shipping components for the new iPad mini and iPhone in July and players such as chassis supplier Casetek are expected to strongly benefit from the orders."
Apple has chosen to stay mum on the issue.
