As iFans eagerly await the launch of the next-gen iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 5S, word on the street is that Apple may discontinue the iPhone 5 post the new iPhone's launch.
The latest information comes from Chinese CTech (via Phone Arena) and reveals that instead of reducing the price of the iPhone 5 which debuted in 2012, Apple could decide to discontinue the smartphone altogether.
"Apple might have a groundbreaking change coming in its iPhone sales model. Instead of just cutting the price of the last year's model, this time it might altogether discontinue the iPhone 5 as soon as it starts selling the new iPhone 5S, according to Chinese CTech," reports PhoneArena.
This news will disappoint several consumers who own the iPhone 5 as their device will be rendered obsolete if Apple does choose to go on this route as rumored. However, the credibility of the news is circumspect as PhoneArena does not mention who or what is Chinese CTech's source of information.
Judging by Apple's financial report, the currently latest iPhone 5 saw some weak sales, which in turn brought down the profit margin for the company. Therefore, a possibility exists that Apple may be considering a different strategy with the iPhone 5S to push sales figures and in a bid to do so, the company may opt to discontinue last year's iPhone model.
However, if Apple chooses to discontinue the iPhone 5, it would also have to suspend the production of earlier iPhone versions.
The adoption of the alleged marketing strategy by Apple also seems plausible as the Cupertino-based company is expected to launch a cheaper variant of the iPhone with a plastic case. The more affordable model is unofficially dubbed the iPhone Lite.
If the iPhone Lite is more budget-friendly, as speculated, then consumers will gravitate more towards the device, especially with the iPhone 5 out of the picture. Apple would also be able to lure consumers towards this variant rather than a cheaper iPhone 5 and generate maximum profits from both the new iPhones (iPhone 5S and iPhone Lite).
However, at this juncture, everything should be taken with a pinch of salt.
