Apple ships new high and low-end models of iPhone

Apple ships new high-end and low-end models of iPhone in early September.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple will be shipping new high-end and low-end models of the iPhone in early September. The latest buzz surrounding the iPhone 5S is that Apple will release a gold version alongside the traditional black and white colors. AllThingsD reported earlier this month that Apple will unveil the next-generation iPhone at an event on September 10th.

The WSJ did not go into specifics about what we’ll see from new iPhones; speculations however say it’s likely that we’ll get the iPhone 5S, which would follow in the footsteps of the iPhone 5 with a metal body similar to the previous design as well as an iPhone 5C with a rear plastic case in multiple colors.

The shipping plans suggest that two new iPhone models could be launched as soon as next month, pointing to a strategy shift as Apple attempts to regain its momentum in the smartphone market. The company hasn’t previously announced different iPhone models around the same time.

Suppliers first began preparing components back in June, according to the paper’s sources. The cheaper iPhone is expected to be dubbed the iPhone 5C and come with several color choices. A ship date of later in September would also be in keeping with the timing of previous iPhone launches, where hardware typically hits consumer shelves a maximum of two weeks after the announcement.

The activity adds to Apple’s challenges. The company has been facing tough competition from Samsung and other firms making smartphones based on Google Inc.’s Android software. A perception that Apple’s pace of innovation has slowed, along with some uncharacteristic missteps by the company, helped push the company’s shares down more than 40% in the span of six months from all-time highs of more than $700 in September. The company’s shares have since rebounded somewhat, currently at $509.66, up 1.5%.

 

TNW, WSJ

Apple ships new high and low-end models of iPhone