Or push low-cost version of Apple's iPhone attack against Google Android

 HC communication network
Beijing February 11, according to foreign media reports, sources, Apple is developing a cheaper, smaller size of the new iPhone, Google Android phone to withstand competition .


iPhone4 the current price in China remained high

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a bit to see prototypes of the sources said, compared to current models, the new iPhone smaller, lower prices. He requested anonymity because the plan has not been made public. Two other sources said that Apple iPhone is developing more easily make use of multiple wireless network technologies.

sick leave Apple CEO Steve Jobs is still involved in strategic decision-making, he hoped to narrow the price gap between Android phones. According to Canalys, said in the fourth quarter, Google's share of global smart phone market growth of 2-fold, reaching 32.9%, while Apple only 16%.

seen the prototype of the product, sources said Apple had considered the sale price of about $ 200 new iPhone, and does not require users to sign a two-year service contract. In response, Apple spokeswoman Natalie Chris (NatalieKerris) declined to comment.

smaller, less expensive

The source said that while Apple's goal is to launch the new version of the iPhone, but it may be delayed or canceled; Apple employees rarely know the details of the project. Apple R & D products are often secret.

This person had seen the prototype last year, he said, the new iPhone iPhone4 smaller than the size of 1 / 3. He also said Apple may sell at lower prices, mainly because of the new smart phones will use the current model used by the processor, display and other components, rather than the price of next-generation iPhone to use higher, more advanced components. Parts prices are generally decline over time.

two other sources said Apple is also developing dual-mode phones, the use of the world's two major wireless standards GSM and CDMA. It is unclear whether Apple intends to use the cheaper iPhone this feature. Universal SIM


One source said that Apple is developing a technology known as Universal SIM card, SIM card can be changed without the iPhone to switch between different GSM networks. This helps reduce the number of sales and management of the cost of millions of SIM cards.

This new feature also allows Apple customers on the mobile operators have the advantage of. Apple has also redesigned the iPhone software that allows customers to choose the network and set up their own, without relying on the clerk or operator representative. Apple profits downward pressure


marketing action precedent. In 2004, when the original $ 299 in iPod sales are still rising, the company launched a $ 249 a iPodMini. In 2005, when iPodMini still selling, Jobs stopped the sale of cheaper iPodNano. January Apple will lower the price of iPhone3GS to only $ 49, although the need to sign two-year contract.

price reduction and cancellation of operator subsidies may reduce Apple's profit margins, even if the spare parts prices. However, if Apple makes iPhone more flexible and cost-effective, Google's Android operating system may blow.

Google support Apple operating systems also benefit from Verizon Wireless is not selling. But on Thursday, Verizon Wireless began selling iPhone.

 (Editor: Zhang Xia)