Few days back we had reported about Apple working on a cheaper version of the iPhone. Today analysts spread over globally, indicated the same.
Kevin Chang, a JP Morgan analyst based in Taiwan, quoted people in the supply channel whose names he did not reveal and an application with the U.S Patent and Trademark office for his report dated July 8.
“We believe that iPod Nano will be converted into a phone because it’s probably the only way for Apple to launch a lower end phone without severely cannibalizing iPod Nano,” he said noting that the new phone could have “rather limited functionality.”
Apple filed a patent application document dated July 5 that refers to a multifunctional handheld device with a circular touch pad control, similar to the Nano’s scroll wheel.
Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray another analyst said that he expects Apple to bring iPods that resemble with iPhone. The new phone may feature combination characteristics of iPhone and iPod such as a touch-sensitive screen, later this year. Such products would help stop iPhone adversely effect iPod sales.
According to these analysts a cheaper phone from Apple, which leads the digital music player market will be capable enough to threaten the established phone makers like Nokia, Motorola Inc, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Sony Ericsson etc.
According to analysts Apple’s new nano version of iPhone can be expected by end of this year.
