Feature
As Apple tries to keep its hardware efforts firmly under wraps, those pesky Chinese websites keep bombarding us with potential images of components, obscure plastic elements and other teases. The latest snippet is some colorful cases for the rumored low-budget iPhone.
Plotting the Future
With the world convinced that the next proper iPhone will arrive in September, a year after the iPhone 5 launch, the focus is on the mystery budget version. This new device could provide a healthy boost for iPhone sales, as the iPad mini did for Apple's tablet sales. According to some, the second device could follow just weeks later, and the latest photos out of China suggest that a cheaper device with plastic casing is on the way, or this could just be yet another hoax.
By reducing the bill of materials, and offering a more fun design, Apple can sell the phone for less in emerging markets like India, China (beyond the middle classes that flock to each launch), and to smaller territories and phone networks. With Apple only selling its products through some 250 telcos, compared to around 800 (according to BI) that support Samsung's products, it could eat into its bitter rival's market share lead.
That would make for a more competitive landscape and also threaten the likes of Nokia who's mid-market focus has kept it going as it searches for high-end success. The iPhone 6 (although it is unlikely to be called that) might not be Apple's most dramatic product but it could be rather exciting in its own way.
Learning Opportunities
Webinar
May
30
ChatGPT and the Future of Conversational AI
This discussion explores various aspects of AI implementation, ethical considerations, and challenges for your organization.
Webinar
May
31
The Evolution of Employee Listening - 2023 Trends & Best Practices
Learn proven effective methods and solutions to supporting an inspirational future of Employee Voice
Webinar
Jun
1
How organizations can design, build and run Generative AI into the Customer Experience
Discover how to drive enhanced CX through Generative AI
Webinar
Jun
6
The Future of Social Media: Emerging Trends and How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
The impact of emerging technologies like AI on social media
Webinar
Jun
7
The Building Blocks of Personalization
This webinar will explore how personalization can create powerful ecommerce shopping experience.
Webinar
Jun
13
The Future of Contact Centers with AI at the Helm
Learn how to balance human intuition and interaction with the potential uses of AI to create delightful and lasting CX
Webinar
May
30
ChatGPT and the Future of Conversational AI
This discussion explores various aspects of AI implementation, ethical considerations, and challenges for your organization.
Webinar
May
31
The Evolution of Employee Listening - 2023 Trends & Best Practices
Learn proven effective methods and solutions to supporting an inspirational future of Employee Voice
The Hunt for Red Cases In October
These photos came from a Chinese source and have rattled around the world in record time, with a less interesting shot showing the shell's innards, suggesting a degree of authenticity in these prototype designs.
Apple's recent iOS 7 color scheme might seem a lot more at home on these brightly colored devices and with a release date a few weeks after the main iPhone, Apple will have covered the bases across the market, and also leave some room to cram in a retina-class iPad mini before Christmas.
Don't expect much else from Apple before 2014, with the iWatch gaining solidity by the week, but what a year that could turn out to be, as the company sees the end-of-the-line in major leaps in phones and tablets.
