Alleged Cheaper iPhone Rumored to Feature a "See-Through" Design

[Akshay Masand]

As the buzz about an inexpensive iPhone model bound for a 2013 release continues to gain momentum, DigiTimes is saying an entry-level iPhone’s chassis could be sourced from an unnamed U.S. electronic manufacturing provider. The casing is said to be made of plastic instead of the current aluminum-and-glass theme which is seen on the iPhone 5.

The publication continues by claiming that separate rumors point to a new design in which the internal metal sub-structure is visible through a “special design” inferring a “see-through” look for the device. Traditionally Apple has used Corning’s Gorilla Glass as a backing to the iPhone 4 and 4S, with the substrate being layered with opaque paint. It still remains unclear whether the supposed design will be adopted but a “see-through” casing seems quite unlikely considering Apple went to fight light leakage that negatively affected the iPhone 4’s camera sensor in the past.

The sources are saying that components required for the rumored handset are currently undergoing a validation process ahead of an expected launch date in the second half of 2013. The reports overall elaborate on several rumors that were proposed late last week about an inexpensive handset coming to Apple’s lineup sometime this year. There was another story about Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller saying his company isn’t in the business of making cheap, low-cost products but at least in the case of Reuters, the said story was withdrawn, leaving the status up in the air.

Time will certainly tell what is true and what isn’t though so we’ll just have to wait patiently.

Source: DigiTimes

[mbeezy81]

***Yawn***

[hogcia]

I thought Apple had confirmed that there would be no cheaper iPhone?

[docmagoo2]

I thought Apple had confirmed that there would be no cheaper iPhone?

This ^

[peacedog]

WTF?! Phil Schiller said no to cheap iPhones a few days ago. Why are we still spreading this crap?

[Faresismail]

I might be wrong but the way i remember, they said that they wont make cheap iphone... But a 350$ is not cheap nor low profit... They just said that they make "cheaper low profit phones"

[jOnGarrett]

Ahhh, the plastic returns.

[peacedog]

Ahhh, the plastic returns.

It would be very disappointing to go back to plastic. Glass and metal just feels so good and sturdy.

[tridley68]

I thought Apple had confirmed that there would be no cheaper iPhone?

They already have a cheaper i phone it is the i phone 4 and 4s.

[scorpluto]

Hope it's not true. Not able to imagine iPhone in plastic casing.

[Magnum]

They already have a cheaper i phone it is the i phone 4 and 4s.

^^^exactly^^^

[thevmax]

Ahhh, the plastic returns.

How long have you had this "plastic" fetish?

seriously!....plastic?

[flash66]

Ahh bull****!

[Xtafi2002]

Where are these alleged **** coming from? Apple themselves already said **** to the cheaper iphone.

[mbeezy81]

It's bad enough a cheaper "plastic" iPhone rumor is being spread, now you're talking "see through" design? Come on MMI, can we get reliable sources and not just post any BS article please!!

[BhadKarma]

This ^

"Will never be the future"
Doesn't mean won't be a cheap iPhone.

[thazsar]

SERIOUSLY, you guys (MMI) already confirmed Schiller saying this isnt gonna happen! Why are you entertaining rumors that have already been debunked?????

[Colwood]

Got a good laugh reading the comments , truth be told I read more of the comments then I did the article. My reason behind this was the fact apple confirmed no cheaper iphone just a few days ago.

[sknet]

its so cheap so that u can use one time and throw it to rubbish bin after u used it.......$1 iCheaPhone

[shigh]

Apple also said a smaller ipad would be ridiculous