Since 2014 there have been reports that Apple was looking to release a cheaper iPhone 6c in 2015 alongside its touted iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, but new rumors suggest that Apple is ditching its plans to release the device in 2015, with it potentially having been pushed back until 2016.
According to Timothy Arcuri, an analyst for Cowen and Company, Apple was set to release a 4-inch version of the iPhone 6 that would essentially provide a “budget” option for the company’s flagship smartphone, with Arcuri having spotted evidence of the device’s existence in Apple’s supply chain between January and March. However, Arcuri now notes that this evidence has all but vanished, and it seems that the company has either backtracked on the idea, or they’re planning to release it a later date.
The iPhone 6c was allegedly going to follow in the steps of the iPhone 5c by offering a budget option for Apple’s latest flagship device.
Speaking to Business Insider, Arcuri claimed that Apple could have decided against the iPhone 6c due to it potentially harming the profits of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, saying: “I think one of the reasons is because the iPhone 6 has sold so well and they said, ‘Look, why would we want to cannibalize? If we came out with an iPhone 6C, we would essentially cannibalize a price-reduced iPhone 6.'”
The iPhone 6c was touted as being almost identical to the iPhone 6 in terms of hardware, with it even having an all-metal body unlike the plastic iPhone 5c which followed the release of the iPhone 5.
Given that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus achieved record-breaking sales, it would certainly make sense that Apple wouldn’t want to encroach upon its sales by releasing a cheaper option, especially within the same year that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are supposed to make their debut. While the rumors that Apple had the iPhone 6c in the pipeline seem credible, if the device is being prepped for launch by Apple, then it seems likely that it will happen at some point in 2016 rather than this year.
