Apple iPhone 5C: Rumours, release dates and everything you need to know

It's that time of year again where expectation, mixed with rumours, tells us that Apple will soon be launching its latest addition to the iPhone family. This year seems to be on par with previous years, as speculation bubbles for a 10 September unveiling. But something is different this time around. Not one, but two additions are expected, the iPhone 5S and a budget model, the iPhone 5C.

READ: Apple iPhone 5S: Rumours, release dates and everything you need to know

So the iPhone 5S is probably a given, seeing as it follows the trend of previous device launches. However, a budget model would certainly go against the norm for the company. There has always been a rumour of a cheaper iPhone model - mostly to combat the high price point of the regular iPhone - but there's never really been the flood of excitement that we're seeing in 2013.

Rumours and leaked images are definitely pointing towards it becoming a reality. Read on for a round up of what is flying around from the crazy to the plausible and what we think has credibility.

If the addition of a budget iPhone is the cards, then it will almost certainly be announced at the same time as the iPhone 5S, which as rumour suggests will be 10 September.

If this transpires, you could expect to see the cheaper version available across the US, UK and main European territories before the end of September, along with the iPhone 5S.

Apple may choose to stagger the iPhone 5C availability as that would make sense and perhaps encourage early adopters to take the premium model over the more affordable.

Why the "C"? A number of sources predict the "C" will stand for colours, expecting the new budget iPhone to be available in multiple colours including yellow, red, green, blue and white with a plastic body expected.

 

This would fit in with the iOS 7 colour scheme and there have been a range of leaked images claiming to be iPhone 5C cases, as well as components including volume and power buttons, all in a variety of colours. It would certainly bring a welcomed change from the predictable black and white versions of the previous iPhone models.

Should this model see the light of day, it is likely to be plastic. Numerous claims believe the body will be made from polycarbonate plastic, with others suggest the iPhone 5C will be a cross between the iPhone 5, fifth generation iPod touch and the iPod classic.

ILounge expects the iPhone 5C to feature a similar back to the fifth generation iPod touch, with a shape reminiscent of the iPod classic, which appears to be the case from the leaked body parts. It also suggests a 4-inch screen in-line with the iPhone 5, with Gorilla Glass and the Lightning connector for the power source.

 

The Lightning connector is a certainty, as it wouldn't make sense for Apple to change this or revert back to the previous version, a recent video comparing iPhones purports to show what the difference is between the iPhone 5C and previous iPhone models.

Plastic is likely as this would differentiate it from the iPhone 5 and rumoured iPhone 5S, making for a distinctly different device in the hand and justifying a cheaper price point.

It's almost guaranteed iOS 7 will be the software to ship with the iPhone 5C. Following its launch the WWDC conference in June, we know that the iOS 7 software is due to make an appearance in September. The new software is currently in beta testing.

READ: WWDC 2013: Apple announces iOS 7

iOS 7 is said to be the most simplified iOS since its first launch, with Jonathan Ive, Apple's new senior vice-president of industrial design describing it as "black, white and flat all over."

Other features rumours hitting the mill include no Siri for the iPhone 5C. This came from Piper Jaffray, who also expected the camera, processor and memory to be lower end than the iPhone 5 and speculated iPhone 5S.

We think it would be a strange move for Apple to remove Siri, given the promotion that went behind it in the first place but a lower spec processor, suggested as the A5, would be more plausible.

When it comes to the camera, we think the camera and majority of the other attributes of the iPhone 5 will remain for the iPhone 5C.

As far as pricing is concerned, there are rumours hitting the walls left, right and centre.

From $99 up to off-contract $300, we suspect the iPhone 5C will hit the market to compete with the likes of the Samsung S4 Mini and HTC One mini but with that Apple premium added: around ?399.

It is a great possibility that a budget iPhone will greet us sooner or later, and with all the leaked images and rumours this year, the momentum is building substantially. With nothing confirmed from Apple however, we can only wait and see.

We will bring you all the news of any iPhone developments, as well as update substantial rumours when they appear.

View the original article here