An analyst from Deutsche Bank does a foresight in connection with the possible Apple conference in September where we should see the new iPhone 5 presented. The American analyst claims that Apple could launch an iPhone 4S terminal and an iPhone 5 terminal, the first being a mid-end version that he values at only $350. This mid-end terminal could look like an iPod Touch, but of course it would have a radio chip that would give it the telephony function. The new iPhone model would be sold decoded but without the need to conclude a contract and could substantially increase the sales of the Apple company.
The whole theory is based on the fact that there are around 1.5 billion mobile phone users in the world and two thirds of them use a prepaid card. For the prepaid market, Apple has no offer and this cheaper iPhone terminal would be ideal for those who only want a card and not a subscription. The American analyst claims that Apple could increase the market share held by the iPhone in the prepaid segment by launching this device, but for now everything boils down to the predictions of an American analyst.
In addition to this $350 device, Apple should launch a new high-end iPhone model that will be sold unlocked and will have a starting price of $650.
It's time for a mid-range iPhone. Apple shipped (about 87 million) units over the past 2 years which suggests it has reached only 6% penetration of its current addressable subscribers. Looking forward, we believe Apple has room to run both in terms of greater market penetration as well as incremental carrier additions going forward. Using this framework, we believe an 8GB iPod touch with an RF module could be priced ~$350 (unlocked without a contract) and still generate healthy manufacturing margins of ~53%.
