Apple Likely To Introduce 8GB iPhone 5s And Cheaper iMac At WWDC, KGI Analyst Says
May 29, 2014
See update below.
Apple is expected to introduce cheaper versions of the iPhone 5s and the iMac at its Worldwide Developer Conference next week, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a new research note to investors (via MacRumors), Kuo says, "As iPhone 5S is a highly popular model, we predict Apple may launch an 8GB version to boost market share in emerging markets." He adds that, if not announced on stage at WWDC, the new 8GB iPhone 5s is likely to be launched shortly before or after the Apple event.
Apple first introduced the 8GB version of the iPhone 5c, the iPhone 5s' lesser sibling, last March in the U.K., Australia, France, Germany, and China, giving customers a less expensive option for purchasing an Apple smartphone. The handset model was then made available in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Belgium last month.
In addition to a cheaper iPhone 5s model, a lower-cost iMac is predicted by Kuo to be introduced by Apple soon. This prediction reiterates an earlier report of Kuo's and corroborates recent rumors backed by the iMac's slipping shipping estimates and references to new iMac models in OS X Mavericks 10.9.4 beta.
In his note, Kuo also addresses Apple's rumored smart home software platform, saying that it's likely to work with iCloud, iBeacon, and AirPlay.
Earlier this week, Kuo issued a research note highlighting the likelihood of the integration of Touch ID in the so-called iPhone 6 (in both its rumored 4.7- and 5.5-inch sizes), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 2.
Update:
Well-connected Apple commentator Jim Dalrymple has implied — with a rather decisive "Nope." — that neither an 8GB iPhone 5s nor a lower-cost iMac will be introduced by Apple at next week's WWDC.
