Apple’s Clever Plan To Convince Us To Pay More For The 'iPhone 6'

If you believe the growing rumors, Apple will soon unveil two new “iPhone 6” handsets, a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch model. But this isn't the same strategy Apple employed last year when it released the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Instead, it's something completely different. In 2013, there was no doubt the iPhone 5s had replaced the iPhone 5 as the company’s flagship device. The iPhone 5c? A lower priced iPhone 5 with a fresh coat of paint. The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 could very well become Apple’s best-selling handset of the year. This will be the one sold at price points similar to the iPhone 5s. This will be the handset Apple promotes the most in print and media. But it won’t be the one Cupertino wants you to buy. But a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 won’t just have a larger screen. Its display will be made of sapphire glass, as opposed to the slightly weaker Gorilla glass found on the 4.7-inch model. As we learned today, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may also be the only model Apple releases that features a camera with optical image stabilization. Beyond these differences, I’ve also become convinced that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will be the only model available with 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB of disk storage. The 4.7-inch model, by contrast, will only be available in 32GB and 64GB varieties. Throw in some color choice differences, and Apple could be well poised to release two brand new, but significantly different iPhone models this fall. So which model should you buy? For many, that decision might come down to price. However, I’d expect most early adopters to select the larger model. After all, for a little bit more, Apple would be offering more real estate, a better display and camera, and more storage. Throw in some real or perceived short-term supply constraints, and it becomes clearer that Apple really wants you to select the 5.5-inch model, despite what they may say publicly. I’m still not entirely convinced Apple will launch a 5.5-inch iPhone this year. If they do, that’s the model I’ll be choosing, even though I’d probably be more comfortable holding the 4.7-inch model. I mean, really. A more durable display? A better camera? More space? The choice is crystal clear, no? Image: iPhone 6 mockup, 9to5Mac

Related articles