Analysts estimate that Apple may launch its entry-level iPhone - the iPhone 6c - in March or April 2016. The handset is rumored to include some hardware that are found in the top-end iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus.
Apple launched its pocket-friendly iPhone 5c along with the top-end iPhone 5s in September 2013. The handset features modest specs and even with the Apple brand name it failed to attract customers.
Since 2013, Apple has not even launched a successor to the iPhone 5c. However, rumors of Apple working on the iPhone 6c have been doing the rounds for many months.
According to AppleInsider, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, predicts that Apple may launch the iPhone 6c in March or April 2016. The iPhone 5c did not include a number of features that Apple included in the iPhone 5s. However, Kuo suggests that the iPhone 6c will boast the same A9 processor as found in the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus.
Additionally, Kuo suggests that the iPhone 6c will also include NFC to enable payments via Apple Pay. The iPhone 6c may also come with Touch ID, which is Apple's fingerprint recognition feature, first launched by the company in the iPhone 5s.
TouchID has become a key feature in new iDevices as it allows easy unlocking of the device, making purchases and to authenticate Apple Pay online or in app. Kuo is expecting that the iPhone 6c will be in the $400 to $500 price range.
Kuo has a good track record in predicting the estimated launch time and hardware specs of Apple devices, which means that customers should be ready for a new iPhone in March or April 2016.
The 4-inch iPhone 5c was contained in a polycarbonate body. However, some rumors suggest that the iPhone 6c will have 4-inch screen but the smartphone will come in a full metal case just like the top-end iPhones.
Apple has not yet confirmed any information about the iPhone 6c, which means iFans will have to wait another months to see if the company actually launches the iPhone 6c.
