Rumors about the iPhone 6C, allegedly Apple's smallest iPhone, continue to churn at the rumor mill and the latest is that the gadget will be launched by the tech company by February 2016.
Chinese site Tech Web reported that sources called the "Foxconn insiders" have tipped them off on the details to the iPhone 6C. According to the report, Apple fans could expect an announcement about the smartphone by January, but sales of the units will begin selling the following month.
The insiders also dished that the iPhone 6C will be a pint-sized 4-inch smartphone, which will not be similar to the iPhone 5C with its polycarbonate shell. Instead, the newest model will be made of metal, so that it maintains it premium look. However, users will have the luxury of choosing their favorite colors as it will come in different shades, per G for Games. The new iPhone would still carry a similar design with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus despite its reduced sized.
Geeky Gadgets reported that the iPhone 6C will have an A8 processor as well as the latest camera and Bluetooth support, with Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11 ac WiFi and improved FaceTime HD camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture. What will be likely missing from this device is the 3D Touch display, but 9 to 5 Mac reported it could get a Touch ID and NFC chip so that it can still be used for Apple Pay.
Apple intends to make iPhone 6C the upgrade to the 5C, which may soon be discontinued. Per IDownload, the company typically keeps at least two generations of the iPhone in the market and it's only a matter of time before the 5C will no longer be available to buy.
Per Macworld, it's quite unusual to have Apple release a new iPhone so soon after people are no longer buying holiday presents.However, the move could mean Apple intends to buffer sales during this period, so that it can sustain the peak even after Christmas when Apple items are usually hot and coveted.
Price for the iPhone 5C is pegged at about $400 to $500, per Mac Rumors. It should be noted that when the iPhone 5C was released in 2013 and its starting price was around $549 for the 16GB model.
Still, some observers are not convinced with the validity of the insider report especially with claims that the coming iPhone 7 set for September 2016 could have five different models. There would be too many iPhones variants in the market if that's the case.
