Apple is rumoured to be set to begin production of a new iPhone in the second quarter of this year, suggesting a new model will be launched by the summer.
Sources familiar with Apple’s production schedule told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) a new iPhone model similar in size and shape to existing models is planned to go into production in Q2.
This would mean that an iPhone launch could be expected as early as this summer, in line with a number of predictions that a new model will be launched before the end of the year. These predictions had primarily expected the iPhone launch of this year to be a low-cost device.
According to the WSJ sources, Apple is also continuing its work on an affordable iPhone model – with rumours suggesting the casing of the cheaper model may be made of plastic – as such two devices may well be launched over the coming months.
The rumours tie in with statements made by Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple, who recently revealed that the company has “some great stuff coming”, adding that innovation remains the company’s “North Star”.
Despite these remarks, Apple has been subject to significant criticism by industry players claiming that Apple has hit a dead-end, and has lost its innovative edge; coming under particular attack from Thorsten Heins, chief executive officer of BlackBerry, who said the iPhone is “still the same”.
Apple share prices have also been falling, with the company recently revealing a 37 per cent in five months, prompting Cook to promise shareholders that the Apple team is working hard on exciting new offerings.
