Apple may introduce 8GB iPhone 4S at September 12 media event

With the Apple media event just a few short days away, all eyes are pointing towards the next generation iPhone which may be called the iPhone 5. There have been a lot of rumours and leaks pertaining to this upcoming handset and also some speculations that there may be nothing new left for Apple to showcase when it unveils the device. Though there has been a lot said about this device, a recent report by The Telegraph speaks about another handset that could possibly surface at the event – an 8GB iPhone 4S.

Matt Warman states in his report that Apple may do away with the iPhone 3GS and make the 8GB variant of the iPhone 4 as the brand’s entry level handset. To quote the author, “Sources close to retailers also suggested that an 8GB version of the 4S could be introduced. The 3GS was launched in June 2009 and sold a million units over its first weekend alone. At more than three years old, however, it is no longer able to keep track with the latest features.”

This could likely spell the end for that smartphone and like Apple has done in the past, it could possibly introduce the current flagship in a smaller capacity, making it the brand’s second ranked handset after the iPhone 5.

Could be available with 8GB storage

This could be a good opportunity for those looking to own an iPhone, as the iPhone 4S with a reduced storage capacity should be priced lower than it currently does in the market.

When Apple introduced the iPhone 4S in India, it priced the Apple iPhone 3GS at an MRP of Rs. 20,900, while the iPhone 4 8GB got a price tag of Rs. 37,900. This did not sit too well with majority of the Indian audience and the brand was criticised for the pricing of these older smartphones.

Hopefully, when the iPhone 4S 8GB gets launched in India, it will get a price tag that is worthy of it, so that it can broaden the scope of the brand in India.

Here is a quick glance at the pricing structure of the iPhone in India:

• iPhone 4S 16GB – Rs.44,900
• iPhone 4S 32GB – Rs.50,900
• iPhone 4S 64GB – Rs.57,500
• iPhone 4 8GB – Rs.37,900
• iPhone 3GS 8GB – Rs.20,900

The Telegraph report goes on to state, “Three versions of the Apple iPhone 5 will be on sale, offering different storage options. Details of whether the iPhone 5 will also offer full 4G capabilities, allowing it to use 4G networks launching in Britain later this year on the Orange and T-Mobile networks, remain unclear however. The sources close to retailers added that the device is expected to go on sale in the week of the 21 September, as previously suggested.”

The next iPhone is expected to feature a major design overhaul and is said to be much bigger, measuring 58.47 mm wide, 123.83 mm high and 7.6 mm thin with a 4-inch display. As previous reports have indicated, the headphone jack will also be relocated from the top of the iPhone to the bottom. The size of the dock has been reduced drastically and is much smaller and similar to the size of a microUSB. This last bit fits in line with the fact that the redesigned dock connector will not feature the traditional 30-pin configuration and instead opt for a smaller one.

For information on the next iPhone, click here