Leaks are getting harder and harder to contain. Not only has Google’s Pixel been endlessly glimpsed and analyzed, it appears that Apple has been bitten by the leaky bug too.
We previously reported on Apple’s entry-level mobile, but we didn’t know exactly what the devices would look like (apart from, you know, an iPhone). But now, according to Ben Geskin, we have a much better idea:
iPhone Xc (6.1” LCD) clones/dummy models in new colors. pic.twitter.com/RybRhE7XSO
— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) September 6, 2018
The name
Before we go on, we need to comment on the name. While Geskin and others are stating it’ll be called the iPhone Xc, Bloomberg has stated it expects it to be called the iPhone Xr.
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Both make a certain amount of sense. For example, Apple has used the “c” labelling for its version of budget phones before, just think of the the iPhone 5C.
The other side of this argument is based on the name of Apple’s new top-of-the-range model. This will supposedly be called the iPhone Xs, with the budget version named the iPhone Xr. Why? Because “r” is literally behind “s.”
So, in other words, no one knows what the devices are going to be called. For ease though, I’m going to refer to it as the iPhone Xc throughout the rest of the piece.
The phone
Probably the most interesting thing about the pictures is the suggestion of dual-SIM support – something shown in the final image. Even though, I expect this will appear in markets where there’s a high demand for this function, such as China, rather than worldwide.
The range of available colors generally fits previous reports, as does the 6.1-inch LCD screen. It’s a shame that the front of the phone isn’t revealed in the photos, as I would’ve liked to see if the iPhone Xc shared the same notch design as iPhone X – something I still expect to be the case.
On the topic of the screen, Bloomberg reported that the device will have new LCD screen technology and, as such, allow it to have almost no bezels.
It’s important to note that as these are not the final product (although Geskin eventually tweeted these were prototypes) we should take everything we see with a pinch of salt. Things can change quickly, especially when the information provided isn’t completely trustworthy.
Still, I think it’s unlikely that Apple wants to reinvent the wheel with the iPhone Xc, so I’d be surprised if the final model was substantially different to the photos above.
The cost
Price-wise, no one seems to have a firm idea, but the general consensus is that the iPhone Xc will cost between $700 and $900. Here are Geskin’s predictions:
2018 iPhone Price List for EU/US:
64GB
XS Max – 1149€/$999
XS – 1029€/$899
XC – 799€/$699256GB
XS Max – 1349€/$1149
XS – 1189€/$1049
XC – 969€/$849512GB
XS Max – 1479€/$1299
XS – 1369€/$1199 pic.twitter.com/BLaDtW19nl— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) September 10, 2018
We won’t know anything for certain until Wednesday’s event though. If you’d like some information on what to expect from the event, head on over here. For coverage throughout, make sure you follow both TNW and Plugged on Twitter.
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