Recently we reported on a resurfaced rumor suggesting that Apple might be working on a cheaper version of the iPhone. At the time we said it seemed out of character for Apple, and unless it was aimed at the Chinese market, it was probably not too likely.

Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, has now come forward to say there will NEVER be a cheaper iPhone model in Apple’s future. Seapking to the Chinese newspaper Shanghai Evening News, Schiller said that they aren’t work on such a device.

In Schiller’s own words:
“We are not like other companies, launched multiple products in one breath, then pinning his hopes on a product to get the favor of consumers,” said Schiller.

“Despite the popularity of cheap smartphones, this will never be the future of Apple’s products. In fact, although Apple’s market share of smartphones is just about 20 percent, we own the 75 percent of the profit,” he adds.

Doesn’t get much straightforward than that. Honestly, I doubt anyone is too surprised by this statement. While Apple is hoping to break further into the Chinese market, going against their “premium status” could hurt their overall global image and might turn off fans.

What do you think, should Apple reconsider the idea of having multiple flagship devices at different price points or should they keep doing what they do best?

[ source ]