Analyst: iPhone 5C may not include Siri, to cost $300, iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor only for unlocking device

BY Jason

Published 13 Aug 2013

iPhone_5S_iPhone_5C-21

Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster, a long time Apple analyst has released a research note to his clients where he has given his predictions on Apple’s rumored low-cost iPhone 5C, the next generation iPhone, iPhone 5S, and other products expected to be launched this year and early next year.

Here are some of the highlights from his research note:

iPhone 5C:

  • Munster expects that iPhone 5C to come with plastic rear casing, 4-inch display, and lower end internals such as processor, camera, memory etc. than iPhone 5 or iPhone 5S.
  • He also predicts that iPhone 5C won’t come with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant feature.
  • He expects Apple to discontinue iPhone 4S, and make iPhone 5C the new entry level model.
  • He expects iPhone 5C to be priced at $300 off-contract, which would make it significantly cheaper than iPhone 4, the current entry-level model, which is available for $450 off-contract.
  • He believes that lack of features such as Siri and lower end internals will limit cannibalisization of Apple’s more expensive iPhones by iPhone 5C.

iPhone 5S:

  • Munster expects iPhone 5S to include a fingerprint sensor, but expects it to be used only for the basic unlocking feature.
  • He doesn’t expect Apple to use it for secure payments, and expects it to be one of the key features of the 2014 iPhone.
  • He expects iPhone 5S to come with a faster A7 chip with more RAM and other specs bump.

Other products:

He expects Apple to release iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 in October. He also expects Apple to unveil the rumored Television set before the end of 2013, with a 70% chance it will start shipping within the first half of 2014.

He believes that Apple will launch the rumored iPad with a larger screen and iWatch smartwatch by mid-2014.

Apple will reportedly hold a media event on September 10 to unveil iPhone 5S, and potentially the low-cost iPhone 5C as well.

[Via MacRumors]