Apple said to have eyed a new user base as its iPhone 3GS is still expensive to own

Apr 23, 2012 14:06 GMT  ·  By

A Chinese newspaper is reigniting rumors about a potential “iPhone nano” launching this year, citing unnamed sources within Apple’s supply chain as saying that the company wishes to expand its presence in the smartphone segment even further.

Since the iPhone 3GS still costs almost $400 / €300 to own (not subsidized), Apple is said to have developed a mini-iPhone that caters to the general population, yet still delivers a superior experience.

China Times is the source of the rumor and, just like the iPad mini, a smaller iPhone seems very unlikely. In fact, the iPhone mini seems all the more unlikely, considering Apple has a mission this year: to re-ignite interest in the iPhone with a completely revamped model.

Every analyst on the planet would instantly downgrade Apple on the announcement of a non-premium device. But, as they say, never say never.