Apple Suppliers Building Cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4

Reuters: Unnamed sources say that Apple’s Asian suppliers are working on producing a less expensive, 8GB version of the iPhone 4 that will debut within the next two weeks. Analysts speculate that the lower-end phone could help Apple penetrate into emerging markets. “Apple may want to push into the emerging market segment where customers want to switch to low- to mid-end smartphones from high-end feature phones, which usually cost $150-200,” said Bonnie Chang, an analyst with Yuanta Securities.

Sources also say that Apple is preparing to launch a new version of its flagship smartphone, the iPhone 5, at the end of September. Asian manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron have reportedly been told to get ready to make 45 million of the devices.