The internet is once again flooded with rumors of a cheaper, lower-end iPhone this morning. However, this latest batch of rumors, stemming from an “exclusive” report from Reuters, is slightly different from ones we’ve seen in the past.

Up until now, most of the low-end iPhone rumors we’ve heard have claimed Apple was manufacturing two versions of the iPhone 5 - one with the full feature set, and one that offers less, intended to be an entry-level model. Now, just as long as those rumors have been circulating, I’ve had trouble taking them seriously. I stand by my view that there is no way Apple would spend all that money, research and time to develop a shiny new iPhone 5, only to water it down to cut the price.

I was under the impression that the iPhone 4 was going to drop down the the entry-level price point when the iPhone 5 came out. Though, I failed to consider one thing. Usually, when the iPhone drops down in price, it also drops down in capacity to 8 gigs to maintain the lowest price possible. The iPhone 4, however, doesn’t come in an 8 gigabyte model. Though, if the Reuters report is to be taken seriously, it soon will. According to the article:

“Asian suppliers to Apple Inc have begun manufacturing a lower-priced version of its hot-selling iPhone 4 with a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.”

The report also mentions a late September release of the iPhone 4S, which apparently is named such due to its striking similarity to the iPhone 4. The 4S is, however, supposed to come equipped with a bigger touchscreen, redesigned antennae and 8 megapixel camera.

Now, of course, all sources have declined to be identified, all parties involved have declined to comment, and the only place credit for the rumor can be given is to “two people with knowledge of the matter.” Overall, this isn’t the most convincing argument I’ve ever seen, and some parts of this rumor seem much more plausible than others (I must have just grown desensitized to iPhone 5 release date rumors). But I must reluctantly admit, Apple producing an 8 gig iPhone 4 does sort of make sense.

Well, as with all Apple rumors, only time will tell which ones are true and which ones are false. What do you guys think? Personally, I believe there’s no way we’ll see an iPhone 5 dimmed down to fill the entry-level place, but we might just see an 8 gigabyte iPhone 4. Comment below or send me a tweet and let me know what your thinking.

Via: Reuters