Submitted by Marshall Walker on
Apple may break tradition again and release an entry-level iPhone 6c to replace the discontinued iPhone 5c in February, according to the Chinese website TechWeb. Citing unnamed sources from Foxconn TechWeb claims Apple will announce the iPhone 6c in January then release the new device in February. The website also notes that Apple will ditch the “unapologetically plastic” casing of the iPhone 5c in favor of a metal body.
Other rumors have suggested that the iPhone 6c will include Touch ID and NFC with Apple Pay support, but it will not include new features found on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus such as 3D Touch. It is unknown if the iPhone 6c will be offered in a wide array of colors like its predecessor the iPhone 5c. The iPhone 5c is the only Apple handset to be offered in lime green, white, yellow, red and light blue.
If the rumors are true, this will be the first time Apple has released a new iPhone separate from its normal fall refresh.
The iPhone 6c is expected to replace the iPhone 5s as Apple's entry-level offering in its iPhone 6 lineup. The 16GB iPhone 5s is currently available for zero dollars down or starting at $49 for the 32GB model with a new two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon Wireless.