Apple To Launch Affordable 8GB Version Of iPhone 5C To Boost Sales In India

Apple will launch the 8GB variant of the iPhone 5C in India by early June to boost its sales, as per sources. The product was first launched in Europe and China more than a month ago and is on expansion mode.

Although there is no word on the pricing of the phone, BGR India speculates that the price is expected to range between Rs 30,000 and 40,000. Apple currently offers iPhone 5C (16GB) model at Rs 34,400 with a buyback scheme. With a buyback offer or other promotional discount it is expected that the price of 8GB variant of iPhone 5C can touch the Rs 30,000 mark.

With this move, Apple also aims to increase its average selling price (ASP) in India, which is among the lowest, owing to higher sales of entry-level models like iPhone 4 and 4S.

Apple had earlier decided pull out the four-year-old iPhone 4 after re-launching it in January 2014. The new model is expected to drive volume in Indian market.

Apple had first launched the iPhone 5c (8GB) model in March this year in selected markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Australia and China following a lukewarm response to its existing iPhone 5c model. The idea behind this move was to promote its sale with a lower price.
Two weeks ago, the model was rolled out in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, Spain, Denmark and Switzerland.

Apple's iPhone portfolio currently consists of the iPhone 4s (8GB) at Rs 31,500 (Rs 24,000 under a buyback offer), iPhone 5c (16GB and 32GB), and the flagship iPhone 5s (16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants) priced at Rs 53,500 to Rs 71,500.

Apple's volume share of the Indian smart phone market in the January-March 2014 quarter was 2.4%, as per CyberMedia Research. Samsung led the segment with a 38.9% share, followed by Micromax at 19.1%, Karbonn at 6.9%, Lava at 6.1% and Nokia at 5.3%. [BGR India]
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