Despite Apple's Tim Cook recently downplaying rumours of an entry-level iPhone he Royal Bank of Canada is reiterating this week that Apple is readying an announcement of an entry-level model that lacks both 3G connectivity and an unlimited data plan.
The research note from analyst Mike Abramsky opened, "checks reveal further entry-level iPhone details, including launches on existing carriers [in] June [or] July with a data plan, entry-level pricing and a lower subsidy."
Throughout the rest of the seven page report Abramsky fails to refer to any sources of this information but added that the iPhone 3G would also see a refresh featuring a new form factor, and added features.
In the chart (pictured) Abramsky breaks down the features.
The new iPhone 3G will purportedly retail for $199 and $299 for 16GB and 32GB models, respectively, after a $400 subsidy from local carriers. Features such as UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and a two-megapixel camera will remain in place, albeit the camera will gain video capabilites; instead the major upgrade for the iPhone 3G will be a new high-resolution display. The analyst states that the 3.5-inch display could be bumped to 720x480 from 480x320.
The "entry level iPhone" will feature the 480x320 3.5-inch display but to differentiate itself from the iPhone 3G the device will lose 3G connectivity, lack GPS, and include a two-megapixel camera but with no video capabilities. According to the analyst the device will sell for $99 after a $200 subsidy from carriers.