Apple Inc. iPhone 5C May Not Feature Siri: Munster

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For Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s low cost iPhone, which has been by far the much talked about and most awaited device, the iPhone maker may scale back iOS 7, taking away features like Siri, predicts Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.

Apple Inc. iPhone 5C May Not Feature Siri: Munster

For iPhone 5S, Munster’s expectations are much in-line with consensus

For the next gen iPhone from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), which is commonly referred to as ‘iPhone 5S’, Munster’s expectations are more or less in line with the recent rumors and reports. The analyst believes that there will be a fingerprint sensor embedded in the new device, which will be limited to user authentication. Apart from this the new phone will also have regular “S-series” component upgrades like enhanced processor performance, increased hours of battery, more memory and other specifications.

Apple’s less expensive iPhone may not have Siri

Munster echoes similar thoughts on the iPhone 5S as found in other reports and sources, but his take on the rumored less-expensive ‘iPhone 5C’ are a bit different from the reports. While like anyone else, Munster also holds that iPhone 5C will have a plastic body, 4 inch display and less advanced components compared to the iPhone 5S, he adds that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will not include some software features when the handset will be launched, primarily the Siri voice recognizing virtual assistance.

Siri has never been officially rolled out for iPhone 4 or earlier models, though it has been proved that it could run on older versions. To get optimal performance of Siri a technology known as noise cancellation tech is a pre-requisite, which is present in A5 processors, used in iPhone 4S, iPad mini and fifth generation iPod Touch.

Discontinuing iPhone 4S, a sensible move

Munster holds the view that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a made a sensible move by pulling back its iPhone 4S devices as it would be better for the company to discontinue the iPhone 4S rather than offering it as a free-of-contract device. He adds that this will bring similarity in the offerings as iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C all will have similar designs and screen sizes.

Munster also writes that iPhone 5C will be priced at approximately $300. Munster feels that despite the lower price cannibalization will be only 25 percent, a decline of 50 percent from the previous estimate. Lower cannibalization is primarily due to leaked videos showing plastic body handsets.

The analyst also expects Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to launch new iPad and iPad mini in October of this month. Additionally, the company may also launch a TV product before the end of 2013, and larger display iPhone and iWatch may be launched in 2014.

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