Apple to Offer iPhone 3GS in Emerging Markets

iPhone 3GS may provide Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) with a new market although it was originally released into the market a couple of years ago. According to Peter Misek, an analyst from Jeffries & Co, a global distribution deal was signed by Apple to make the iPhone 3GS available in the emerging markets worldwide.This will result to the price of an unlocked model of the iPhone 3GS to be reduced from the current $375 to around $250. This will make the iPhone 3GS appealing to first-time buyers of smartphones particularly those who are familiar with the iPod Touch.

According to Misek around thirty million iPhone units will be produced by Apple within the current quarter even as the 28 million units that the company will manufacture will does not include the iPhone units being produced in the new Hon Hai factory in Brazil.

Although the iPhone 3GS will have lower specs compared to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, it offers features that can compete with a number of Android-powered devices including the HTC Desire C. The Apple smartphone features a 600Mhz Cortex A8 processor and a display screen that has a 320 by 480 resolution.

Although the features of the iPhone 3GS will not be enhanced by Apple, it will remain competitive against other reasonably-priced smartphones using the Windows Phone and Android OS. The device also offers the iOS along with access to the App Store of Apple, which gives it the edge over its competition in the market.

Offering the iPhone 3GS as a contract-free, prepaid unit will be practical for the emerging markets since retailers provide most of the distribution channels to consumers.

Even though the iPhone 3GS will be three generations behind the upcoming iPhone 5 it will still offer a good option for consumers in emerging markets who are looking for a good deal in the smartphone that they aim to purchase.