Apple Inc. (AAPL): Time Is Ticking for a Cheaper iPhone in China

Canalys recently said in a report that sales of cheap smartphones in China were “exploding.” Every month a cheaper iPhone isn’t on the Chinese market is another opportunity for Chinese vendors — and others like Samsung — to outpace Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and push the company further behind in the country.

Give ’em what they want
With Chinese consumers obviously in the market for cheap smartphones, it’s a no-brainer that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would want to sell them a cheaper version of their phone. But I can’t help but think that maybe by the time the device hits the Chinese market, some consumers will no longer be interested in one. Sure, iOS 7 will offer a refresh to the iPhone brand, and Chinese consumers have a knack for brand awareness. But with so many smartphone options on the market — with comparable features — it’s hard to image a lower-cost iPhone completely sweeping the Chinese smartphone market and overturning Apple’s market share woes in the country.

The article Time Is Ticking for a Cheaper iPhone in China originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple.

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