While rumors of the possibility of a 4-inch “iPhone 6c” release in the fall have continued to pop up, new data from mobile app marketing firm Fiksu’s July data logs indicate there will not be a release of a budget-priced iPhone 6 this year.
Last month, Fisku began seeing two unknown iPhone models in its logs, with the identifiers “iphone8,1” and “iphone8,2,” which likely correspond to the next-generation 4.7-inch iPhone and the next-generation larger-screened 5.5-inch iPhone, expected to be called the “iPhone 6s” and the “iPhone 6s Plus,” respectively. The current iPhone 6 Plus is “iphone7,1,” while the iPhone 6 “iphone 7,2.”
Fiksu’s data shows 87 unique “iPhone 8,1” devices and 67 unique “iPhone 8,2” devices, but no indication of a third model that might indicate an “iPhone 6c.” While this doesn’t mean Apple isn’t working on it, the lack of visits from such a device at this late date indicates there will be no third handset debuting alongside the expected “iPhone 6s,” and “iPhone 6s Plus” devices this September.
The Fiksu data also indicates the two devices in the logs are using a variety of apps, including travel, games, and lifestyle apps. The overwhelming majority of the usage is coming from the US, with a couple of hits from Germany and Brazil.
While rumors earlier this year indicated Apple would unveil a budget priced 4-inch “iPhone 6c” handset this fall, other reports indicated plans for the device had been dropped, due to concerns it would cannibalize sales of Apple’s larger handsets. Other rumors have indicated Apple may instead debut the smaller handset in 2016.
Earlier this week, well-known leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) Blass, who admittedly has a good track record on such things, tweeted: “Sounds like iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and 6c will all arrive concurrently,” suggesting the iPhone event in September will present a smartphone three-way to attendees.
Apple is expected to debut the “iPhone 6s,” and “iPhone 6s Plus” at a September media event. The event may also include the unveiling of a new Apple TV and new iPads.
