iPhone 5 rumors: Tim Cook hints at lower priced iPhone, sliding keyboard chatter persists

By Jeffrey Van Camp March 1, 2011

As the inevitable June debut of the next iPhone draws closer, the speculation keeps intensifying. Today, two old rumors gotten more backup. Recent statements by acting Apple CEO Tim Cook further hint at a second, cheaper version of the iPhone 5, while reported pictures of iPhone 5 parts once again hint at the possibility of an iPhone model with a slide-out keyboard.

iPhone isn’t “just for the rich”

Speaking with Forbes, Apple COO Tim Cook seemed to confirm rumors that a smaller, weaker, or somehow cheaper version of the iPhone 5 was in development. Cook claimed that Apple was “not ceding any market” and doesn’t want its products to be “just for the rich.” In addition, the article noted that he “appeared to reaffirm the notion that Apple is likely to develop lower priced offerings.” Could this be the iPhone Nano? Will it be a streaming-only phone? Maybe just a phone with weaker specs to justify its cheap price? We’ll find out soon enough.

Sliding screen rumors persist, and 3D

apple-iphone-5-part-leaked-image

AppleInsider has linked to a tw.apple.pro article claiming to have a picture of an iPhone 5 part (seen above) with the label 821-1300-02 HF/c1. If the Chinese site is to be believed, talk of a 4-inch iPhone is bogus, but there will be an iPhone 5 model with a “sliding cover.” We can’t think of any other reason for Apple to include a sliding cover unless it plans on adding a keyboard to the iPhone. Finally, the site mentions a 3D screen, but says it won’t be included in the iPhone 5. We would take these rumors with a grain of salt, but Apple may indeed release multiple versions of the iPhone 5. We shall see.

For a complete roundup of iPhone 5 rumors, check out our rumor roundup.

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Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

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