Apple could unveil a new low-cost version of the iPhone based on the iPod Nano before the end of the year, an analyst predicted yesterday.
The company recently filed a patent application for a handheld device that appears to include the functionality of a mobile phone combined with some of the iPod Nano's features.
Apple has refused to comment on its plans for the technology, but JP Morgan's Kevin Chang told Reuters that he has inside information that a $300 (£148) version of the iPhone is in the offing and that it would make sense to base it on the slimline digital media player.
"We believe that iPod Nano will be converted into a phone because it's probably the only way for Apple to launch a lower end phone without severely cannibalising iPod Nano," said Chang.
The iPhone - which combines a digital media player, mobile phone and remote internet access - sold 700,000 units on its launch weekend last month and Apple is already rumoured to be planning to utilise its touch screen technology in an updated version of the iPod to be launched next year.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
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