Apple gearing up for a huge Summer with new iPhone models

In a research report released this week, an analyst with Lazard Capital suggests that Apple is planning on releasing two iPhone models in the coming months.

According to the report, Apple is set to begin production on a new 32GB iPhone model this spring. In addition, Apple is supposedly planning on launching a low end iPhone model with no wi-fi capability. Customers in the US, however, shouldn't start getting their hopes up as the low end iPhone will most likely only appear in "emerging markets" such as China and India.

Surprisingly, this is one iPhone prediction that actually makes sense. iPhone sales in India have been glaringly weak, which is most likely due to its relatively high price tag over there. Marketing a cheaper iPhone in India over would be a great way to boost what have essentially been disappointing sales in an technologically savvy country.

With respect to China, a wi-fi enabled iPhone is more likely the result of a requirement than a strategic decision on Apple's part. One of the demands Apple has encountered in its negotiations with both China Unicom and China Mobile is that it disable wi-fi on the iPhone. The reason behind this demand, believe it or not, is that wi-fi enabled mobile devices are banned by the Chinese government.

All in all, it appears that Apple is gearing up for what can only be described as a monster Summer. For starters, the next iteration of the iPhone is shaping up to be a huge upgrade. In addition to more memory, there is also evidence which points to video recording capabilities, improved battery life, and of course, a new iPhone OS with long desired features such as MMS and 'Cut and Paste'. Second, there are rumors that Apple is getting closer and closer to finally securing a deal to bring the iPhone to China. Taken together, this summer might prove to be even more successful than the iPhone 3G launch from last summer.

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