While it remains unknown if Apple will ever release a new budget smartphone to succeed the iPhone 5c, which was a plastic-backed carbon copy of the iPhone 5, a new gallery of renders from 3D Future provides an early look at what the so-called "iPhone 6c" could look like. The concept smartphone essentially combines an iPhone 5c and iPhone 6 into one, which would seem like a logical move if Apple ever releases an iPhone 6c.

iPhone 6c concept
The concept iPhone 6c features several design attributes adopted from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, including a slimmer design, rounded edges, pill-shaped volume buttons, circular speaker grilles and a slightly protruding rear-facing camera. The smartphone also appears to have a 4.7-inch display and is pictured alongside the iPhone 6 for a side-by-side comparison.

iPhone 6c Concept 1
It is important to note that these mockups are not based on any leaked specifications, design attributes or other information. Apple did not release an iPhone 6c alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last September, prompting debate as to whether the company will hold off until the iPhone 6s next September or eventually phase out the mid-tier model from its lineup entirely.

iPhone 6c Concept 2
Apple is expected to release its flagship iPhone 6s next September. It was reported in November that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus could have the "biggest camera jump ever" with a dual-lens, DSLR-quality system. The smartphone is still expected to retain an 8-megapixel rear camera and is rumored to feature an improved Touch ID fingerprint scanner with reduced errors. At this point, it remains unclear if an iPhone 6c is also in the works, but these artistic renditions provide a teaser of what could be.

Top Rated Comments

BeSweeet Avatar
136 months ago
Is the use of "budget" in the title and article referring to when it's subsidized? Otherwise, it's still not really a "budget" device.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spectrum Abuser Avatar
136 months ago
To be fair, a $449.00 phone is not 'budget' at all. A true to the root meaning of a budget phone would be the Nokia Lumia 635. $49.00 with free shipping directly from the Microsoft store (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/phone/lumia635/offers/?op_160=on&re_160=on&opp=10). The actual mockup is outstanding, though!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JonneyGee Avatar
136 months ago
This makes a lot of sense. Even though the 5c got mixed reviews on its success due to awful analyst predictions, I know a lot of people who have the phone and really like it. A 6c created in similar fashion would make a lot of sense and be a good way for Apple to relegate the iPhone 6 to mid-tier status as it did with the iPhone 5 in 2013.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CmdrLaForge Avatar
136 months ago
White front and at least 16 GB ! The current 8 GB are a joke.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
illegalprelude Avatar
136 months ago
Calling the iPhone 6C or whatever it may be called (and really therefor calling the iPhone 5C) a budget phone is from the outside perspective which doesn't understand Apple. The 5C was simply a different phone but it was never intended to be budget. Apple has time and time again shown its not interested yet everybody ran with the idea that the 5C would be a budget and was shocked/disappointed when Apple revealed its price tag.

If there is a 6 version, it will not be a budget device. Apple has said many times, they don't care about market shares and why should they? Look at their earnings report.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tuslaw12 Avatar
136 months ago
Deja Vu

It might just be me but I thought the iPhone 5c was a bit of a failure. I don't see why they would bring it back
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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