Apple looks set to finally abandon its black-and-white-only approach to the iPhone, with yet another report suggesting the next iteration will hit stores in a range of colors – including gold.
Japanese Apple-news site Macotakara (via MacRumors) reported on Thursday that both the 5S and the rumored low-cost iPhone are set to ship in a variety of colors, offering iPhone customers a few more options besides the usual black and white flavors.
The site’s unnamed source says the 5S, if indeed that’s what Apple decides to call it, will ship in two additional colors: gold and green. The gold option links up nicely with a report last week that featured a gold-colored component said to be part of the next-generation iPhone.
The expected budget iPhone, which is reportedly heading for emerging markets, could come in navy, gold orange, white, and gray, says Macotakara. However, another source suggested a slightly different set of colors: white, pink, green, blue, and yellow orange.
There’s been talk for some time about the possibility of Apple launching the iPhone in more colors. Last year the tech giant unveiled the latest iteration of its iPod Touch device in a range of new colors, so it’s perfectly reasonable to think it’ll do the same with its smartphone.
The news comes a day after Samsung announced new colors for its fast-selling Galaxy S4 handset, a phone which this week passed the ten-million-sales mark – less than a month after launch. The Korean company’s flagship handset will arrive this summer in blue, red, purple and brown.
The low-cost iPhone would reportedly be built with a plastic case and sell for between $350 and $400 without subsidies. Though Macotakara suggests it’ll ship this September, some reports have pointed to a launch date some time next year.
As for the 5S, many Apple watchers are expecting an announcement in August or September this year.
