Jefferies: affordable iPhone 6C will have a metal chassis, release date slated for H1 2016

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A metallic iPhone 6c is now rumored for 2016
Now, here is a wild prediction from a reputable research and market analysis firm. Analyst Ange Wu from Jefferies upgraded Foxconn's stock to "Buy" yesterday, citing a huge order it has presumably scored for more than half of the metal casings of a future iPhone 6c. Yes, you read that right, there will apparently indeed be an iPhone 6c, and it won't be coming with the "unapologetically plastic" chassis of its misfortunate 5c predecessor.

We've been hearing about a possible "c" model for a while now, with persistent claims that it will still feature a 4" display accompanying the various rumors about it. The Jefferies's analyst claims, however, that the affordable iPhone with the metal chassis will be released in the first half of next year, which would mark a departure from Apple's typical unveiling season in the fall. This jibes with another reputable analyst's enigmatic forecast that there won't be a 4" iPhone 6c this year, which still leaves 2016 as an option. As per the memo to clients, “although iPhone 6C is designed as an extended version, it still uses metal casing based on Apple style,” alluding to the 6c as an "extended version" of the current iPhone 5c model. 

The Jefferies report also indirectly confirms that there will be an iPhone 6s/6s Plus this year, using the same chassis as the current iPhones. “The experience gained from iPhone 6/6 Plus rear metal casings will sustain FTC’s position as the main supplier for the iPhone 6S/6S Plus, and this will likely be extended to the iPhone 6C,” tips the research firm.

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