Round Table: Will Apple’s budget iPhone be a runaway hit?

The buzz about the new iPhone will reach its peak as we approach September 10 . At the moment too, there’s considerable hype about the next-gen Apple smartphone, but more importantly for the iPhone 5C , the likely name for the budget iPhone.

What will the iPhone 5C bring? We can take a guess or two based on the rumours and speculation , but more than anything, it represents Apple’s big bet for the emerging markets and BRIC nations, where the “true” iPhone is still a pricey affair. Will the iPhone 5C help Apple win crucial market share in these burgeoning markets? Or will it peter out against the competition presented by low-cost Android and Windows Phone smartphones. Will we even see a cheaper iPhone or is this just a very elaborate and over-run rumour? Here’s our take:

So, what do you think? Will the iPhone 5C be able to compete against the Android mid-range army? Is it too late for Apple? Let us know in the comments.