iPhone 5c
The iPhone 5c is a smartphone developed and marketed by Apple Inc.. Introduced as part of the sixth generation of iPhones, the iPhone 5c was unveiled on September 10, 2013, alongside its premium counterpart, the iPhone 5s.
Design and Features
The iPhone 5c marked a departure from Apple's traditional design language with its colorful and plastic exterior. It features a hard-coated polycarbonate shell, available in several vibrant colors such as blue, green, pink, yellow, and white. The use of polycarbonate, a type of thermoplastic polymer, was intended to offer a more playful and accessible aesthetic compared to the aluminum casing of its predecessor, the iPhone 5.
While the iPhone 5c shares the internal hardware specifications with the iPhone 5, such as the Apple A6 processor and 8-megapixel iSight camera, it does have a slightly increased weight of 132 grams, due to the materials used for its construction. A unique feature of the iPhone 5c's design is the steel-reinforced band within the polycarbonate shell, providing added structural integrity.
Software
The iPhone 5c was shipped with iOS 7, an operating system that introduced a major redesign and a host of new features, including an overhauled user interface with a flatter design, AirDrop, and Control Center. iOS 7 was well-received for its modern aesthetic and improved functionality, aligning seamlessly with the vibrant design of the 5c.
Market Position
Upon its release, the iPhone 5c was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the iPhone 5s. Contrary to Apple's usual practice of reducing the price of the previous model upon the release of a new model, the iPhone 5 was discontinued, and the 5c took its place. This strategic move allowed Apple to target a broader audience by offering a lower entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.
On September 9, 2014, the 16 and 32 GB iPhone 5c models were replaced by an 8 GB variant upon the announcement of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. This change was indicative of Apple's ongoing strategy to keep the iPhone 5c as an affordable option while introducing new flagship models.