Skip to main content

RIP iPhone 5C: Apple may discontinue the colorful phone in 2015

Apple iPhone 5C
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Apple’s iPhone 5C was the company’s first foray into the world of colorful, plastic phones. Since its release, another iPhone launch has come and gone without mention of Apple’s little experiment. While many thought Apple might continue the 5C line, it seems that is unlikely. A new report from Taiwan’s Industrial and Commercial Times says the iPhone 5C will be discontinued in 2015.

It’s the second report that’s surfaced in the past week to mention the end of Apple’s iPhone 5C. Noted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently stated that Apple will stop making the iPhone 5C in 2015 once promotions on the handset end. The iPhone 4S will also go to the chopping block around the same time. Once these two older handsets are retired, every iPhone sold will come equipped with a Touch ID sensor for security.

Apple regularly streamlines its iPhone and iPad lineups by cutting out the weakest links shortly after new versions of each device are launched. Ending production of the iPhone 4S and 5C will also free up Apple’s production lines for manufacturing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, as well as other new products.

Currently, you can only buy an 8GB version of the iPhone 5C from Apple’s website for $450 unlocked or $0 on a two-year contract. Those who want more storage have to look to eBay and other sites. Based on the report, it sounds as though Apple may offer even better deals on the 5C in  the future to clear out stock, so keep an eye out.

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
iOS 18 has a hidden feature you’ll only see when your iPhone battery dies
Close-up view of remaining battery life on an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

It's been just a few days since Apple released the first developer preview of iOS 18. Since then, developers and everyday users have discovered features in the first iOS 18 beta that Apple didn't mention in its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) keynote. The most recent discovery concerns what happens when your iPhone's battery becomes exhausted.

Apple iPhones have a power reserve feature that conserves a small amount of battery life to support essential functions like Find My and NFC unlocking when the battery is nearly depleted. In iOS 18, the feature appears to be extended.

Read more
iOS 18 makes an 11-year-old iPhone feature exciting again
Someone holding an iPhone 14, showing the Lock Screen.

Following the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) keynote, developers are starting to dig into the first iOS 18 developer beta. Though this beta lacks Apple Intelligence and many of the other features demoed on Monday, it offers a surprising new take on an old iOS feature: the flashlight.

The built-in flashlight feature has been available on the iPhone since iOS 7, which was released in 2013. It hasn't changed much at all since then, which makes sense, given its basic function. Interestingly, it has received a significant update in iOS 18.

Read more
iOS 18 is official. Here’s how it’s going to change your iPhone forever
Screenshots of new features in iOS 18.

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here: iOS 18 has just been announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote. And, like the rumors have been saying, this is a very big, juicy update for your iPhone.

There's been a lot of anticipation for iOS 18. Rumors and leaks for the new update have been particularly intense this year, more so than iOS 17 rumors last year. So, was the hype worth it? Here's what's coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.
Home screen changes

Read more