When rumors started swirling about the iPhone 5C, various outlets claimed Apple was making a mid-range phone to compete in Asia with Xiaomi, Samsung and other providers.

However, Apple decided to launch a $549 off contract smartphone, $100 cheaper than the iPhone 5S, and still on the high-end of the market.

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Rumors are now focused on the iPhone 6S Mini, they revert back to the 4-inch iPhone, potentially being Apple's mid-range device, but these rumors are terribly false.

The likelihood of the iPhone 6S Mini costing any less than $549 is very low, considering Apple's current store structure has the iPhone 6 Plus at $749, the iPhone 6 at $649 and the iPhone 5S, which will be replace by the iPhone 6S Mini, at $549.

This is still better than what Apple offered three years ago when it only launched one iPhone at $199 on contract or $649 off contract. Now, at least there is the option of a lower-priced $549 option. The lowest Apple is willing to go is $449, the current price of the iPhone 5C. Anything lower and Apple loses its double profit margin, since $221 is the manufacturing price of the iPhone 5C.

There are excellent options for budget buyers, including Microsoft's new Lumia devices; Motorola's Moto G; HTC's Desire 816, and even the new BlackBerry Classic might be an option for some customers.

Apple has never been in the business of being cheap, not on Mac, not on iPod, not on iPhone and not on iPad. It will take more than growth in China to make the Cupertino, Calif.-based company reduce its profit margin.

TagsiPhone 6S Mini, iPhone