Sturdy-jawed tech tyke and PiperJaffray analyst Gene Munster has been stirring up rumors again with his latest prediction that Apple will launch a “budget” iPhone at the beginning of 2009, priced amidst $200 and $300, as part of a rapid expansion plan designed to drive sales by the next two year.  Expecting the lower-cost model to hit stores by the end of January 2009, Munster suggests that by that point Apple will have three distinct smartphones in the iPhone

range, one of which will be the 3G iPhone and another the company’s attempt to move beyond the $400 price point.  It’s possible that that higher-cost iPhone could be the much-rumored iPhone-style tablet, although Munster did not propose that in his report.

“The iPhone is the driver with the greatest potential.  We believe the iPhone will replace the iPod as a driver of significant growth for the company” Gene Munster, analyst, PiperJaffray

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