Loading article…
iPhone 5c launches Sep 20 2013 with $99‑$199 contract pricing, A6 chip same as iPhone 5, five colors and polycarbonate body – see how it compares to the 5s.
The iPhone 5c debuted on September 20 2013 with contract prices of $99 for 16 GB and $199 for 32 GB, while its SIM‑free cost starts at $549 for the base model [3].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Launch date | September 20 2013 |
| Contract price (16 GB) | $99 |
| SIM‑free price (16 GB) | $549 |
| Chipset | A6 (same as iPhone 5) |
| Colors | Blue, green, pink, yellow, white |
Apple kept the iPhone 5c’s core hardware identical to the iPhone 5, using the A6 processor and 5‑megapixel rear camera [1][2]. The only notable hardware change is a slightly better front‑facing FaceTime camera, which delivers clearer video calls [1]. The device’s polycarbonate back is offered in five vibrant hues, giving users a color choice that the aluminum‑cased iPhone 5s does not provide [2][3].
Apple priced the 5c as the budget option in its dual‑launch strategy. On a two‑year contract the 16 GB model costs $99, compared with $199 for the flagship iPhone 5s [3]. SIM‑free, the 5c starts at $549, roughly $100 less than the 5s’s entry price [3]. In the UK, the unlocked 5c begins at £469 for 16 GB, while the 5s starts at £549 [2][3]. This price gap targets cost‑conscious buyers who still want a modern iPhone experience without the premium features like Touch ID or the M7 motion coprocessor found in the 5s [2].
Both the iPhone 5 and 5c share the same A6 chip, which limited their software support lifespan. WhatsApp announced it will drop support for the 5c (and 5) after December 31 2022, as the devices cannot run iOS 12 or later [4]. This underscores the trade‑off of buying a lower‑priced, older‑generation handset: reduced future app compatibility.
The iPhone 5c’s launch shows Apple’s willingness to segment its lineup by price and aesthetics, but the reliance on older internals may limit its relevance as app ecosystems evolve. Whether the colorful, lower‑cost option sustains demand beyond the initial launch remains to be seen.
Coverage is mostly measured — 9 of 9 reports stay neutral.
Every Monday — the token unlocks, Fed dates & catalysts set to move crypto and markets this week. So you’re never blindsided.
Free · 3-min read · one-click unsubscribe
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · Jul 4, 2026 · How we report
The iPhone 5c was unveiled on September 10, 2013 and released on September 20, 2013.
It has a hard‑coated polycarbonate shell reinforced by a steel band.
The 8 GB model was discontinued in most markets in September 2015, with final sales ending in India in February 2016.
The iPhone 5c weighs 132 g, about 20 g heavier than the iPhone 5.
Yes, it remained the last lower‑priced iPhone until the first‑generation iPhone SE launched in 2016.