ICTworks by Inveneo

Bloomberg is breathlessly reporting iPhone 5 rumors that have all the mac fanboys foaming. But tucked into the talk about faster chips and better displays for Apples most successful product is this little aside that could get everyone in ICT4D foaming too:

Apple is also working to finish a cheaper version of the iPhone aimed at attracting customers in developing countries, the people said. This device would use chips and displays of similar quality to today’s iPhone 4, the people said. Apple’s work on a smaller, lower-priced version of the device was discussed by people familiar with the matter in February.

Now what might this low-end iPhone mean for Apple? Why does it even care about the developing world - its already so dominating the developed one its now second only to ExxonMobile in market cap. Let us hear what Fast Company says:

An iPhone Lite could translate into billions of new sales for Apple. From the sounds of it, the scaled-back iPhone uses much of the guts of the iPhone 4 in a cheaper shell, which could be the "radical" overhaul the market's been chattering about, including a super-slim teardrop-shaped design. Apple's possibly dropping expensive items like memory and the unique metal chassis and glass back to keep the price low--low enough to please buyers in developing nations. This also could mean consumers in China, and people with smaller budgets in the U.S. and Europe.

Before we all get too excited about rural African farmings checking crop prices on a mAg app or community health workers diagnosing patients on a mDoc app, note the markets that Apple would gain the most in - China, USA, and Europe.

The iPhone Lite is not going to be starting an iPhone4Dev revolution, not when $100 smartphones are already flooding Africa's markets, but only going to urban elites. the iPhone, no matter which model, will follow that same dissemination pattern - the haves will have it, the have nots will not.

That said, be prepared for an explosion of mApps for development activity as African coders start seeing the real wealth that targeted, well-designed consumer iPhone apps can create when they satisfy local needs.

Do you have an idea on how to change lives with mobile phones? Is it also a good business opportunity? And can it work with Nokia phones? Then submit it to Nokia's Growth Economy Venture Challenge

Nokia is offering a $1 million (USD) venture capital investment (not a gift or grant) and support from Nokia to help turn the idea into reality. Your idea can be hardware, software, applications or a new service. As Nokia's CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo says:

"We've seen what the tech community can do when it focuses on problems that are also opportunities. We want to channel that energy toward improving lives in the deveoping world."

Just make sure that your submission has a clear mission statement and viable business model on how it will enhance the lives of people living on less than $5 per day.

Interested? Then apply today!

Do you have a business challenge while working in low-income communities, that has created a new business model or initiative?

Regardless of its success or failure, the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise's Bottom of the Pyramid Narrative Competition could reward your telling of the experience with up to $4,000.

Best of all, this is a short-essay competition - entries are 1,000 words or less and can be from either non-profit or for-profit enterprises, as long as the initiative highlighted illustrates a unique approach to poverty alleviation through an innovative product, service, technology, or business model.

One major requirement is the focus on scalablity of Triple Bottom Line business strategies. Business models must improve the environmental, societal, and economic quality of life for the community in addition to having the potential and an aspiration for scale and replication.

If you have a BoP business activity that qualifies, be sure to enter soon. The entry deadline is October 11, 2009.