Apple to introduce a new iPhone model

Apple Inc is working on new versions of the iPhone that are aimed at slowing the advance of competing handsets based on Google Inc.’s Android software, Bloomberg reported, citing people who have been briefed on the plans.

One version would be cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone, said a person who has seen a prototype and asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public. Apple also is developing technology that makes it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks, two people said.

Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs, who remains involved in strategic decisions while on medical leave, would use lower prices to widen the iPhone’s appeal and keep it from losing further ground to Android devices. Less expensive iPhones may also ratchet up pressure on Nokia Oyj, whose handsets are especially popular in Europe and some developing markets.

“Instead of targeting 25 percent of the global mobile- phone market, Apple would be going after 100 percent,” said Charlie Wolf, an analyst at Needham & Co. in New York, who has a “buy” rating on Apple shares.

Google’s share of the global smartphone market more than tripled to 32.9 percent in the fourth quarter, eclipsing Apple’s 16 percent, according to Canalys. Apple will face another challenge as Nokia and Microsoft Corp. join forces in smartphone development, a partnership announced today.

Natalie Kerris, a spokeswoman for Cupertino, California- based Apple, declined to comment.

Apple added $1.30 to $355.84 at 9:59 a.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The stock had climbed 9.9 percent this year before today.