While the blogospehere is still abuzz with rumors and revelations of 3G iPhones in all shapes and sizes, predictions are already being made for next year. This latest one that we just got suggests that Apple will try to milk the iPhone for all it can by even releasing a low cost budget iPhone for students and the likes.

The analyst expects Apple to make its first efforts to branch out past the $400 mark. At least one model will ship at between $200 and $300,and yes, he expects the 3G iphone to see the light od day sooner rather than later.

For the cheaper variant, Apple may very well use a recently patented technology that would allow it to bring the iPhone in a clamshell design. The number of iPhones sold in 2009 may very well top 45 million if these predictions hold true. These include releases of the phone in countries such as Australia, Japan, China, India if Apple relents on the exclusive deals that it has so far stuck to.

This would mean the iPhone would be the flagship product of the company rather than the current iPod.

Source