Apple's iPhone 5c is unlikely to significantly affect sales of Android-based entry-level to mid-range smartphones due to its pricing, according to sources in the handset industry in China.

　　Unlocked prices of the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5c, which are set at US$549 and US$649, respectively, are too high for the entry-level and mid-range markets, especially for emerging markets, the sources commented.

　　In other words, Apple still aims to maintain its share in the mid-range to high-end segment, while leaving the entry-level to mid-range for other brands, said the sources.

　　While Apple may team up with China Mobile to promote the new iPhones in China, Apple's pricing for the iPhone 5c will allow local brands to continue to penetrate the entry-level to mid-range segment, the sources added.

　　On the other hand, rivals including Samsung Electronics, Sony Mobile Communications and LG Electronics will begin to market new flagship models in the fourth quarter to fend off competition from the new iPhones, noted the sources.

　　While the release of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c will help ramp up Apple's market share in the fourth quarter of 2013, Android phones will continue to account for 70-80% of the smartphone OS market in the quarter, while iOS will take up no higher than 20%, estimated the sources.