As tends to be the case with the rumor mill, only about 25% of what we hear is accurate, and the other 75% is based on incorrect assumptions generated from trying to fit together all of the misinformation. The idea that Apple would be coming out with a truly budget device always seemed a bit too pie-in-the-sky for us, and if a new report is to be believed, the iPhone 5C won't be so budget after all, and may actually be a replacement for the iPhone 5...
Source: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Not-so-budget-iPhone-5C-said-to-cost-400-500-and-be-a-5-replacement_id46543
Source: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Not-so-budget-iPhone-5C-said-to-cost-400-500-and-be-a-5-replacement_id46543