I don't discount the idea that Apple will release a new low-end smartphone. However I find the logic in this article lacking. The idea seams to be that because Apple released a iPad mini they will release a new low-end smartphone. That's a little like saying Apple released the Mac mini and thus they will release a new low-end smartphone.
Over time I've learned that Apple will do what Apple wants to do and it's no indication of what they will or won't do in the future.