Analysts are spoiling Apple’s surprises a lot earlier than leakers these days. Even before we get to hear some early rumors about upcoming iPhones, analysts like KGI and Nomura have started revealing information about how many phones will Apple launch this year, what will be their features and so on. A little while ago Nomura analysts and KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo had said that Cupertino based tech giant will launch 3 iPhones this year, one of which will be an affordable smartphone with LCD display and two others will be costlier upgrades to iPhone X with OLED displays. Now recently Ming-Chi Kuo has opened a bit more about the LCD iPhone in a note released by him.
The note was seen by AppleInsider, and it predicts that Apple’ entry-level iPhone with 6.1-inch LCD display will cost between $700 – $800. It will be more affordable than other options because Apple will compromise on a lot of things to make it affordable. The compromises will include:
- LCD screen instead of OLED
- 3GB RAM instead of 4GB
- No 3D touch technology
- No stacked motherboard
- And no stainless steel frame – aluminum frame only!
After doing these changes to design and specs Apple may possibly launch an iPhone with the 6.1-inch display at a price of around $800. However, it will certainly include at least some technologies of iPhone X as well, Ming-Chi Kuo suggests.
Right now it’s also unclear where each of these 3 iPhones is in the development process. Kuo has claimed that 6.1-inch iPhone is lagging a bit behind OLED models, but Apple may start the certification process earlier to prevent any possible delays. His note says:
“Development schedule of new 6.1″ LCD iPhone slightly behind 6.5″ and 5.8″ OLED models, but it may enjoy extended longevity into 1H19F, boosting slow season outlook: We predict the 6.1″ LCD iPhone will differ from the 6.5″ and 5.8″ OLED models in terms of certain specs, for reasons of cost/price and product segmentation. However, this shouldn’t have any effect on key user experience. We revise up our price projection for the 6.1″ model from $650-$750 to $700-$800, and remain positive on shipments momentum.”
Interestingly, this is not Apple’s first attempt at affordable iPhones. The earlier company had also launched iPhone SE for the same purpose, which has been successful enough in markets outside the US. Now it will indeed be very interesting to see what happens to this next affordable iPhone attempt of Apple.