Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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2018 iPhones Could Start at $699, May Include Apple Pencil Support, 512GB Storage Option for OLED Models
Apple may introduce its upcoming 6.1-inch LCD iPhone with a starting price of around $699 to $749, according to industry analysis by TrendForce. The pricing strategy is said to be partly a response to lower than expected iPhone sales last year, and partly a result of competition from Chinese brands that have expanded their market shares with devices that offer high performance at affordable prices.
Three new iPhone models are expected to form Apple's 2018 lineup: two OLED models measuring in at 5.8 and 6.5 inches, and a 6.1-inch lower-cost LCD model. All three models will feature Face ID in lieu of a Home button, but TrendForce predicts the "budget" LCD device will be Apple's main device in terms of production share.
Image via TrendForce
TrendForce believes Apple could introduce a 512GB storage option for the OLED models. In addition, Apple Pencil support may feature with the new iPhones, although it's unclear whether this also relates to just the OLED models. Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously suggested that Apple Pencil support for a future iPhone is a possibility, although he doesn't believe iPhones will support Apple Pencil until 2019 at the earliest.
Apple is said to have been bargaining with its supply chain partners to reduce the cost of components, especially those which have been used in earlier generations of iPhone. That view tallies with earlier reports claiming Apple wants Samsung to reduce the price of its OLED display panels so it can cut the cost of current and future iPhone X models.
Price cuts to the display and other components would help Apple lower its bill of materials for the new models, with the savings potentially passed on to customers. For example, in line with TrendForce's prediction, RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani believes the second-generation iPhone X will start at $899, down from $999.
TrendForce expects the production volume of the three new iPhones to be around 83-88 million units, potentially taking a larger share of the company's annual sales volume compared with the three models it released last year. Sales volume of iPhones in 2018 meanwhile is expected to remain flat or grow marginally by 2 to 3 percent, owing to the saturated smartphone market and the longer replacement cycle of phones globally.
TrendForce believes the two OLED models have been assembled by manufacturers since late July, while the assembly of the LCD models is scheduled for mid-September. Apple is expected to launch the trio of new iPhones in September.
Three new iPhone models are expected to form Apple's 2018 lineup: two OLED models measuring in at 5.8 and 6.5 inches, and a 6.1-inch lower-cost LCD model. All three models will feature Face ID in lieu of a Home button, but TrendForce predicts the "budget" LCD device will be Apple's main device in terms of production share.
The specs upgrades would make new iPhones more favorable in the competition with Android phones. On the other hand, the cost of this model has been approaching that of iPhone 8 Plus due to the upgrades. However, the 6.1-inch LCD model would be positioned by Apple's main product this year, with a production share of around 50% in the new iPhone series. Apple is bound to adjust the prices of this model to meet the market expectation and to further expand its market share. Considering the cost reduction of components, TrendForce estimates the starting price of this LCD version at around $699-749.As for the new OLED models, TrendForce expects the 5.8-inch device will have a lower starting price of $899 to $949, while the current-generation iPhone X, which starts at $999, will enter its "end of life" process due to the similarity in the specs of the two models. Meanwhile, the upcoming 6.5-inch device will target the "premium business segment" with a starting price of $999.
TrendForce believes Apple could introduce a 512GB storage option for the OLED models. In addition, Apple Pencil support may feature with the new iPhones, although it's unclear whether this also relates to just the OLED models. Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously suggested that Apple Pencil support for a future iPhone is a possibility, although he doesn't believe iPhones will support Apple Pencil until 2019 at the earliest.
Apple is said to have been bargaining with its supply chain partners to reduce the cost of components, especially those which have been used in earlier generations of iPhone. That view tallies with earlier reports claiming Apple wants Samsung to reduce the price of its OLED display panels so it can cut the cost of current and future iPhone X models.
Price cuts to the display and other components would help Apple lower its bill of materials for the new models, with the savings potentially passed on to customers. For example, in line with TrendForce's prediction, RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani believes the second-generation iPhone X will start at $899, down from $999.
TrendForce expects the production volume of the three new iPhones to be around 83-88 million units, potentially taking a larger share of the company's annual sales volume compared with the three models it released last year. Sales volume of iPhones in 2018 meanwhile is expected to remain flat or grow marginally by 2 to 3 percent, owing to the saturated smartphone market and the longer replacement cycle of phones globally.
TrendForce believes the two OLED models have been assembled by manufacturers since late July, while the assembly of the LCD models is scheduled for mid-September. Apple is expected to launch the trio of new iPhones in September.
Related Roundup: iPhone XS
Tag: TrendForce
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Top Rated Comments
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15 months ago
I wonder how much Apple is going to shaft users for the higher memory options.
Base model: 16 GB capacity reintroduced
Next option: 512 GB for an additional $599
15 months ago
So, no more 4” phones like the SE? Or will it be the ‘one more thing’-surprise?
I’ve seen too many people switching back from larger iPhones to just the SE.
I myself am happy with the 4” size, never even considered to moving to a larger phone. Yes, I’ve checked them out. They look gorgeous but the increased size doesn’t work with me even though I need to use my reading glasses.
I’ve seen too many people switching back from larger iPhones to just the SE.
I myself am happy with the 4” size, never even considered to moving to a larger phone. Yes, I’ve checked them out. They look gorgeous but the increased size doesn’t work with me even though I need to use my reading glasses.
15 months ago
Hmmm.... competitors increased market share by offering higher performance, features, and a lower price, while Apple’s sales were lower than expected.
Really???
Who could’ve seen that coming??? Oh, yeah... everyone outside Apple headquarters.
The question is... how much money did they have to pay for that market analysis?
Really???
Who could’ve seen that coming??? Oh, yeah... everyone outside Apple headquarters.
The question is... how much money did they have to pay for that market analysis?
15 months ago
Is it just me or does it seem like this is the most unexciting release to date. I'm more interested in the iPad and Apple Watch. Another year, another iPhone. Bleh...
15 months ago
So what no device even the same size as the 4.7 inch phones? The iPhone 8 is already too big for me. Would it kill them to spec bump the SE?? GAHHH
15 months ago
Is it just me or does it seem like this is the most unexciting release to date. I'm more interested in the iPad and Apple Watch. Another year, another iPhone. Bleh...
im excited because im still using my iphone 6s. I will upgrade this year for sure regardless of what releases
15 months ago
Who the heck needs 512 gigs of storage in their phone? Like seriously. I’m having issues filling up 60 gigs on my 256 gb phone. ...snip
Let’s hazard a guess.People whose use case differs from yours.
People who live in areas where cloud service is not practical or cost effective.
In general, people who are not you.
15 months ago
Now wheres that guy who kept crying on about why Samsung was stupid to have a stylus on their phones?
Now the best thing since sliced bread.
Now the best thing since sliced bread.
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