Apple will cut key features from its upcoming 6.1-inch iPhone to reach a more affordable price tag, according to one reliable analyst.
The device, which is expected to look a lot like iPhone X, could cost as little as $700. But buyers will lose luxuries like a stainless steal frame, dual rear-facing cameras, and even 3D Touch.
Multiple reports have promised that Apple will launch three new iPhones this year. Alongside a refreshed iPhone X with a 5.8-inch OLED display, we’re expecting to see an iPhone X Plus with a 6.5-inch OLED display, and a more affordable iPhone with a 6.1-inch LCD display.
6.1-inch iPhone will cost as little as $700
The latest report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the latter will cost between $700 and $800, making it as much as $300 cheaper than iPhone X. For that, users will likely get a very similar design — but a watered-down experience.
Kuo predicts that Apple will cut a number of features to make this iPhone more affordable, including dual rear-facing cameras and 3D Touch. He also expects the device to feature an aluminum frame, rather than a stainless steel one like that on iPhone X.
What’s more, both the 5.8- and 6.5-inch devices will reportedly pack 4GB of RAM, while the 6.1-inch option will pack just 3GB. However, all three models will have Face ID, according to an earlier rumor.
A cheaper iPhone will be a big seller
Despite the lack of big features, the 6.1-inch iPhone will be a big seller because of its price tag, Kuo says. Of the 80 million to 90 million iPhones that Kuo expects Apple to sell in the second half of 2018, “around 50 percent” will be the more affordable model.
That’s if Apple can make them quickly enough. Kuo also warns that development of the 6.1-inch iPhone is lagging behind that of the other two models. It could be easier to manufacture in large numbers because of its LCD display, however.
Kuo previously revealed that Apple could cease production of the iPhone X in mid-2018. He blames this on weaker-than-expected demand for the device, but adds that the new iPhones coming this fall will boost Apple shipments for 2018.
Via: 9to5Mac
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
2 responses to “2018’s entry-level iPhone might lack key features”
“The device, which is expected to look a lot like iPhone X, could cost as little as $700. But buyers will lose luxuries like a stainless steal frame, dual rear-facing cameras, and even 3D Touch.”
Stainless steal? I said it on twitter and I’ll say it again; who proofread this article?
Also, what do Apple even expect? They’re trying to sell a phone that costs as much as a laptop. Besides the Animoji gimmick, and the face recognition, I get the same out of my iPhone 8. The innovation has run dry.
They need to work more on their laptops and desktops, bring things down to a REASONABLE price, and actually put some effort in to listen to their consumers to make the products better.
Wow, Apple really think people gonna buy a downgrade phone for the price of a fully loaded laptop in addition to eliminating their cam seriously?! Who the heck didn’t do their job of proofreading this before publishing? “Stainless steal” really? Was the spell checker removed from computer as well????