More than a decade after its debut, the iPhone is still Apple\u2019s most-important product, accounting for about 60% of revenue.<\/p>\n
According to TrendForce, Apple plans to introduce three new iPhone models later this year. All three models would continue to feature Face ID, and two of them would be premium versions with an AMOLED screen.<\/p>\n
“Apple Pencil would be offered as an option as well,” the research firm said.<\/p>\n
With the production volume estimated by TrendForce at around 83 – 88 million units, the new iPhones to be released may take a larger share of the company\u2019s annual sales volume compared with the three models last year.<\/p>\n
For 2018, TrendForce expects the sales volume of iPhones to remain flat or grow marginally by 2-3%, influenced by the saturated smartphone market and the longer replacement cycle of phones across the world.<\/p>\n
New iPhone specs<\/strong><\/p>\n In terms of tech specs, the new iPhones may include two AMOLED versions, with a size of 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch respectively, as well as a less expensive 6.1-inch version with an LCD screen, TrendForce said.<\/p>\n “The two premium models with AMOLED screen have already been assembled in the OEMs since late July, while the assembly of the LCD models is scheduled at mid-September. All three models are expected to be shipped in September and October as previously scheduled.”<\/p>\n Regarding the prices, TrendForce believes that Apple is bound to adjust its pricing strategies, influenced by Chinese brands that have successfully expanded their market shares with products that offer high performances at affordable prices.<\/p>\n “Moreover, Apple will need to improve its cost structure to cope with the threats brought by Android brands. To maintain its profitability, Apple is said to bargain with its supply chain partners for cost reduction of components, especially the components that have been used in earlier generations of iPhone.”<\/p>\n For the budget 6.1-inch LCD version, it will come with Face ID, Dual-SIM function, and a larger screen than its predecessor iPhone 8, the research team said.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n However, the 6.1-inch LCD model would be positioned by Apple\u2019s main product this year, with a production share of around 50% in the new iPhone series, TrendForce continued.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n As for the two premium AMOLED versions, they would both feature a memory content of 4GB, TrendForce said.<\/p>\n The 5.8-inch one would come as the successor of iPhone X, but with a lower starting price of $899-949. With the anticipated launch of this model, iPhone X will start its \u201cend of life\u201d process earlier due to the high similarity in the specs of these two models.<\/p>\n TrendForce said that the 6.5-inch AMOLED version would target at the premium business segment, with an extra-large screen and Dual-SIM service, but the Dual-SIM function is expected to be available only in certain regions.<\/p>\n Limited within US$1,000 threshold as to encourage purchasing from consumers, the starting price of the premium AMOLED iPhone for 2018 will likely to be the same as that of iPhone X, at US$999, according to TrendForce predictions.<\/p>\n
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