Respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released his latest report on the three models of iPhone expected to be announced this September, and perhaps the most notable prediction is that Apple will introduce a bunch of new colors into the mix this year. He’s also taken a stab at the pricing for each model, so without further ado, let’s dig into the report.
Pricing
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest Apple rumors, you should be aware that Apple will almost certainly unveil three distinct iPhones this year: two premium models with OLED screens and one cheaper model with an LCD screen. The exact naming conventions are still up in the air, but all three are expected to take design cues from the iPhone X and its all-screen buttonless design.
At the top end of the spectrum, Kuo believes the plus-sized 6.5-inch OLED model will retail around $1000 – the same as 2017’s iPhone X. Meanwhile, though there’s no specific word on the smaller 5.8-inch OLED model, it would make sense for this to pitch up around $900. Then, somewhere in the middle size-wise, the 6.1-inch LED model is expected to cost much less – around $700. This would make it much more palatable to pick up a device with the iPhone X stylings and, presumably, Face ID capabilities, while the 4-inch iPhone SE would remain on sale for half that to compete in the lower end of the market.
Global pricing is usually decided at the time based on current exchange rates and other factors. Last year the devices cost, comparatively, a lot more in the UK, thanks to the weak pound – but since then Apple seems to have eased off on charging Brits so much for new products, so this year things could be different. Time will tell.
Colors
A range of vibrant new colors would echo the iPhone 5c release in 2013 or Apple’s iconic iMac G3 from the nineties, and Kuo believes Apple won’t disappoint on that front this year.
The cheaper LCD model is set to come in five flavors: gray, white, red, blue, and orange. Those first two are nothing new, but the rest will be a breath of fresh air for the type of user who likes their gadgets with a colorful edge. The exact shades are unknown, but we’ve highlighted Apple’s existing favorite red, blue, and orange at the top of the page, as found in the range official silicone iPhone cases.
Meanwhile, Kuo is anticipating three color options for the premium models: black, white, and a new gold finish. No mention anywhere of the popular pink-hued rose gold, though.
Would a fresh range of colors convince you to grab the new iPhone? Or are the price drops more important? Either way, we’ve got three brand new devices to look forward to when Apple hosts its yearly launch ceremony in a couple of months.