It’ll be the most successful iPhone this year, analyst says

Feb 14, 2018 10:41 GMT  ·  By

Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup is expected to comprise three different models, and now a top-rated analyst says there’s a good chance the company is planning a $699 model to replace the iPhone 8.

Previous reports based on information from people with knowledge of the matter pointed to a three-model iPhone lineup for 2018, which would include a 5.8-inch OLED version to serve as a successor to the iPhone X, a bigger 6.5-inch OLED sibling, plus a 6.1-inch LCD handset with a more affordable price.

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says this affordable iPhone is likely to launch with a starting price of $699 in order to replace the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, and it’ll come with a look similar to the iPhone X.

Apple to sell 200 million 2018 iPhone units

On the other hand, in order to cut the price, Apple will opt for different materials, like aluminum for the frame instead of stainless steel. Some features could also be dropped, such as the dual-camera system and 3D Touch.

But despite this, Kuo believes this is going to be Apple’s most successful iPhone this year, estimating sales of up to 100 million units. The iPhone X alone is projected to reach total sales of 62 million units before being pulled later this year.

While Apple is indeed looking into cost-cutting measures, the more affordable iPhone will still come with Face ID, as the new edge-to-edge display of the phone won’t allow for Touch ID, just like it’s the case on the iPhone X. KGI says this model alone will account for approximately half of all shipments of the 2018 iPhone lineup, especially thanks to the price.

In other words, Apple is expected to sell approximately 200 million 2018 iPhones, which would be quite an achievement for the company, especially following the performance of the iPhone X which is said to be well below expectations.