Analyst predicts price tags for 2018 iPhone generation

Apr 12, 2018 05:11 GMT  ·  By

Rumor has it that Apple will take the wraps off three different iPhone models this year, including a Plus-sized version of the iPhone X coming with a larger screen and, naturally, with a bigger price.

But because the iPhone X is already the most expensive iPhone ever released, and the high price tag is touted as one of the reasons sales are below expectations, many wonder whether an even more expensive Plus-sized iPhone would make any sense.

Analyst Steven Milunovich of UBS believes the upcoming iPhone generation will be similarly priced with the existing series despite the addition of new models. A small increase will happen for the bigger iPhone X, while Apple is likely to retain or even cut the price of the 5.8-inch model.

Specifically, the analyst expects the iPhone X Plus to be priced at $1,099 for the base model, while the upgraded version with more storage could add another $100. If Apple wants to make it more affordable, it can’t go lower than $1,049, the analyst says.

7 in 10 buyers to get 2018 iPhones

The iPhone X (2018) is likely to cost either $999 like the current model or $900 if Apple wants to address the price setback. Again, this is the price tag for the base configuration, as the one with more storage is expected and will certainly be more expensive.

The bigger surprise will be the addition of a more affordable iPhone with a 6.1-inch LCD screen. Milunovich says this is very likely to cost around $750 or even $700 if Apple embraces an aggressive pricing scheme. This is possible because some top tech will not be available on this model, like dual cameras and glass body for wireless charging.

Older iPhone models could also become substantially cheaper, as it’s the case of the iPhone 8, whose price could be reduced to no less than $550. The iPhone 7 might be discounted to $450, while the iPhone SE could end up costing just $300.

The analyst believes 70 percent of the buyers will spend more than $700 on a new iPhone, which means they’ll get the new-generation model.

Estimated price scheme for 2018 iPhone generation

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Original iPhone X model
Estimated price scheme for 2018 iPhone generation70% of the buyers to spend $700 or more on new iPhones
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