14 DAY TRIAL // Apple typically launches new-generation iPhones every year in September, while other products occasionally see daylight in the spring.
But according to JP Morgan’s analyst Samik Chatterjee, that could all change beginning with 2021 when Apple might embrace a release schedule that looks a lot like Samsung’s and which could come down to two flagship product launches every year.
Specifically, what Apple might be trying to do is launch part of its high-end iPhones in the spring, while the rest of the lineup would land in the fall.
Only a few details are available right now, but the Cupertino-based tech giant could use the spring timeframe for the introduction of the more affordable models, while the fall launch would only be used for premium devices like the Pro and the Pro Max models.
Release calendar a la Samsung
At first glance, such an approach certainly makes sense, especially as Apple expands the iPhone lineup.
Right now, Apple launches three iPhone models every year – the latest generation includes iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Next year, however, Apple will also introduce the second-generation iPhone SE, though it’s worth emphasizing that spring releases only happen occasionally.
If Apple does decide to refresh the iPhone SE every year, it could use the spring event to introduce this lower-end model alongside the base iPhone configuration in the premium lineup – the 2020 spring release, as an example, could include iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2, while the fall event would witness the debut of iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
This release calendar looks a lot like Samsung’s, as the South Korean company also uses separate flagship event in the spring and in the fall. Samsung Galaxy S models typically see daylight in February and go on sale in March, while the Galaxy Note is announced in August and hits the shelves either later the same month or in early September.
Of course, Apple hasn’t discussed such plans officially, so take this report with a healthy dose of skepticism for now.