Cupertino planning to expand iPhone lineup to six models

Jan 3, 2020 10:17 GMT  ·  By

Apple could launch no less than six iPhone models this year, according to a new report, as the company is believed to be working on two separate LCD devices for the 2020 generation.

Originally, people close to the matter said Apple planned a five-model lineup for 2020 – one LCD model to launch as the second-generation iPhone SE and four OLED versions going live in the fall as part of the iPhone 12 series.

But according to a new report, the iPhone SE lineup might actually include two distinct models, bringing the total 2020 iPhone count to six.

Six iPhones launching this year

In other words, the new-generation iPhone SE could come with two versions, albeit specifics on the differences between the two aren’t available for now. Digitimes writes that Chipbond Technology, who builds driver chips for LCD panels, received orders for two LCD devices, and this is considered evidence that Apple plans to launch a duo of iPhone SE 2 models.

Back in 2019, people familiar with Apple’s plans indicated that the new iPhone SE could be called iPhone 9.

If this report is true, then we could get two different iPhone 9 models and four versions of the iPhone 12.

The second-generation iPhone SE, regardless of the name Apple will choose for the production model, will be based on the iPhone 8 and use an LCD screen instead of OLED, which will remain exclusive to the premium siblings. Touch ID will continue to be offered – therefore no Face ID and a notch for now, and Apple will install just a single camera on the back to reduce costs.

Given its resemblance with the iPhone 8, the second-generation iPhone SE was supposed to boast a 4.7-inch display. However, if a second model does exist, there’s a chance that Apple might offer the new model in another size as well.