Apple likely to release cheaper iPhone next year: Details here
After launching fancy new iPhones and cutting the prices of older ones, Apple might be gearing up to add a cheaper new member into its smartphone range. The device, likely to be called iPhone SE2, will boast newer internals but the design of iPhone 8 and will be launched sometime early next year. Here's all you need to know about it.
Cheaper iPhone for those looking to upgrade
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on an iPhone, which will be more affordable than iPhone 11 line-up but incorporate all the features they have on offer - super-fast A13 chip, 3GB RAM, even iOS 13. In essence, it would be a way for iPhone 6/6 Plus/older iPhone users to upgrade to Apple's latest capabilities without shelling a fortune.
iOS 13 not available on iPhone 6 and older models
Notably, when Apple released iOS 13, it cut off support for many older iPhones, including the best-selling iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and iPhone 5S. The move left users of these devices craving for all the new features of iOS 13.
But, how Apple will keep the price on lower side?
iPhone SE2 will offer Apple's latest hardware/software experience at a lower price by compromising on the design front. According to Kuo, it will retain the form factor of the iPhone 8, giving you thick bezels above and below a 4.7-inch LCD display and a Touch ID-integrated home-button. The analyst also predicts that Apple will sell 20-30 million units of this device in 2020.
Launch in Q1 2020, but no word on price
Going by the report, Apple might launch the bumped-up iPhone 8 sometime in the first quarter of 2020. There is no word on the price of the device, but considering iPhone 8 (64GB) retails at $449 and the original iPhone SE 32GB shipped at $349, we can expect the base model of the new device to be priced somewhere around $349-$399 (approximately Rs. 40,000).
This will boost hardware, subscription sales
The plan of launching an affordable iPhone with improved hardware would not only boost Apple's sales but also its subscription numbers. Essentially, when more people will have access to iOS 13 and latest hardware, they will be able to use all the services that come bundled with the OS, including Augmented Reality features and Apple Arcade game subscription service.
