6.1-inch LCD iPhone Predicted to Replace iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

The historically accurate Ming-Chi Kuo, of KGI Securities is back this morning with his latest research note. Kuo not only corroborates a number of his own previous predictions about Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup — but sheds some additional light on what else we can expect.

In his memo, Kuo doubles-down on his previous 2018 iPhone forecast, reiterating that the lineup will include two OLED display-equipped models in addition to a new mid-range 6.1-inch LCD-equipped model boasting Face ID, a bezel-less display, and a design similar to iPhone X.

Meanwhile, thanks to a number of strategic decisions on Apple’s part, Kuo says it’s likely that the handset will outright replace the company’s iPhone 8 and 8 Plus as its all-new mid-range offering and could be sold at a much “more accessible price” of around $699, Kuo predicted.

He goes on to cite Apple’s decision to use “slightly less premium” components, including aluminum alloy instead of metal, and a cheaper LCD display — all while incorporating the iPhone X’s stunning, bezel-less design and premium style — as reason to believe it will be Apple’s most popular handset of 2018.

Not only that, but Kuo boldly predicted that Apple could sell as many as 100 million of the new 6.1-inch iPhones in their first year on the market. And while that may seem awfully optimistic, it’s worth noting that if one, 6.1-inch handset will in fact replace two, 4.7- and 5.5-inch models, Kuo might actually be on the right track.

After all, during its most recently reported quarter alone, Apple sold a whopping 77.3 million iPhones.. Consider that, relative to some of the company’s previous iPhone sales figures, and it doesn’t seem improbable at all, really, that Apple could sell 100 million of a single iPhone model in one year.

Only time will tell; but it’s going to be an interesting season either way if the only new iPhone options we’ll have to choose from are a 5.8-inch model for $999+, a 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus that’s certain to cost much more than that, and a 6.1-inch model for only $699.

from iDrop News http://ift.tt/2sv172f
via IFTTT