The rumor mill has it that Apple is intending to bring out three new iPhone models this year and that the second-gen iPhone X2/iPhone XI could be priced for slightly less than the $999 price tag the iPhone X retails for now.
Additional rumors have noted a 5.85-inch ‘bezel-free’ model, while reports suggest there will be another with a similar design with a 6.45-inch display.
Per rumors from the supply chain, Apple has managed to secure a 10 parent reduction in the cost of key components, potentially making the next-gen iPhone models a bit cheaper.
Another rumor has it that Apple might have canceled an LCD version of the next-gen iPhone X, as the company may have managed to secure OLED displays at a better price. OLED displays are known for better color reproduction and improved contrast ratios.
This, combined with a general lowering of the cost of components over the year, would allow Apple to position the 6.45-inch iPhone X as the premium model, with the 5.85-inch option offering a lower cost of entry for consumers.
It’s also been rumored that two of the new iPhone models could be
a 6.1-inch LCD-powered iPhone, which could be another version of the plus-size iPhone – possibly called the iPhone 9 Plus.
Apple could also save money via a reduced R&D process, as it’s probably refined several of the manufacturing techniques that accompany the iPhone X by now.
Apple has been known for commanding a high margin on its smartphones, so it’s feasible that it might not shift the base price of the iPhone X2 as it reinvests the costs into future models.
The next-gen iPhone X is expected to be released in early September.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.