While speculations have already begun on Apple introducing new iPhone X models in September, one analyst begs to differ saying that the Cupertino based tech giant will likely kill its priciest model this year. “The iPhone X is dead,” analyst Neil Campling of Mirabaud Securities said in a research note to clients reported CNBC. Campling bases his argument on the fact that TSMC one of the suppliers to Apple has lowered its full-year revenue target as Apple isn’t buying enough iPhone X components. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing or TSMC has an oversupply of chips as per the analyst who says that this "has never been higher”. His firm Mirabaud has tracked the inventory data at TSMC for more than a decade.
In a subsequent interview with CNBC, Camping further added: “The simple problem with X is that it is too expensive. Consumers are turning their backs on high-priced smartphones.” However, he clarified that old inventory of iPhone X will still be on sale, but no new iPhone X models will be produced.
Campling further adds that Apple is expected bring out a number of new iPhones for its 2018 lineup. While one could be a cheaper model priced around $500, the company is also planning an iPhone model with two SIM cards which is a popular choice in Asian markets. Moreover, an iPhone which will keep the iPhone X form factor but will come with a cheaper price tag is also on the cards as per the analyst.
Meanwhile, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo speculates that Apple may launch an iPhone X-inspired entry-level model at $550. This is because the new iPhone X will feature LCD screen instead of the more expensive OLED displays. The new model will essentially carry the same core design as iPhone X, but the screen size will be increased to 6.1-inches and feature Face ID facial recognition technology.
Kuo also estimates that there will be two iPhone X-design based models, one dual SIM and one single SIM. While the single SIM could be priced from $550 to $650, with the dual-SIM will start cost up to $100 more.
Other rumours indicate that Apple’s iPhone 2018 lineup might include an iPhone X Plus model with an enormous 6.5-inch display model. Apple, however, hasn’t released any information on its 2018 models. It’s all speculation until Apple finally unveils their iPhone lineup on stage in September.
