It goes without saying that whatever form Apple’s 10th-anniversary iPhone 8 comes in, it will be expensive. Although, just how expensive and how it’s variations in storage capacity will effect this is not officially known. However, as alway’s, this has not prevented speculation reaching the $1000 USD mark. And now Goldman Sachs analyst Simona Jankowski has waded in with her analysis of the situation.
iPhone 8 Storage Capacity And Price
Starting with storage, could the lowly 32GB option be gone? That’s what Jankowski is saying; she doesn’t expect it to make a return like it did on previous models. As for 64GB, it may not be a defunct capacity; however, it too won’t make it to the iPhone 8. Instead, Jankowski predicts 128GB and 256GB variants making it to the shelves at some point later this year.
As for the price, the 128GB is anticipated to cost $999 and the 256GB $1,099. A these the kind of prices you were expecting to pay, for an all-singing-all-dancing iPhone 8? Apparently, the consensus is that consumers will pay this in their millions if Apple gets the offering right. Which means solving that pesky Touch ID under the screen issue.
On the matter of price, Janowski said:
“Relative to the 128GB 7 Plus, we estimate, new features, materials, and commodity prices to increase the bill by $70+. Which we expect Apple to offset via a $130 price increase. Resulting in a starting price of $999 for the 128GB capacity and $1,099 for the 256GB capacity.”
The Most Expensive iPhone Ever
Currently, the most expensive iPhone is the 256GB iPhone 7 Plus, however, if these iPhone 8 prices are correct, they will dwarf it. Even at $969 USD, it would be $30 cheaper than the base 128GB iPhone 8, so that half the storage for more money. Maybe, this next generation smartphone from Apple will offer all the bells and whistles being rumored about. If it does have the all-glass body and true wireless charging, it will be magnificent, a device worth its price.
As for other analysts and their predictions. Last month UBS analyst Steven Milunovich provided slightly different numbers and storage numbers. He predicted that there would be no 128GB variant; instead, it would have 64GB and 256GB options. As for the price, he was less specific than Janowski was, with the lower capacity iPhone 8 coming in at $850 -$900 USD. And the larger capacity 256GB iPhone 8 coming in at somewhere between $950 and $1000 USD.
Who is correct, Janowski or Milunovich? The answer is, we do not know, however, we think $900+ is likely as a starting price for the 128GB iPhone 8.
Release Date?
In yet another report by the well known KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, he believes the iPhone 8 will be delayed. This delay apparently stems from manufacturing problems with the previously mentioned Touch ID in the screen issue. As such, it’s thought, the ramping up of production during the summer, which leads to a September launch won’t happen.
In a recent note Kuo sent to investors, he said:
“Rising probability of worst-case scenario for iPhone shipment.” And within it, he goes on to say that the iPhone 8 may be delayed as far back as October, even November. Which, would be a serious blow to Apple’s usual August to September production hopes.”
Now, it appears that this iPhone 8 release date delay, will not entirely affect production. As it will still be available in its previously mentioned storage capacities, and price ranges in September 2017. The problem will be, that if you want one, you should pre-order as soon as it is possible. Why? Because there is likely to be a severe shortage of the variants in all their storage options and prices. As for how long this could last, Kuo, predicts consumers who didn’t pre-order could have to wait until October or November.
