With the release of the much anticipated iPhone X slated for November 3rd, it may seem a little crazy to already be looking ahead to the next iPhone X or whatever they decide to call it. However, this latest rumor is juicy enough that it deserves a little bit of spotlight in the lead up to the iPhone X release. That’s right, some reports are emerging that Apple may be looking to build a low priced iPhone X for next year.
This might seem like huge, groundbreaking news but it really makes a lot of sense and fits into the streamlined lineup that Apple likes to maintain throughout all of their product lines. I touched on this with some speculation of my own in an article about whether there would be an iPhone 9 or not. My thinking was that Apple is likely working on an iPhone 9 but the model may be scrapped if iPhone X sales go as well as some expect them to. We have seen a lackluster response to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus so it would make sense that Apple scraps the traditional iPhone design and goes ahead with the iPhone X as the new design in combination with the iPhone SE as a “budget device.”
Why is Apple developing low priced iPhone X?
Of course, the jump from iPhone SE to iPhone X is a pretty big one. That leaves a lot of gap between the two devices for people who want a good device but don’t want to pay for a premium smartphone. That’s the spot occupied right now by the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. It would make perfect sense for Apple to create a low priced iPhone X to take over that spot and offer consumers an iPhone that fits all levels of budget.
The only question is: how does Apple go about creating a low priced iPhone X? We have seen rumors about two different sizes of iPhone X models potentially coming next year. Still, I’m not sure size is enough to create what anyone would call a low priced iPhone X. Could Apple do what they have done with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus? The low priced iPhone X could only have a single camera sensor while the higher end model has a dual camera sensor like we see in this year’s model. The issue there is that next year’s “budget” iPhone X could seem worse than this year’s iPhone X which may only serve to confuse consumers even more.
That’s where I believe Apple is starting to get concerned. The iPhone X launch is a bit of a strange one for a company that is known for it’s simple product lineups. Don’t believe me? Go on Apple’s website and browse the different products. Everything is clean and makes sense. Then, when you click on the iPhone lineup, it looks like a dog’s breakfast. There’s the iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, as well as the iPhone X. If rumors are true you can also add the iPhone SE 2 to that lineup as well sometime this spring. For other smartphone manufacturers that lineup might not be out of place. However, Apple is knowing for keeping things easy and simple for their customers. The iPhone lineup does not stick with that thinking.
Different Models of iPhone
Clearly the iPhone is in a state of transition. We have seen the future of the iPhone with the iPhone X. However, Apple has still offered the traditional iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Older models are also available. This isn’t a terrible thing for Apple but I would imagine they want to reign things in a bit and get back of track with their vision. Next year it would make a lot of sense to see Apple finally finish the transition to the new iPhone lineup. I would imagine we see the iPhone SE 2, iPhone X (mini or budget) and iPhone X Plus (or whatever they want to call it). That’s a much more simple lineup that consumers can understand. You have the budget model, mid-range model, and premium model.
The other reason Apple really needs to streamline their lineup and move to an iPhone X design for their mid-range device offering next year is that there may be a foldable iPhone coming in the next couple of years. That foldable device may fit in nicely to a streamlined iPhone lineup but if it looks like it does today when the foldable iPhone comes out I think Apple will have a serious marketing issue on their hands as consumers try to figure which device is right for them.
iPhone X Sales
I still believe a lot of this will depend on how the iPhone X sells. If the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus launch is any indication, people are waiting for the iPhone X. The device is likely going to sell out when it goes up for pre-sale on October 27th and it may be until the new year when people can finally get their hands on one if they didn’t pre-order. If all of that proves to be true then this will tell Apple one important thing: people love the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus look is dead. The iPhone SE 2 can be the model for traditionalists moving forward but the mid-range and flagship devices will follow the iPhone X model.
What do you think about these rumors? Does Apple have the right idea using the iPhone X design for their mid-range devices or is a low priced iPhone X a bad idea that will just cause confusion among consumers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
