Apple Expected to Trial Production of 2018 iPhone Lineup Earlier to Avoid Last Year's Supply Bottleneck

[HarryWild]

Technically, The price point for an iPhone SE with Face ID and an OLED is an object. The whole point of the iPhone SE is to have an entry-level iPhone with the affordable price tag. One of the other reasons Apple introduced the SE, was to have it as a global phone, because some countries have extreme inflated prices for the more expensive iPhone models.

The budget version was for developing countries according to the Marketing head - Phillip whatever his name is! Apple continue to offer it in the North America because they thought that school children would be the main customers. That is not the case. They go with the state of the art premium models. Only the people who like the size buy it now but these people can afford any iPhone or any phone in the marketplace. North America is a developed country; and should get the premium iPhone SE2X version that should be the flagship iPhone that should have a price point starting at $1,500 and up!

 

[cocky jeremy]

Nothing to do with hand size and everything to do with portability.

I don't watch movies or TV shows on my phone, so I have no real need for a giant screen. My iPhone needs to make phone calls, send text messages, take pictures, and other minor tasks (banking, podcasts, etc.)

None of these things require a giant-ass screen, so I'll gladly offer the smallest phone Apple will offer me. Otherwise why I carry around this hulking phone if I don't need to?

Any phone has equal portability. Jesus. You act like they're asking you to carry a car.

 

[gamma8gear]

iphone SE-X. i loved my iphone 5s/SE. it was the perfect one handed device. no need to adjust grip to move across the screen. The new phone will be pure SE...X

 

[alexgowers]

With the following article in mind, apple needs to get that iPhone price down across all models, even high end. Then sell services as the place where profits are made. The competition is way too strong for them to rely on making money from the phone itself anymore. They need far more market share. The iPhone X has shown us that apple really is not ready with these designs, if apple was they would have had an iPhone X and iPhone X plus etc. The iPhone 8 was a mistake imo should never have been released at all. Cost really shouldn't be the thing apple are trying to compete on but they've reached a level that desire cannot overcome. Usually the apple product is a tiny bit more, but this has been a very tough sell this year. Android while not my cup of tea in many ways is beating apple on software features too, Siri is still abysmal as is notifications and lack of customisability, please apple we need a dark UI mode and ability to place app icons anywhere not just one after another and much more.

 

[Will.O.Bie]

Woah, Stop. Right. There. Keep that notch for the X lovers.

I want my SE 2 to have Touch ID or have the sensor behind the screen. No notch, no FaceID.
Also, keep that 3.5mm jack and no protruding camera.
Bump the internals, more ram, put back the 64GB option and boom, done.

Sorry sir, with the current build and eventual (my opinion) phase out of non-X line, your Christmas list of what you want is unfortunately not in Apple's list of future devices. For your sake, I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Soccertess]

I don't think early production will "rekindle" Apple's demand. The phone is too expensive and not competitive. I'll probably pass, but take a hard look at pixel

What Apple really needs is to be come Timless!

 

[mgauss7]

Apple is expected to begin trial production of a trio of new iPhone models in the second quarter of 2018 at the earliest, as it looks to avoid a repeat of the issues caused by the initial low yield rates on production of 3D sensor modules for the iPhone X last year, according to Taiwanese website DigiTimes.

iPhone X2, iPhone X2 Plus, and iPhone SE 2 mockup by Curved.de​

The report, citing supply chain sources, claims Apple's fast-tracking of the trial production will help push ahead the delivery schedules for the 2018 iPhones, meaning it should have more plentiful supply available for pre-orders.

The sources cited add that sales of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X have been "lower than expected," but they believe the earlier production will help Apple to "rekindle" its smartphone momentum. Apple's supply chain partners are said to be "generally more optimistic" about order prospects this year.

Leading up to the iPhone X launch, multiple reports claimed Apple was having issues with ramping up production of the device. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pegged the TrueDepth camera system as the primary reason for the supply bottleneck, due to its complex 3D facial recognition technologies.

Kuo added that the yield issues began to stabilize by late October, but when pre-orders began on October 27, shipping estimates for the iPhone X quickly fell back to 5-6 weeks around the world. The estimates gradually improved over the following weeks, and the device was fully in stock by mid December.

Looking ahead, Apple is widely rumored to launch a so-called iPhone X2, iPhone X2 Plus, and a cheaper 6.1-inch model with Face ID, but with design tradeoffs like an LCD screen and no wireless charging. And if today's report proves accurate, getting your hands on one of the new models should be easier this fall.

Article Link: Apple Expected to Trial Production of 2018 iPhone Lineup Earlier to Avoid Last Year's Supply Bottleneck

I'd like to purchase several models with the same phone number, kind of like the Apple Watch

 

[L-Viz]

Tim won't let make that SE2 happen. Apple is not cool enough any more. They're just building Phablets for Nerds and Folks, who run around with man-purses...

 

[woodynorman]

I'm the same way. When holding my phone, it sits on my pinky, with my ring and middle fingers mostly stabilizing it in the back. My biggest regret going from the 5S to the 7 Plus that I now have is the size. I just didn't realize how much bigger it would be. That and the rounded aluminum is very slippery, and I don't like using cases.

The one thing I don't like is the stainless steel. I never liked it on iPod, and I still don't like it now on iPhone X. I hope we don't see stainless steel on the SE2. I'd rather Apple go with ceramic if it doesn't add too much cost. Or even keep aluminum.

I'm the same way with my 8 plus, only my pinky finger blocks the speaker port and people cant hear me.

 

[skitidetdu]

They’ll get their sales when they drop that price. It’s high for US costumers and you can imagine how insane it is for the rest of the world where salaries are 1/3 of Americans or lower.

and/or the VAT is at 25%
[doublepost=1521749456][/doublepost]

dat iPhone SE 2. want.

Curved.de has more mockups:

View attachment 755261

Honestly, this thing looks perpetually futuristic—like, remember in 2006 when Apple was believed to be making a touchscreen iPod that became the iPhone? Remember reduced-bezel mockups from 2014? Here they are.

If this is how the come out I'm definitely going for the SE2!

 

[MrBat]

Sorry sir, with the current build and eventual (my opinion) phase out of non-X line, your Christmas list of what you want is unfortunately not in Apple's list of future devices. For your sake, I hope I'm wrong.

Well sir, in that case, Apple won't get no more my money.

It's very nice how cheapo is the SE though, even though the price was not a deciding factor, but the form factor, for me at least. Seems also, there's quite a few thinking the same thing. Who would have thought.

 

[Will.O.Bie]

Well sir, in that case, Apple won't get no more my money.

It's very nice how cheapo is the SE though, even though the price was not a deciding factor, but the form factor, for me at least. Seems also, there's quite a few thinking the same thing. Who would have thought.

I agree that everyone has a preference in what form factor they want from a phone, that's why I prefer the phablet over the SE. Also, I think they will stick with the size for the SE 2 but switch to FaceID and full screen display. I'm a big fan of being able to choose what works for yourself and what is most convenient, along with the Apple ecosystem, but I really think TouchID is on its way out. Also, other phone makers are ditching the headphone jack and it's only a matter of time that the only place you will find that would be at a museum. I know you'll disagree but only time will tell.

 

[robertosh]

I would buy that SX instantly but we all know that they won't release something like that, it's too good.

 

[Lynxpoint]

Any phone has equal portability. Jesus. You act like they're asking you to carry a car.

I have to disagree.

For myself, I will only carry my 7 in the winter when extra clothing provides the space to carry it. Initially this behaviour took shape when running, but carried over to general life. I simply do not wear clothing during 8 months of the year where the size of the 7 is comfortable to carry, and I am not getting a carrying bag for a phone. If I must take the phone, I end up taking a backpack.

With the 4, I could carry it easily in most of my running gear (it got left behind sometimes as well).

The phone, for me, got replaced by: garmin watch, stryd, HRM/run dynamics strap, and iPod shuffle. Yes, in the case of Apple gear, I went to older tech - the size best meets my needs.

Long story short - I want to carry less, not more. The 'monster phones'(my view) is too much baggage. Apple upsized themselves out of a customer.

 

[zeesix]

Any phone has equal portability. Jesus. You act like they're asking you to carry a car.

Wrong. The SE is 35% lighter compared to the X. You can definitely tell the difference, especially when you're active and take it running, biking, hiking, climbing, etc. It's a lot more pocketable and `secure` 1-handed use is possible.

Either way, I can accept that some people want big phones. I don't get why many people don't understand the desire for smaller phones though. Apple is big enough to service both markets, and should be able to innovate to bring the newest tech in a smaller form factor. +1 on buying the SE for size and not for price.
[doublepost=1521776552][/doublepost]

I agree that everyone has a preference in what form factor they want from a phone, that's why I prefer the phablet over the SE. Also, I think they will stick with the size for the SE 2 but switch to FaceID and full screen display. I'm a big fan of being able to choose what works for yourself and what is most convenient, along with the Apple ecosystem, but I really think TouchID is on its way out. Also, other phone makers are ditching the headphone jack and it's only a matter of time that the only place you will find that would be at a museum. I know you'll disagree but only time will tell.

If they can't get the TouchID under the screen working then they should just put it on the back like android phones do. How cool would it be to have an option to use either, or for added security, both.

 

[HarryWild]

They release the X and it sold well but got hurt with the Samsung S9 came out! What can Apple loose by bring an iPhone SE-X that people like me want to have that is a "premium" quality iPhone and not a budget phone. Probably nothing since they just need to do it! Apple just love to go bigger in size because that the way they think now! If Steve Jobs were still here, he make the SE-X the top premium model because he be carrying it around for his own use!

 

[bushman4]

Only hardware improvements may be a narrower notch and some new colors

Apple has already said that they were concentrating on Polishing iOS 12 rather than new features as far as software goes.

Not really a super exciting launch but you never know
Dont expect too much and you won't be disappointed!

 

[stinhambo]

iOS 13 can't come soon enough assuming they are redesigning the wall of icons design.

 

[benlukes]

Is anyone else frustrated by this 1 year update cycle for hardware and, perhaps more so, software? For the hardware all it means is higher cost and more wasted resources. With some exceptions, the new phones have very little true value (utility, not fashion) over the last year’s model (same with other hardware generally). With the software it means a ton of bugs and half-baked (crap) products.

Why not just update the software when you have something worthwhile to change...something that actually adds to the user experience and solves a problem rather than just changing it and creating problems. And for he hardware the same argument could apply...but for now a 2-year cycle would be fine. Each step will then have meaningful differences and prices could come down due to reduced unnecessary retooling and wasted design efforts just to come up with something different.

Obviously this will probably only happen in the other manufacturers went along with it, but I wouldn’t change phone companies just because Apple didn’t update their phone every year.
[doublepost=1521789298][/doublepost]

Wait what? The rest of the world has lower min wage then the Yanks?
USA Min fed wage for a tipped employee is $2.13 (usd) and non tip is $7.25

rest of the world clearly doesn't include where I have lived...
Canada $15 ($11.60 usd)
Australia $17.70 ($13.65)
New Zealand $15.25 ($11.03)
France 9.88E ($12.17 usd)

the worst I worked in was Tokyo where the min wage was
Japan 932 yen ($8.97)

So when you say the rest of the world do you mean fellow third world countries similar to the horrid condition in America...like Russia?

S/he said salaries, not minimum wage. That said, it is a stupid comment. In some markets the iPhone is significantly more expensive than in the US, which is where I thought s/he was going to go with that comment.
[doublepost=1521789618][/doublepost]

Wrong. The SE is 35% lighter compared to the X. You can definitely tell the difference, especially when you're active and take it running, biking, hiking, climbing, etc. It's a lot more pocketable and `secure` 1-handed use is possible.

Either way, I can accept that some people want big phones. I don't get why many people don't understand the desire for smaller phones though. Apple is big enough to service both markets, and should be able to innovate to bring the newest tech in a smaller form factor. +1 on buying the SE for size and not for price.
[doublepost=1521776552][/doublepost]

If they can't get the TouchID under the screen working then they should just put it on the back like android phones do. How cool would it be to have an option to use either, or for added security, both.

Not only is it lighter, but the standard sized newer phones, which is what I have, (not to mention the plus sizes) actually restrict the range of motion of my hips noticably when they are in the pocket of some of my pants. That was never an issue with the older/SE form factor.

 

[Bacillus]

Apparently it's difficult for you to understand that a CEO can't lie about facts during an earnings call.

Apparently it's also difficult to understand the $800 ASP for the iPhone last quarter, which can only be achieved by selling a large quantity of the iPhone X. Math doesn't lie. Unlike so many forum posters.

You don’t seem to realize that the Airpower - or whatever it was supposed to be - just a commodity that other companies make and sell by the zillions, doesn’t exist and isn’t part of any earnings call.

https://www.counterpointresearch.com/global-top-selling-smartphones-november-2017/

Given that prominence, why are wireless chargers‘ trends inverse ?

 

[halluxsinister]

UGH... I wish people would stop using nouns as verbs instead of the existing verb the noun is based upon. They are not going to “trial” anything. They’re going to TRY it. An event staged at which something is TRIED is called a TRIAL.

You might think perhaps I’m being pedantic, but I’m not... Imagine if everyone did this. Something that has just come-to-be, or just begun, is NEW. To make something that has NOT just come into being resemble something like it that HAS just come into being, to make it new again, that is, is to RENEW it. The ACT of renewing something is “renewal.” So when my car insurance term ends, for example, I could say, by the same error that gives us “they’re going to ‘trial’ something, I could state that I am going to “have to call them to “renewal” it.

(Sounds stupid, doens’t it? Of course it does. Naturally.)

What about betrayal? How would it sound if someone said...

“I hope he doesn’t betrayal me,”

...or any one of a large number of misuses and abuses of the English Language. This post committed the same by misusing the verb, “to try,” by using instead what is basically the gerund form of the word in place of the appropriate form.

How about retrieval? What if someone said, “please retreaval my mail while I’m gone”? STOP PUTTING “AL” ON THE ENDS OF THINGS THAT DON’T NEED IT!

Trial is used in the place of “try” becuase, I think, the word is itself so short as to sound truncated, but it’s NOT. The verb is “try.” To CONDUCT a trial is to TRY something. Works both for exotic new foods, (oh, darling, you simply MUST try this gnocchi!) and new techniques in a lab, (we tried both diamond and tungsten carbide, neither made a scratch,) and accused criminals (given the seriousness of the crime, the prosecution has filed a motion to have the defendant tried as an adult). NOT “TRIALED” as an adult, but “TRIED.”

You’re making up a new, longer word needlessly that has the same meaning as the existing, shorter word. PLEASE STOP with this abuse of the once-at-least-vaguely-intelligible English language.

Apple is expected to begin trial production of a trio of new iPhone models in the second quarter of 2018 at the earliest, as it looks to avoid a repeat of the issues caused by the initial low yield rates on production of 3D sensor modules for the iPhone X last year, according to Taiwanese website DigiTimes.

iPhone X2, iPhone X2 Plus, and iPhone SE 2 mockup by Curved.de​

The report, citing supply chain sources, claims Apple's fast-tracking of the trial production will help push ahead the delivery schedules for the 2018 iPhones, meaning it should have more plentiful supply available for pre-orders.

The sources cited add that sales of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X have been "lower than expected," but they believe the earlier production will help Apple to "rekindle" its smartphone momentum. Apple's supply chain partners are said to be "generally more optimistic" about order prospects this year.

Leading up to the iPhone X launch, multiple reports claimed Apple was having issues with ramping up production of the device. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pegged the TrueDepth camera system as the primary reason for the supply bottleneck, due to its complex 3D facial recognition technologies.

Kuo added that the yield issues began to stabilize by late October, but when pre-orders began on October 27, shipping estimates for the iPhone X quickly fell back to 5-6 weeks around the world. The estimates gradually improved over the following weeks, and the device was fully in stock by mid December.

Looking ahead, Apple is widely rumored to launch a so-called iPhone X2, iPhone X2 Plus, and a cheaper 6.1-inch model with Face ID, but with design tradeoffs like an LCD screen and no wireless charging. And if today's report proves accurate, getting your hands on one of the new models should be easier this fall.

Article Link: Apple Expected to Trial Production of 2018 iPhone Lineup Earlier to Avoid Last Year's Supply Bottleneck

 

[Shanghaichica]

To be fair I think Apple did well with the iPhone X this year. Within a month of the launch it was widely available to get.
[doublepost=1521791216][/doublepost]

iOS 13 can't come soon enough assuming they are redesigning the wall of icons design.

But appently they aren’t doing that anymore as they are cutting back on ‘radical’ new features and are concentrating on making the OS more stable and fixing bugs.
[doublepost=1521791249][/doublepost]

They release the X and it sold well but got hurt with the Samsung S9 came out! What can Apple loose by bring an iPhone SE-X that people like me want to have that is a "premium" quality iPhone and not a budget phone. Probably nothing since they just need to do it! Apple just love to go bigger in size because that the way they think now! If Steve Jobs were still here, he make the SE-X the top premium model because he be carrying it around for his own use!

I thought the S9 was selling less than the S8.

 

[JohnApples]

Heh remember when a bunch of MR commenters were predicting doom and gloom for X stock and saying that it wouldn't be available until February/March of 2018?

Still makes me laugh.

 

[Jsameds]

Given that prominence, why are wireless chargers‘ trends inverse ?

Because that's not what we're studying.

 

[deanthedev]

You don’t seem to realize that the Airpower - or whatever it was supposed to be - just a commodity that other companies make and sell by the zillions, doesn’t exist and isn’t part of any earnings call.

Given that prominence, why are wireless chargers‘ trends inverse ?

Trying to shift the goalposts.

Your original post was a lie, so I’m not going to waste my time chasing down your other “theories”.