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Other Prediction: Apple will return to one "Flagship" and one "Classic" model in 2019 or 2020

A

Adelphos33

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 13, 2012
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1) One "current" phone, in two sizes, priced between the current XR and Xs models
2) One "classic" phone, sized similar to the iPhone 7/8 - the new SE

This will clean up a lot of the confusion about "budget" and "flagship" phones that are probably slowing down upgrade rates
 
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I’d say things stay like they are. They are already offering 3 different choices of new phones. iPhone 7/8 are the budget devices. Samsung’s S10/Note10 will be priced similarly to the Xs/Xs max. Samsung’s foldable device is rumored to be $2000 so I doubt prices will change..
 
I agree with Bugeye (Had a GR bugeye and left for the FoRS because booby don't do hatch no mo'). They'll just continue to do what they are doing now. We already know the sizes and offerings will be the same next year. Just new and improved XR/XS/Max. And they'll also continue to produce the older phones for people who don't wanna pay more and for the smaller markets around the world. Once they have the machinery built for a certain phone, they can relocate it, keep using it, whatever. You can still buy a 7, so I'm sure next year the 7 will be gone, and the 8 will be the oldest. They'll continue this trend.
 
I would prefer to see them offer true budget phones every year.

Part of the reason that Android has flourished and dominates the market, is that they can come in all sorts of flavors. I think that we as American's take things for granted. Most people are willing to pay $1000 for a disposable device that they will replace every year or two. But most of the world isn't like that. Even our country's "poor", typically have a roof over their head, food, clothes, transportation, internet, a tv, cell phone, etc... That's middle or even upper middle class in much of the world...

So our notion of what is acceptable pricewise, is a bit out of whack to a lot of the world.

Emerging countries, often can't justify what might amount to a few months wages, on a cell phone. So Android having so many options, including some surprisingly capable phones down in the $100-$200 range, is helping drive their numbers and adoption rates globally.

Yes, Android does a lot of things that iOS doesn't, but the real reason it has taken over and almost 9 out of 10 smartphones in the world are running Android, is because its a much more affordable option in various parts of the world.

I would love to see Apple make a phone with a 5" screen, don't care about tiny bezels, but give it an adequate processor from 2 years ago, give it ample storage and the latest iOS and sell them for $299 and they will sell like hotcakes here and everywhere.

Not everyone needs a $1000 phone, even if they can afford it. Not when there are so many options under $200 that make calls, text, snap pics, email and do all the things that most people need just fine...
 
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Heck, no.

As with any technology - once it matures, we see a larger and larger product stack to meet the requirements of more buyers. This allows the company maintain the revenue from a larger group of customers. This is true whether it's an electric car or iPad.
 
SquireSCA said:
...Part of the reason that Android has flourished and dominates the market, is that they can come in all sorts of flavors. ...
Click to expand...

This is true, however I do not believe this to be apple's vision. Flooding the market with cheap budget phones creates the term 'cheap budget phone' while there are also flag ships. In my opinion, apple would not water down their offerings to allow such cheap entry level phones. With Apple, entry level is reserved for the 1 or 2 year old previous flagships.
 
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Raist3001 said:
This is true, however I do not believe this to be apple's vision. Flooding the market with cheap budget phones creates the term 'cheap budget phone' while there are also flag ships. In my opinion, apple would not water down their offerings to allow such cheap entry level phones. With Apple, entry level is reserved for the 1 or 2 year old previous flagships.
Click to expand...

Maybe, but if you want to get your devices in as many hands as possible, the emerging markets should be considered. It's not just the revenue from the phones, but if people are using your device, then they are likely using your services and certainly going to your app store, for their music and app needs.

It's a vehicle, a delivery system for other revenue streams, not just about the profit from the device itself...

You wanna sell 5 pies for $10 each, or sell 50 of them for $5 each? What you lose on margin, you make up for in volume.
 
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SquireSCA said:
Maybe, but if you want to get your devices in as many hands as possible, the emerging markets should be considered. It's not just the revenue from the phones, but if people are using your device, then they are likely using your services and certainly going to your app store, for their music and app needs.

It's a vehicle, a delivery system for other revenue streams, not just about the profit from the device itself...

You wanna sell 5 pies for $10 each, or sell 50 of them for $5 each? What you lose on margin, you make up for in volume.
Click to expand...

Oh I agree. But have we ever seen apple really care about all markets?
 
Raist3001 said:
Oh I agree. But have we ever seen apple really care about all markets?
Click to expand...

Not really, but one can always dream, right? haha

I think that it would be good to diversify and not have all their eggs in the "premium boutique" basket, but what do I know...

I mean, it's good while it lasts, but what if it doesn't? Look at Tesla...

They are starting to come down market, because they realized that not everyone can drop $80k on a car in order to save $4k on gas each year... Without a ton of venture capital and government subsidies, both directly to Tesla and also to buyers to help them purchase the cars, would they have even turned a profit or still be in business?

I think they saw the writing on the wall, that the taxpayer funded gravy train wasn't gonna last forever, and so now they are trying to come out with cars that most people can actually afford...
 
SquireSCA said:
Not really, but one can always dream, right? haha

I think that it would be good to diversify and not have all their eggs in the "premium boutique" basket, but what do I know...

I mean, it's good while it lasts, but what if it doesn't? Look at Tesla...

They are starting to come down market, because they realized that not everyone can drop $80k on a car in order to save $4k on gas each year... Without a ton of venture capital and government subsidies, both directly to Tesla and also to buyers to help them purchase the cars, would they have even turned a profit or still be in business?

I think they saw the writing on the wall, that the taxpayer funded gravy train wasn't gonna last forever, and so now they are trying to come out with cars that most people can actually afford...
Click to expand...

Well it is quite possible that with the rising prices of iPhones, people have decided to hold on to their current models, longer. Apple may be forced to lower prices in the future. If the SE sold so darn well, why would apple not release an SE2? Possibly because a lower cost SE2 would eat into XR/XS/MAX sales.
 
Not sure, but I am sure bean counters much smarter than I have looked at this stuff and made their decisions...

To me it seems common sense to cover more bases... sell your upscale premium lines in countries that have more disposable income, but also come out with some products for emerging markets. I mean, they do it with cars and every other product, so why not phones?

To someone's point, might have been yours, but they can keep selling the older models as their value line... but to me, I would perceive those as leftovers... As opposed to a new value phone of it's own entity, while it might not really be any better than the legacy iPhones... some might see it differently...

I guess like if there is a leftover car from 4 years ago on the lot versus a new model that might be a slightly lesser model... even though the leftover is technically a model a step up, in my mind, I still sorta see it as the car that's been sitting around for 4 years, as opposed to the other one that is at least "new"... If that makes any sense.

I realize it is more perception than reality, but to many the two are indistinguishable....
 
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The XR comes in lots of colors, but to be honest, most people put their $800-1200 device into a case the moment they get it, so the color to me rarely matters... I am not gonna see it other than when I take it out of the case to wipe off the pocket lint once a month... haha
 
Adelphos33 said:
1) One "current" phone, in two sizes, priced between the current XR and Xs models
2) One "classic" phone, sized similar to the iPhone 7/8 - the new SE

This will clean up a lot of the confusion about "budget" and "flagship" phones that are probably slowing down upgrade rates
Click to expand...

Based on your logic, it appears like you’re actually making this more confusing. I don’t forsee Apple necessarily executing what you’re suggesting, I do see them adding another iPhone under the XR with in the next year or so. Some are under the notion it will be a replacement for the iPhone SE, which if it is, I suspect it will be a 5.2 inch iPhone perhaps or something similar.
 
ET iPhone Home said:
I wish Apple come's out with that (past) rumored Cobalt Blue for the XS/XS Max in 2019. I'm also hoping for a Product Red, but not holding by breath.
Click to expand...

Yes I am hoping for more colors next year. The only color I loved the most was Rose Gold. I was so sad when they discontinued that color last year for iPhones.
 
in 2018 alone, Apple's announces a NEW line-up of:
  • iPhone 10S (times 3 colours, times 3 capacities) = 9 different choices
  • iPhone 10S Max (times 3 colours, times 3 capacities) = 9 different choices
  • iPhone 10R (times 6 colours, times 3 capacities) = 18 different choices
a.k.a 36 'different' iPhone models.

iOS 12 is supporting iPhones from the 5S onwards, which means:
  • 5S
  • 6
  • 6+
  • 6S
  • 6S+
  • SE
  • 7 (currently selling)
  • 7+ (currently selling)
  • 8 (currently selling)
  • 8+ (currently selling)
  • 10
  • 10S (currently selling)
  • 10S Max (currently selling)
  • 10R (currently selling)
The more iPhone models Apple has to offer software support for, the more combinations to test and develop for, the harder it is to ensure a less buggy software experience each year and beyond. Moreover, developers also have to develop their apps for a great variety of iPhone with different processing power, screen resolutions and aspect ratios, and software features. People have a harder time recommending new iPhones to their friends and family as well.

My opinion is that Apple should stick to just 2 new iPhone models every year - 1) their flagship, and 2) a budget, SE-equivalent. Consumers will not need to buy a 10S and wonder if they should've bought the bigger 10S Max or return their phone for a budget 10R. There is only be one, clear flagship option for everyone will buy.

Less choice, yes, but that is not entirely a bad thing. For Apple, it means software support for less phones in the long run and easier logistical management.

Example:
  • Flagship iPhone (Space grey and Silver, 128GB and 512 GB) - $999, $1,099
  • iPhone SE-equivalent (Space grey and Silver, 64GB and 128 GB) - $399, $449
 
Adelphos33 said:
1) One "current" phone, in two sizes, priced between the current XR and Xs models
2) One "classic" phone, sized similar to the iPhone 7/8 - the new SE

This will clean up a lot of the confusion about "budget" and "flagship" phones that are probably slowing down upgrade rates
Click to expand...
They just won't make enough money with that business model - Not happening!
 
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SquireSCA said:
I would prefer to see them offer true budget phones every year.

Part of the reason that Android has flourished and dominates the market, is that they can come in all sorts of flavors. I think that we as American's take things for granted. Most people are willing to pay $1000 for a disposable device that they will replace every year or two. But most of the world isn't like that. Even our country's "poor", typically have a roof over their head, food, clothes, transportation, internet, a tv, cell phone, etc... That's middle or even upper middle class in much of the world...

So our notion of what is acceptable pricewise, is a bit out of whack to a lot of the world.

Emerging countries, often can't justify what might amount to a few months wages, on a cell phone. So Android having so many options, including some surprisingly capable phones down in the $100-$200 range, is helping drive their numbers and adoption rates globally.

Yes, Android does a lot of things that iOS doesn't, but the real reason it has taken over and almost 9 out of 10 smartphones in the world are running Android, is because its a much more affordable option in various parts of the world.

I would love to see Apple make a phone with a 5" screen, don't care about tiny bezels, but give it an adequate processor from 2 years ago, give it ample storage and the latest iOS and sell them for $299 and they will sell like hotcakes here and everywhere.

Not everyone needs a $1000 phone, even if they can afford it. Not when there are so many options under $200 that make calls, text, snap pics, email and do all the things that most people need just fine...
Click to expand...


I 100% agree, if it’s time for a £999 iPhone then it’s also time for a £299 iPhone... I genuinely think a 5inch phone like you said with a single shooter, Touch ID and bezels is a no brainier.
People will hate the idea but fact is in more developed countries it will really help push there services and in developing countries it will still be seen as expensive BUT accessible (much like the iPhone 6 was here)
 
Never going to happen. The X series has 2 tiers just like all other Apple product lines do now. It was long overdue. The remaining lines are the budget phones. I see them making a smaller Xr and then just keeping the iPhone 8 as the budget model. Now they have too many budget phones between the 6s, 7, 8.
 
At this point in time even Apple isn’t sure of its next move. A lot of things pending
Qualcomm and Apple lawsuit
5G readyness nationwide
Samsung’s Flex Phone..fact or fiction
Apples quarterly earnings around February 1


The list goes on and on. Another 3 months or so I think we’ll have a better idea
 
Apple need to focus on making 1-2 great phones per year, and dropping the price of the previous years model. Pretty simple .
 
SquireSCA said:
I would prefer to see them offer true budget phones every year.

Part of the reason that Android has flourished and dominates the market, is that they can come in all sorts of flavors. I think that we as American's take things for granted. Most people are willing to pay $1000 for a disposable device that they will replace every year or two. But most of the world isn't like that. Even our country's "poor", typically have a roof over their head, food, clothes, transportation, internet, a tv, cell phone, etc... That's middle or even upper middle class in much of the world...

So our notion of what is acceptable pricewise, is a bit out of whack to a lot of the world.

Emerging countries, often can't justify what might amount to a few months wages, on a cell phone. So Android having so many options, including some surprisingly capable phones down in the $100-$200 range, is helping drive their numbers and adoption rates globally.

Yes, Android does a lot of things that iOS doesn't, but the real reason it has taken over and almost 9 out of 10 smartphones in the world are running Android, is because its a much more affordable option in various parts of the world.

I would love to see Apple make a phone with a 5" screen, don't care about tiny bezels, but give it an adequate processor from 2 years ago, give it ample storage and the latest iOS and sell them for $299 and they will sell like hotcakes here and everywhere.

Not everyone needs a $1000 phone, even if they can afford it. Not when there are so many options under $200 that make calls, text, snap pics, email and do all the things that most people need just fine...
Click to expand...
Android dominates the market in cheap phones. Every flagship Android phone is outsold by Apple. Samsung Galaxy S9/9+, Note 9, Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Pixel 3...none of them are even close to iPhone in sales.

Apple will never make cheap phones which differ little from their flagships.
 
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