Other So, what is Apple's actual plan for the iPhone line-up over the next 2 years?

[kiranmk2]

With all the leaks of 4th gen iPhone SEs and iPhone Airs doing the rounds, it strikes me that there may be a shake-up of the iPhone line in the offing. Over the last few years we've seen two sizes of non-Pro iPhone and two sizes of Pro iPhone and the rumours are heavily suggesting that the larger non-Pro model will become the iPhone Air, leaving just ne model of "regular" iPhone.

At the same time, it is sounding like the 4th gen SE will make, not just the iPhone 14 redundant, but also the iPhone 15.

I've been wondering "what is the point of the base iPhone?" I'm guessing that it nets Apple the lowest marging out of the main 4 iPhone models, but it probably sells well to people that just want the cheapest current iPhone. I don't think Apple even put out an advert specifically for the regular iPhone models this year - just the iPhone Pro and Apple Intelligence. In the UK, all the network/operator adverts only pushed the iPhone Pro. Last year, I only recall two iPhone 15 ads ("don't let me go" focussed on the large base storage which hadn't changed since iPhone 13 and "swoop" focussed on the Ceramic shield which has been a thing since iPhone 12). To me, this suggests that Apple isn't really fussed about pushing the base iPhone anymore

Is Apple planning to drop the base model in the next year or so and have the line-up comprise:

iPhone SE
iPhone "Air"
iPhone Pro
iPhone Pro Max

This would allow the "current" range to start at $899 (or $999 if that's what the Air is aiming for) and help Apple maintain those sweet, sweet revenue figures. At the same time, would many people mourn the loss of the base model? The year-to year entry level iPhone would become the iPhone Air (or whatever Apple ends up calling it), but potentially the new form factor helps people get over the higher entry price (and most people pay in monthly installments these days don't they? This would be an extra $4/month over 24 months). There are rumours about the iPhone 17 line finally getting Promotion so perhaps there will be an iPhone 17; or are the rumours actually relating to the iPhone Air model?

I say all this as a minority figure. I tend to buy the base iPhone, pay upfront, but buy second hand around the January/February after launch when you can typically get a base iPhone with 100% battery health / low cycles and pristine for £600 in the UK (25% off list price)

 

[frogleader12]

probably not

base phone i dont think will get deleted
(its also getting 120hz this year, so that sets it apart from the SE)

 

[JPack]

I've been wondering "what is the point of the base iPhone?"

Can't tell if you're kidding or what. It's for anyone who wants a base camera system. SE ain't it. Air ain't it.

iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal

Apple's base model iPhones have collectively accounted for 42% of its smartphone sales this year, but iPhone Pro Max devices stand as the...

www.macrumors.com

 

[kiranmk2]

Can't tell if you're kidding or what. It's for anyone who wants a base camera system. SE ain't it. Air ain't it.

iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal

Apple's base model iPhones have collectively accounted for 42% of its smartphone sales this year, but iPhone Pro Max devices stand as the...

www.macrumors.com

View attachment 2474561

What these charts don't tell you is why they bought the base model. As I mentioned above, I suspect a lot of people just upgrade their phone every 2-3 years and get whatever the cheapest "latest" model is, which is normally the base model. But what happens if the base model is deleted? Do people then just automatically move to a higher model (Pro or Air)?

It's the same in the Mac & iPad ranges - the base model is always the best seller, because it is the lowest price.

 

[kiranmk2]

probably not

base phone i dont think will get deleted
(its also getting 120hz this year, so that sets it apart from the SE)

Those are the supply chain rumours, but why would Apple do this? How many people that currently purchase the Pro, would switch down to the base model if it came with ProMotion? I guessing it would be a hefty chunk (10-20% of the Pro buyers perhaps).

I think we will know a lot more when the new SE launches. If it maintains a <$500 price, then Apple will probably keep the status quo. If the new SE is in the $600-700 region, then all bets are off.

 

[JPack]

What these charts don't tell you is why they bought the base model. As I mentioned above, I suspect a lot of people just upgrade their phone every 2-3 years and get whatever the cheapest "latest" model is, which is normally the base model. But what happens if the base model is deleted? Do people then just automatically move to a higher model (Pro or Air)?

It's the same in the Mac & iPad ranges - the base model is always the best seller, because it is the lowest price.

If the $799 base model were deleted, then consumer replacement cycles would likely increase. They'll likely have to settle for the Air (likely $999). Or buy n-1 models from now on.

The Air seems designed to increase ASP because consumers are taking longer and longer to replace phones.

 

[1rottenapple]

Go on swappa (used phone website) that resales phone. The base iPhone is by far the most popular model, I doubt Apple wants to split their sales from the too cheap iPhone SE, and the air with a 999 price tag. That 700 sweet spot would be lost to Samsung and google.

 

[kiranmk2]

Yes, the base iPhone is the most popular (or at least the model that is sold on/traded in the most often) but if it was deleted, then the "Air" would become the base model (with corresponding higher price tag).

The danger I see for Apple is that if the non-Pro model does adopt Promotion this year, then how many people will move down the pricing ladder rather than up. At this point, the only obvious thing your extra $200 gets you with the Pro is the telephoto camera. Yes, there are more differences (size of the image sensors, more Pro image/video formats, extra GPU core, titanium body), but how many people even appreciate these?

There was an Engadget article today recommending the iPhone Pro for "most people". Possibly surprising, as the iPhone 16 was regarded as being a bigger update from the iPhone 15 than the 16 Pro was over the 15 Pro.

The best iPhones for 2025: Which model should you buy?

We've broken down Apple's current smartphone lineup to help you answer that eternal question: Which iPhone should I get?

www.engadget.com

 

[Devyn89]

I’m with other people here, I don’t think Apple would abandon that $799 (USD) price point as both Google and Samsung compete in that price point. Both of those phones have 120Hz displays and while it is true lots of people don’t care, it does seem like a critical mass is forming of those that do. To not have that going into 2026 I think would generally hurt Apple, not a lot but a bit, and, in my opinion, after the Apple Intelligence fiasco Apple can’t afford any more bad press.

 

[I7guy]

I’m with other people here, I don’t think Apple would abandon that $799 (USD) price point as both Google and Samsung compete in that price point. Both of those phones have 120Hz displays and while it is true lots of people don’t care, it does seem like a critical mass is forming of those that do. To not have that going into 2026 I think would generally hurt Apple, not a lot but a bit, and, in my opinion, after the Apple Intelligence fiasco Apple can’t afford any more bad press.

IMO mostly only the nerds care about 120 mhz displays.

AI(apple intelligence) is more of a driver than 120 mhz.

As far as the apple intelligence fiasco there wasn’t any. Of course we will have our own individual opinions on this.

 

[Devyn89]

IMO mostly only the nerds care about 120 mhz displays.

AI(apple intelligence) is more of a driver than 120 mhz.

As far as the apple intelligence fiasco there wasn’t any. Of course we will have our own individual opinions on this.

I obviously can only speak for my experience but I work at a phone carrier store in Canada and I’ve had several conversations with customers about how they’re disappointed in Apple Intelligence, it either doesn’t do the things they expect it to or the things it does are kinda broken.

 

[tbgb50]

If the base model goes away, I will buy a new base model 16 ASAP and extend my upgrade cycle which is already long. I don't care about AI or refresh rates and maybe take 15 photos a year. I'd do the same if they keep the base model but make it larger.

 

[Andeddu]

If the base model goes away, I will buy a new base model 16 ASAP and extend my upgrade cycle which is already long. I don't care about AI or refresh rates and maybe take 15 photos a year. I'd do the same if they keep the base model but make it larger.

Sounds like the SE4 was made for you.

 

[1rottenapple]

I was bummed the edge of the se4 is the sharp angles. I really love the soft edges of the 15 and 16 since I like using no cases. It’ll have to pass, it’s almost perfect.

 

[Cobold]

IMO mostly only the nerds care about 120 mhz displays.

AI(apple intelligence) is more of a driver than 120 mhz.

At 120 MHz, your screen would be melting I guess 🤣

It’s 120 Hz, without mega.
120 refreshes per second (120 MHz would be 120.000.000 refreshes per second ).

 

[Jackbequickly]

Incremental advances

 

[geta]

Whatever they’re planning, unfortunately, a smaller iPhone won't be part of it. Sad days.