With two separate model cycles, how are Apple going to handle it?

[NewBench]

Just thinking ahead, especially with the cost factor of the X - whether it is an upgrade that will still be a top tier model next year?

If the X is launching on November 3rd, and the 8 launching in a couple of weeks, what do we presume Apple will do going forward in terms of product cycles?

Typically we get one new iPhone each year (incl. Plus). Will Apple launch an X-2 or similar alongside the 'iPhone 8S/iPhone 9' next year?

If they release an iPhone '9', surely it will only appeal to those that buy the 8 this year and those with previous models, rather than X customers? Unless the 9 has better specs than the X (10) which will be odd and very un-Apple.

The X will presumably drop in price too next year, which will impact on iPhone 9 sales etc.

 

[tubeexperience]

Next year, introduce the iPhone XS starting at $1199.

 

[ajcgn]

Next year, introduce the iPhone XS starting at $1199.

The the X Gold for $1,499 the after that, platinum, diamond....

 

[NewBench]

Next year, introduce the iPhone XS starting at $1199.

Probably. But will they release a '9' or '8S' next year too? With the X being reduced in price this time next year, and a 9 being released presumably more expensive and closer to the reduced X, it's going to get pretty messy in their lineup.

IMO, they should not release a 9/8S next year - simply offer the X for the same price as the 8, and at the same time release the XS.