X

Cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone could sell 100 million units, says report

A cheaper price on the rumored non-OLED phone could goose sales.

Headshot of David Katzmaier
Headshot of David Katzmaier
David Katzmaier Editor in Chief
David leads the editorial team at CNET. We create expert reviews, articles and video on every aspect of technology, from AI to Zoox. We are thoroughly, proudly human.
Expertise A 25-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. He created CNET's methodology for testing TVs, streaming services and AI tools. Prior to CNET he wrote for Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. Credentials
  • Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
David Katzmaier
<p></p>

If Apple prices its rumored 6.1-inch iPhone at $700 this year, it could sell like hotcakes. 

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities says a less-expensive iPhone could sell up to 105 million units during the 2018-2019 product cycle. As reported by MacRumors, he predicts the less-expensive 2018 iPhone will have Face ID, but save costs by using an LCD screen instead of an OLED display, as well as a metal case, a single-lens camera, and elimination of the 3D Touch feature. 

Kuo expects the new phone to launch in the second half of 2018 -- Apple's iPhone event is traditionally in September. It will reportedly represent the least expensive member of the lineup, alongside a new 5.8-inch iPhone X and a larger 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus. Kuo predicts the cheaper LCD-based iPhone phone to account for around half of iPhone shipments in 2018 and into 2019.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In its earnings report earlier this month Apple said it sold 77.3 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of 2017, down 1 percent from a year ago and falling short of analysts' predictions. The higher-priced phones in 2017 did help Apple achieve all-time records in quarterly profit and revenue, however.

Mobile Guides

Phones
Foldable Phones
Headphones
Mobile Accessories
Smartwatches
Wireless Plans