Apple iPhone X successor with LCD screen coming soon at half the price?

The anniversary-edition Apple iPhone X is one of the expensive consumer-centric smartphones launched late last year. However, the iPhone X successor, with a 6.1-inch notch-based LCD screen and dual-SIM functionality, would cost half the price of the current generation flagship, according to a report in 9to5 citing KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In an earlier Bloomberg report, Kuo said Apple was considering creating another price segment for dual-SIM-based iPhones. He also said that the single SIM model could sell at between $550 and $650, while the dual-SIM model would go for at least $650.

Kuo’s information stands in line with the Digitimes research analyst Luke Lin, who said in his report that Apple would launch a new 5.85-inch iPhone this year with OLED screen at a price much lower than that of the iPhone X.

iPhone X debut: Will slow supply dampen Apple's hopes in India?

After facing a lacklustre response to iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus globally, including in India, Apple has now placed its bet on successful delivery of "super premium" iPhone X that aims for a scheduled arrival on November 3.

In the past few days, several media reports have claimed that Apple is facing a huge supply gap primarily for two reasons: difficulties in assembling the new facial identification software and 3D camera, and "off the charts" pre-orders for iPhone X after the Apple fraternity didn't make the expected beeline for iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

The scenario suggests that people will have to wait long before they can grab an iPhone X. Analysts have already warned that the stock on hand is scarce, owing to constrained supply of key iPhone X components. The advanced depth-sensing camera system in iPhone X requires parts that only a few manufacturers can produce.

The iPhone X, which marks the 10th anniversary of the device, costs Rs 89,000 for a 64 GB model and Rs 1.02 lakh for the 256 GB variant.

According to Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems, Counterpoint Research, supply issues will have three main implications for Apple.

"Either the demand for iPhone X will shift to subsequent quarters or some part of the demand will be absorbed by iPhone 8 series if supply is delayed for long. In both the cases, it won't have much impact on Apple as its user base will remain within the iOS ecosystem," Pathak told IANS.