iPhone X With 6.1-inch LCD Display to Sport Single Rear Camera, No 3D Touch: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple is largely expected to launch three iPhone models this fall. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tipped the pricing of the 6.1-inch LCD variant, details some of its features, and claims that the company will launch its successor next year as well, not phasing out LCD displays just yet. He also claims that Apple is looking to launch three other products this year. Separately, Morgan Stanley has also predicted the pricing structure of all the three iPhone models as well.

Beginning with Kuo, the analyst claims that the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will be a popular option among upgraders, as it will come with a lower price tag of $600 (roughly Rs. 40,300) - $700 (roughly Rs.47,000). To recall, the iPhone X currently has a price tag that goes to $1,000, and the LCD variant will have the notch display, but won't come with key features like 3D Touch and will sport a single rear camera as well. Because of the notch design, the LCD variant is seeing some hiccups in mass production, but it is expected to pick up in the later part of the year. However, he does expect it to be ready for release till September. This corroborates with previous reports that state Apple is facing low yield issues as Japan Display is having trouble mass producing LCD displays with a notch. The latest Kuo report was obtained by 9to5Mac.

Kuo also suggests that Apple will continue to order LCD displays next year as well, suggesting that a successor to the 6.1-inch variant may also be seen in 2019, and the company is still wary about phasing out LCD displays completely. Three variants of the iPhone include a 5.8-inch iPhone X successor, a 6.1-inch LCD variant, and a mammoth 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus.

In his investor note, Kuo suggested that Apple may also launch three other products - a cheaper MacBook Air, new iPad Pro models with Face ID, and Apple Watch models with larger displays. Kuo also touches base on the US China trade war, and claims that Apple's brand image may be hurt due to anti-US sentiments in the Chinese territory.

Separately, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty claims (via MarketWatch) that the LCD iPhone will be priced between $699 (roughly Rs. 47,800) and $769 (roughly Rs. 52,600), a little higher than what Kuo predicted. The iPhone X successor will be priced at $799 (roughly Rs. 54,700) and the most premium iPhone X Plus may be priced at $999 (roughly Rs. 68,400). The analyst claims that the average selling price can swing 2 percent up or down from numbers last quarter, depending on the mix Apple manages to sell. Therefore, in the worst case scenario, the LCD variant will be priced at $799 (roughly Rs. 54,700), iPhone X successor will be priced at $999 (roughly Rs. 68,400), and the iPhone X Plus may be priced at $1,099 (roughly Rs. 75,300). Kuo also made price predictions, and you can see them here.

The 2018 models are expected to sport bigger batteries this time and perhaps the biggest news of all, support dual-SIM functionality.