Apple's 2018 LCD iPhone could be $200 cheaper than the OLED models

Apple is expected to launch three iPhones this fall. According to previous reports, the company will introduce a 6.5-inch OLED model, a 5.8-inch OLED model, and a 6.1-inch LCD model. Those reports had also suggested that the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will be cheapest among the three. Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang has now predicted the same.

Zhang, in a note, has claimed the 6.1-inch LCD variant could be priced $200 (approx. Rs. 13,400) cheaper than the other two OLED models. The note further reveals that Apple will make the LCD iPhone significantly cheaper by taking up certain cost-cutting measures. The LCD model will basically be the successor of iPhone 8 series.

The company will be able to save $50 (approx. Rs. 3,300) per unit by using an LCD panel instead of an OLED one, and $20 (approx. Rs. 1,300) by ditching the steel frame in favor of another material. The analyst believes the Cupertino giant could also cut the cost by changing the material used around the radios, incorporating a single rear camera, and removing the force torch.

"We believe the LCD model is being positioned to be priced more aggressively - in the $799 range", noted the report. The reasonable price tag will help push the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s users to upgrade to the "iPhone 8S" aka "Jaguar" model.

The LCD model is said to sport an iPhone X-like notch, but the handset will have a bottom bezel due to the "limitations of LCD screen technology."

Talking about the other two models, the report says that the 5.8-inch OLED iPhone will be known as the "Porsche" model and it may not bring "significant design changes." The 6.5-inch OLED iPhone will be called the "Rolls-Royce" model and may feature a dual-SIM slot, and stylus support.

Moreover, all three iPhones will have better water resistance. Unlike the previous generation models, the new iPhones can withstand immersion in water up to 10 meters.

Finally, the report predicts Apple will produce around 60 million units of the iPhone LCD model, 28 million units of the 5.8-inch OLED variant and 22 million 6.5-inch units of the OLED variant.

Via