Other Thoughts on a new smaller iPhone

[AJB1971]

I think Apple will introduce a new smaller iPhone, but it may take a while.

My reasoning is that the current lowest priced model in their range is the 4.7” iPhone 7 and, following Apple’s usual procedure, this will be superseded by the 4.7” iPhone 8, but what happens when that is eventually phased out? The 6.1” XR just seems too big to be a bottom of the range device and the price point would be too high for Apple.

The new iPhone would probably be along the lines of a 5-5.2” version of the XR. This would clearly distinguish it from the other newly introduced models.

Looking at the current pricing structure, the phone would cost £649 at today’s prices, with the 7 and 8 dropping by £50. In two or three years time, it would end up being the lowest priced model in the range.

It’s also worth noting that Apple chose not to introduce the iPhone SE at the same time as the iPhone 6s. The SE was actually launched six months later. Presumably, they didn’t want the smaller device to take sales away from the larger, higher margin ones. The same would also be a reason for not launching a smaller version of the XR now.

 

[Steve121178]

I can understand Apple wanting to steer everyone towards larger devices. The smaller form factor of the iPhone 5, 5S & SE isn't really practical for modern apps as most apps are all optimised for screen sizes of at least 4.7".

Not having to worry about optimising for smaller screens is one less headache for developers. The 5/5s/SE served their purpose but lets face it, the form factor is redundant.

 

[kasakka]

Around 5" screen sounds right for a smaller XR. I think the XS is a great compromise on physical vs screen size, it's perfect for me but I understand someone wanting a cheaper, smaller phone. Apple is in a bit of a pickle in this sense by having a flagship smaller phone so they can't just make the same size thing but with cheaper specs as that would heavily cannibalize sales from the pricier model.

 

[AJB1971]

I can understand Apple wanting to steer everyone towards larger devices. The smaller form factor of the iPhone 5, 5S & SE isn't really practical for modern apps as most apps are all optimised for screen sizes of at least 4.7".

Not having to worry about optimising for smaller screens is one less headache for developers. The 5/5s/SE served their purpose but lets face it, the form factor is redundant.

I agree, but I’m not talking about a smaller iPhone having a 4” or even a 4.7” screen.

The iPhone 7 was Apple’s flagship phone in 2016 and now it’s their budget phone. The phones introduced this year start at 5.8” and the cheapest model is the 6.1” XR. I find it hard to believe that the 6.1” XR will be their budget phone when the 8 is discontinued.

I think it's likely that Apple will introduce another iPhone with a screen size of 5-5.2”. Initially, this will fit into the range between the 8 and the XR, but in two or three years it will be their budget phone.