Mikey Campbell
A new report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple's widely rumored next-generation 4-inch iPhone is about to enter mass production and is estimated to 12 million units in 2016.
In a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo fails to offer a specific timeline on production, but reiterates his previous hardware predictions of an iPhone 5s-esque design, internals similar to an iPhone 6s and a price of $400 to $500.
The most obvious aesthetic difference between the generations-old iPhone 5s and upcoming 4-inch handset will be a so-called "2.5D" cover glass, a reference to the slightly curved display introduced with iPhone 6. Kuo believes Apple will load the unnamed iPhone with an A9 processor, 12-megapixel rear-facing camera and NFC support for touchless Apple Pay transactions.
KGI is forecasting shipments of 12 million units, down from a previous 18 to 20 million units, citing a probable iPhone 5s price cut. Driven by a low 2015 base and an aggressive pricing model, total 4-inch iPhone shipments will grow 131 percent year-over-year to 37 million units, Kuo says.
Looking ahead, the aggressive play at low- to mid-tier markets will pull down overall iPhone ASP, which Apple is likely to counter by targeting a wider array of market segments. For example, differentiation in the high-end is anticipated to result in two distinct "iPhone 7 Plus" models, one with a dual-camera iSight setup and another sporting a single-camera configuration.
Apple is expected to hold a special media event next month to introduce the new 4-inch handset, a revamped 9.7-inch iPad model and Apple Watch accessories. The most recent rumors peg a keynote presentation on March 22, with products launching shortly thereafter.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
32 Comments
Uh, soon? This thing is supposed to go on sale in less than a month. They'd better be heavy into production already at this point unless they're trying to launch the thing with massive stock shortages.
If these things are real then that 12M number is hilarious.
Come on, 12M, the 5s ships 12M in 4 months. Were the hell do they take these numbers?
It will likely be 25-30M this year minimum
12 million? Is that worldwide or just the U.S.?
Exactly. I would have said at least double 12M considering how many are waiting for a new 4". But Apple doesn't normally give the breakdown right?