Neil Hughes
While larger iPhones have driven sales among switchers, a new 4-inch iPhone is likely to drive upgrades among existing Apple users, to the tune of up to 15 million units per year, one analyst believes.
Amit Daryanani of RBC Capital Markets issued a note to investors on Wednesday, noting that only 40 percent of the install base has upgraded to Apple's larger 4.7- or 5.5-inch iPhone models.
RBC believes Apple could sell up to 15 million 4-inch "iPhone SE" units priced starting at $549.
He believes next week's expected debut of the 4-inch "iPhone SE" is a strategic move by Apple to accelerate existing users' upgrade cycles. With a new 4-inch iPhone featuring many of the same components as the flagship iPhone 6s, but priced more aggressively, he believes Apple will be able to appeal to those who prefer the smaller form factor, as well as budget conscious consumers.
Daryanani's projections call for Apple to sell between 10 million and 15 million "iPhone SE" units annually. He admitted that would be a "modest" amount for Apple, but the timing is key: A late March launch would allow Apple to provide a buffer in the upcoming June and September quarters, leading up to the debut of a flagship "iPhone 7."
And while some rumors have suggested the "iPhone SE" will take the place of the iPhone 5s and be priced at $449, Daryanani believes the premium construction and components will see the "iPhone SE" priced higher, at $549.
The "iPhone SE" is rumored to feature the same A9 processor, support for Apple Pay, and 12-megapixel iSight camera as the high-end iPhone 6s. A tipster suggested to AppleInsider this week that it will also shoot 4K video.
Aside from a smaller display, the key differentiating factor between the iPhone 6s and the "iPhone SE" is believed to be the lack of a 3D Touch force sensing display in the latter.
All will be revealed next Monday, when Apple will hold a press event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, and will be streamed live online and on the Apple TV.
For a full rundown of what to expect, see AppleInsider's March 21 rumor roundup.
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28 Comments
My idea iPhone is ~4.25" but if needs be ill buy this instead. I find the standard 6/6s too large for my needs. I'd never watch a long video on something small than a 13" MBA, I need a smartphone for quick-dipping only. I want the pocket-comfort only a small phone can provide.
Apple will never go budget... this will destroy their brand as people will then wait for budget 5 inch phone... it will just be a 4 inch iphone 6s...
Have you even seen Louis Vuitton or Chanel go budget to take share from Gap...
only reason for an offset introduction (eg. not in September) is simply an operational issue; it is getting harder and harder for Apple to ramp up the full iPhone supply-chain in one go... Very likely that given volumes at stake, Apple will have 2 introduction dates per year... for instance one for larger screen in September... and one for smaller screens but mostly same components in March when all component suppliers are up and running at full speed.
I think they should call it the iPhone 6e as in:
You won't find a 6e-er phone anywhere!
;-)
I think the SE looks a lot like the 5S because the latter is going to remain in the lineup at a lower price point. At least for another year and to provide design continuity. Then at same time next year the SE will become the budget model together with an SE2 incorporating components from the 7 flagship, and so on...