Apple Targets Mid-Range Phones... "Launching 6 Models Including iPhone SE2 This Year"
by Han Jinjoo
Published 03 Jan.2020 08:38(KST)
Apple Places Device Orders for Two LCD Models via Taiwan Supply Chain
Speculation Grows on Launch of Two iPhone SE2 Models
Similar to 4.7-inch iPhone 8 with Home Button and Touch ID
Expecting Two Mid-Range and Four Flagship Models This Year
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple is expected to unveil a total of six iPhone models this year, including two mid-range iPhones that will replace the 'iPhone SE.' This is interpreted as a strategy to diversify the product lineup and maintain market share amid the growing global mid-range smartphone market and competition with Chinese manufacturers.
On the 2nd (local time), Taiwan's Digitimes, citing Apple's supply chain in Taiwan, forecasted that Apple will release a total of six iPhones this year: four models equipped with OLED displays and two models with LCD displays. Chipbond Technology, which manufactures display drivers for LCDs, received orders from Apple for two LCD devices, suggesting preparations for two mid-range iPhones.
Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple specialist analyst at TF International Securities, released a report stating that the iPhone SE2 would be split into two models, released in 2020 and 2021 respectively. He predicted, "Apple will launch a total of five models in 2020, including the 4.7-inch iPhone SE2," and "an iPhone SE2 Plus model will also be released after 2021."
Ming-Chi Kuo analyzed that the iPhone SE2 will be released in the first half of the year, followed by two OLED display models of 5.4 inches and 6.1 inches, and a 6.7-inch iPhone in the second half. All four models are expected to support 5G and have designs similar to the iPhone 11 lineup.
Apple's iPhone SE2 is likely to feature a 4.7-inch display, 3GB of RAM, and an A13 chip. It is expected to have a design similar to the iPhone 8, with Touch ID, a home button, and a single camera lens.
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