According to Ming-Chi Kuo, noted analyst from KGI Securities (and considered by many as the foremost expert in predicting Apple trends), it is quite possible that the success of the iPhone X this year may lead to three new iPhone models in 2018 that will employ the same all screen design as the iPhone X.
As reported by MacRumors, Kuo outlined his latest speculation by way of a recent research note. Kuo is predicting that a year from now, Apple’s fans could be looking at a trio of new iPhone flagship offerings -- a 5.8 inch model that is equipped with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display (much like the current iPhone X), a gargantuan 6.5 inch model (also with an OLED screen) that will be positioned as sort of a Plus edition, and lastly, a 6.1 inch model fitted with an LCD screen.
It goes without saying that the two iPhones with OLED displays slated for release next year will be launched as the usual high profile offerings. As for the 6.1 inch LCD variant, it will likely be sold as the more “affordable” 2018 iPhone (similar to how the iPhone SE was positioned when it launched during the first half of last year). Of course, the term affordable here may be relative -- Kuo believes that the LCD iPhone will probably have a starting price of about $649 to $749, a price range similar to that of this year’s iPhone 8.
While it is true that next year’s OLED iPhones will undoubtedly offer the higher specifications, there is a good chance that the LCD iPhone will still come with some of the more interesting features present on the iPhone X, like the all-screen design and the TrueDepth sensor (which is essential in making Apple’s Face ID tech work).
This year saw a lot of changes for the iPhone. For one, it marked the first time that Apple removed the iconic home button from its smartphone, basically making way for Face ID. The tech giant also reached new heights with regards to the pricing of its iPhone X, which fetches for about a thousand bucks (starting price), making it the most expensive iPhone ever.
If Kuo’s predictions turn out be true (and they usually are), then 2018 should be an interesting year for iOS mobile users (and for those who want to be one). About a month ago, the analyst had also predicted that the iPhone X’s Face ID tech will also be debuting on the iPad next year, and around a week ago, it was reported that Apple is indeed planning on releasing a new iPad with Face ID.
