KGI has released another report about Apple’s upcoming 4-inch iPhone which is currently rumored to be named iPhone “SE”. And knowing KGI’s long tack record of being pretty accurate most of the time, this rumor may be something we actually find in the final product Apple ships.
The report states that rather an improved 8MP camera be found on the rear of the phone, KGI predicts that there will be a 12MP shooter which will be very similar to the iPhone 6s/Plus’ sensor. This is very interesting, as Apple has just introduced their 12MP sensor on their latest flagships which are still going strong, so now that they might be adding it to one of their “budget” handsets, it makes the upcoming iPhone lineup look pretty awkward. It might not right now, but wait until you hear this…
KGI also predicts that the iPhone 5s, Apple’s current cheapest phone, will receive a price cut form $450 to around $250 unlocked, a rough 50% discount. And as this will be absolutely huge for Apple as they’ve never had a phone that ships new in the box at that price point before , it’s really gonna screw up the iPhone line. Think about it; if Apple decided to keep the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in the lineup, they’re gonna have a massive 6 phones available, all at different price points with different processors, builds, and all around specs. Here’s what the upcoming iPhone lineup could look like:
| Phone | Price (w/ 2-yr contract) | Price (unlocked) | Processor | Camera |
| iPhone 6s Pus |
$299.00 |
$749.00 |
A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone 6s |
$199.00 |
$649.00 |
A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone 6 Plus |
$199.00 |
$649.00 |
A8 | 8MP |
| iPhone 6 |
$99.00 |
$549.00 |
A8 | 8MP |
| iPhone “SE” | $49 or FREE | $400-$500 | A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone 5s | FREE |
$250.00 |
A7 | 8MP |
Stupid, isn’t it? Why the heck would you have two phones with lower specs than a free phone for a significantly higher amount of money just because they have bigger screens (I’m looking at you, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus)? I mean, I understand if Apple’s gonna try out one of their tricks again to get users to buy something for more money, but seriously. It’s sloppy.
This is what my ideal upcoming iPhone lineup would be like, assuming the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus became ancient history:
| Phone | Price (w/ 2-yr contract) | Price (unlocked) | Processor | Camera |
| iPhone 6s Pus |
$299.00 |
$749.00 |
A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone 6s |
$199.00 |
$649.00 |
A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone “SE” | $49 or FREE | $400-$500 | A9 | 12MP |
| iPhone 5s | FREE |
$250.00 |
A7 | 8MP |
As you can see, the table above makes a lot more sense in a consumer’s shoes. You have two flagships available, both with 12MP cameras and A9 processors, along with a smaller mid-range phone with an A9 chip and 12MP sensor and a budget-friendly option with an A7 processor and 8MP camera. That makes a lot more sense, especially considering the things mentioned earlier and the prices. I don’t wanna buy a phone for like $500 when I could’ve spent an extra $50 and gotten a bigger screen but with lower specs. Then I’d have to choose between decent specs or a big screen. It’s a pain in the butt, and that’s why if Apple worked out the iPhone lineup just like this when they announce the iPhone SE, customers will thank them, and I know I will.
So getting off of my rant, that’s the latest from KGI. One thing they did say in their report was that they estimate 131% growth in 4-inch iPhone shipments, to around 37 million units in 2016, but with most of these sales coming from the substantially cheaper iPhone 5s, not the new 4-inch phone. Honestly, I don’t wanna touch on anything like that, because I don’t really have an opinion on that matter.
So what else could be in store for the iPhone SE? Well, it’s highly rumored to feature a 4-inch screen, an A9 processor (like the one found in the iPhone 6s), Touch ID, Apple Pay, and slightly-curved edges like the iPhone 6 family. It’s also rumored to become available in 16 and 64GB storage capacities along with come in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold.
What do you think of the latest rumors out of KGI? Do you agree with me that the iPhone lineup will be sloppy if Apple doesn’t get rid of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus? Let me know with a comment!
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