Mid-sized 'iPhone 12' predicted to be best-selling model, says Ming-Chi Kuo

Posted:
in iPhone edited October 2020
Apple will sell more units of the "iPhone 12" than any other from the 2020 refresh, according to TF Securities' analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, with the 6.1-inch model expected to make up around 40% of shipments at launch.

Mock-ups of the 'iPhone 12,' 'iPhone 12 Pro,' and 'iPhone 12 Pro Max'
Mock-ups of the 'iPhone 12,' 'iPhone 12 Pro,' and 'iPhone 12 Pro Max'


Two days ahead of Apple's "Hi, Speed" event, where it is anticipated to launch four new models of iPhone, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has offered predictions for the new models in a note to investors. According to Kuo, the standard "iPhone 12" will be the highest-selling of the four.

Kuo's shipment predictions put the other three models, the "iPhone 12 mini," the "iPhone 12 Pro," and the "iPhone 12 Pro Max" at having a 20% allocation each of total shipments. The remainder, 40%, would be allocated to the "iPhone 12" by default.

In the note, seen by AppleInsider, Kuo believes the compact 5.4-inch "iPhone 12 mini" will be the cheapest model, but won't sell highly as its size won't be appealing to consumers. Current rumors put the "iPhone 12 mini" priced from $699 and the "iPhone 12" from $799, though earlier reports had the starting price of each model cheaper at $649 and $749 respectively.

It is also claimed by Kuo that the inclusion of 5G won't be that important to consumers. Instead, price will be the primary consideration for consumers.

Kuo also doubts reports that put iPhone 12 sales at around 80 million, believing actual iPhone sales will vary from that figure. The 80 million figure apparently relates to component orders, which do not directly correlate to iPhone sales.

In terms of how the iPhone 12 range as a whole will fare, Kuo forecasts lower demand for the collection for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to iPhone 11 range sales in the same period for 2019. Part of the reason lies in the later launch and shipment of iPhones for 2020 versus 2019, largely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prediction from Kuo that a mid-ranged model will be the highest seller goes against the last few generations of devices. For the iPhone X and iPhone 8 generation, the high-priced iPhone X was the best-selling device in that group for early 2018, but was beaten by the iPhone 8 by the end of the year.

For 2019, the iPhone XR was the best-selling model against the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. For the current generation, the iPhone 11 is the highest-selling in the group, but was still outpaced by the iPhone XR in total sales in 2019.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 12
    JFC_PAJFC_PA Posts: 943member
    As it’s close to my current iPhone 11 Pro Max I’m tempted. Fits my pockets etc. but that larger display makes me pause...

    ETA: ack I was wrong in the size of my Pro Max. So it’s the larger mew iPhone for me!
    edited October 2020
  • Reply 2 of 12
    So is this Kuo's insider knowledge of Apple's predictions, or just his own speculation? He has a great record for supply chain leaks, but I have no idea if his actual opinions are worth salt. 

    For the record, I disagree, I think the Mini will be a runaway best-seller, both as the affordable model, and for the form factor. It will have strong appeal to women (half! the! population!) and lots of folks who are physically active.
    indiekiduklibertyandfreemobirdharry wildcornchip
  • Reply 3 of 12
    bluefire1bluefire1 Posts: 1,308member
    Wallet open and ready.
    cornchip
  • Reply 4 of 12
    I think the mini will be the best seller
    mobirdharry wildcornchip
  • Reply 5 of 12
    The mini will be best-selling. People are clamoring for a smaller form factor.  I'd consider it myself, but I'd never be able to text on that tiny screen.  If I get one, it'll be the 12Pro. The Max is far too big. The regular 12 is basic. The 5.8" size of the 11Pro is perfect.  They should've kept that size. Of course the 12 will be the biggest seller at firs, with only 2 models coming out & one being $200 more expensive than the other. But for the 128GB storage options, you're only saving $100. Why wouldn't you buy the Pro?
    edited October 2020
  • Reply 6 of 12
    I think the mini will be the best seller
    I agree. I’m going with the Max unless there is parity between the Pro and the Max. 
  • Reply 7 of 12
    tshapitshapi Posts: 372member
    pujones1 said:
    I think the mini will be the best seller
    I agree. I’m going with the Max unless there is parity between the Pro and the Max. 
    So far, everyone in here is saying the mini will be a run away success while they say that they want to buy the max or the regular and no one has said they want to buy the mini,

    so tell me how you can predict that the mini will be a runaway success? 

    I agree with Ming, the 6.1” will sell the most because most people either have a 5.8” or 6.1” iPhone, so most people will not want to go down in size. 
    fred1NotoriousDEV
  • Reply 8 of 12
    Eric_WVGG said:
    So is this Kuo's insider knowledge of Apple's predictions, or just his own speculation? He has a great record for supply chain leaks, but I have no idea if his actual opinions are worth salt. 

    For the record, I disagree, I think the Mini will be a runaway best-seller, both as the affordable model, and for the form factor. It will have strong appeal to women (half! the! population!) and lots of folks who are physically active.
    True.....but now since w my lte apple watch, seldom have my iphone w me during my walk or gym activities.....small form factor is just handy in your pockets 
  • Reply 9 of 12
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,920member
    Make up your mind. First it was 5.4" iPhone 12 mini will out sell and now 6.1" standard iPhone 12. When I upgrade, Those still love the size of iPhone 6/7/8/SE will either prefer to upgrade to iPhone 12 mini or wait for 2021 Spring 5G SE3 with TouchID on power button.
    edited October 2020 harry wild
  • Reply 10 of 12
    cornchipcornchip Posts: 1,954member
    tshapi said:
    pujones1 said:
    I think the mini will be the best seller
    I agree. I’m going with the Max unless there is parity between the Pro and the Max. 
    So far, everyone’s in here is saying the mini will be a run away success while they say that they want to buy the max or the regular and no one has said they want to buy the mini,

    so tell me how you can predict that the mini will be a runaway success? 

    I agree with Ming, the 6.1” will sell the most because most people either have a 5.8” or 6.1” iPhone, so most people will not want to go down in size. 
    As a smaller dude (5’7”) I would prefer the smaller phone. My wife is small too and prefers the smaller ff. We’d both be getting one, but only problem is, we can’t afford it! 
  • Reply 11 of 12
    hentaiboyhentaiboy Posts: 1,252member
    Apple is using the same trick as car makers. Make each generation slightly bigger so punters think they’re getting more metal for the money. Then slip in a new smaller model for those that don’t like big phones/cars.
  • Reply 12 of 12
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,452member
    hentaiboy said:
    Apple is using the same trick as car makers. Make each generation slightly bigger so punters think they’re getting more metal for the money. Then slip in a new smaller model for those that don’t like big phones/cars.
    Just a note.

    In the U.S., most light vehicle sales are crossovers, 40%, followed by trucks, 20%.

    All "traditional cars" makeup only 25% of sales, SUV's, 9%, and Van's, 5%.

    70% of vehicles are either all wheel drive, or four wheel drive. I'd argue those numbers will continue increasing. That's how "car makers' are "tricking" customers; by offering them all better vehicles, to handle variable road conditions.

    https://www.statista.com/statistics/276506/change-in-us-car-demand-by-vehicle-type/
    edited October 2020
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