Apple's new 4-inch iPhone to enter mass production soon, estimated to ship 12M units in 2016
A new report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple's widely rumored next-generation 4-inch iPhone is about to enter mass production and is estimated to 12 million units in 2016.
In a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo fails to offer a specific timeline on production, but reiterates his previous hardware predictions of an iPhone 5s-esque design, internals similar to an iPhone 6s and a price of $400 to $500.
The most obvious aesthetic difference between the generations-old iPhone 5s and upcoming 4-inch handset will be a so-called "2.5D" cover glass, a reference to the slightly curved display introduced with iPhone 6. Kuo believes Apple will load the unnamed iPhone with an A9 processor, 12-megapixel rear-facing camera and NFC support for touchless Apple Pay transactions.
KGI is forecasting shipments of 12 million units, down from a previous 18 to 20 million units, citing a probable iPhone 5s price cut. Driven by a low 2015 base and an aggressive pricing model, total 4-inch iPhone shipments will grow 131 percent year-over-year to 37 million units, Kuo says.
Looking ahead, the aggressive play at low- to mid-tier markets will pull down overall iPhone ASP, which Apple is likely to counter by targeting a wider array of market segments. For example, differentiation in the high-end is anticipated to result in two distinct "iPhone 7 Plus" models, one with a dual-camera iSight setup and another sporting a single-camera configuration.
Apple is expected to hold a special media event next month to introduce the new 4-inch handset, a revamped 9.7-inch iPad model and Apple Watch accessories. The most recent rumors peg a keynote presentation on March 22, with products launching shortly thereafter.
In a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo fails to offer a specific timeline on production, but reiterates his previous hardware predictions of an iPhone 5s-esque design, internals similar to an iPhone 6s and a price of $400 to $500.
The most obvious aesthetic difference between the generations-old iPhone 5s and upcoming 4-inch handset will be a so-called "2.5D" cover glass, a reference to the slightly curved display introduced with iPhone 6. Kuo believes Apple will load the unnamed iPhone with an A9 processor, 12-megapixel rear-facing camera and NFC support for touchless Apple Pay transactions.
KGI is forecasting shipments of 12 million units, down from a previous 18 to 20 million units, citing a probable iPhone 5s price cut. Driven by a low 2015 base and an aggressive pricing model, total 4-inch iPhone shipments will grow 131 percent year-over-year to 37 million units, Kuo says.
Looking ahead, the aggressive play at low- to mid-tier markets will pull down overall iPhone ASP, which Apple is likely to counter by targeting a wider array of market segments. For example, differentiation in the high-end is anticipated to result in two distinct "iPhone 7 Plus" models, one with a dual-camera iSight setup and another sporting a single-camera configuration.
Apple is expected to hold a special media event next month to introduce the new 4-inch handset, a revamped 9.7-inch iPad model and Apple Watch accessories. The most recent rumors peg a keynote presentation on March 22, with products launching shortly thereafter.
Comments
It will likely be 25-30M this year minimum
>:x
I take the opposite view. I know a number of iPhone users who have not upgraded to the large 6 series phones because they think they are too large. This could be a runaway success that adds to the bottom line and repudiates the “peak iPhone” meme.
Does apple really believe the holdouts for the smaller phone have bugget concerns ?
But here's the potential mistake ... If Apple only were to offer a new 5s with Pay and a speed bumped processor, I'd buy it. No questions asked. And if Apple is only charging $450 for it, then they won't be getting the $600 I'd be prepared to pay for it. And I'm hardly the only 4" enthusiast who can otherwise afford that.
And unlike you, I'm not going to keep using my 5s when even a marginally improved 4" model is available. So Apple gets my money, just not as much as they would have. So that's why I'm holding out for two 4" phones that satisfy all the rumors -- an A8 budget version, and an A9 higher end version, both possibly using the same case to maximize investment, and facilitate upgrades.
I think you are mistaken. Over the last few month there have been many posters on AI including myself who have indicated we don't want a bigger iPhone and then there are those who said they purchased a bigger one and now want to return to a smaller iPhone. Apple are the only people with the facts but from what they have hinted around 50% of iPhone users don't have the bigger phones. Clearly some of them don't like the bigger phone. That is potentailly hundreds of millions of potential customers for a new 4 inch iPhone.
i was planning on giving my 6S to my father and going back to a four inch screen. I use force touch enough that I won't do it. Lost sale.
There is also the problem of lack of consistency across hardware and software integration. If all new iphones or iPads don't have force touch, why would developers go to the bother of adding those features, even within Apple itself let alone third parties?