Paul Morris·

Apple Could Offer Single And Dual-SIM Versions Of 6.1-Inch iPhone In 2018 Starting At $550

Prominent analyst and KGI Securities employee Ming-Chi Kuo is back again with yet another research note. This time, the extremely accurate analyst is suggesting that Apple’s speculated 6.1-inch low-cost 2018 iPhone could be shipped with two models, each of which offering a unique configuration.

Apple is widely expected to introduce three new iPhone models later this year. Two of those devices would fall under the “flagship” category, offering a premium specification and with an attached premium price-tag.

The company is also widely expected to introduce a larger 6.1-inch device for emerging markets and those who require a cheaper entry-level device. It’s this model which is garnering Kuo’s attention with the suggestion that Apple will offer two variants, one of which comes with a standard internal SIM configuration, and one of which will offer dual-SIM standby (DSDS) capabilities.

We know very little about the speculated 6.1-inch device at this time, save for the assumption that it will ship with Apple’s TFT LCD Retina display technology, and not the OLED panels which arrived in last year’s iPhone X model. Kuo is also speculating on the price point that Apple will look to hit with these two devices with suggestions that the dual-SIM model could cost around the $650 to $750 mark, and the single-SIM option sitting at between $550-$650:

6.1″ LCD iPhone may have model that supports DSDS. If the 6.1″ LCD iPhone comes with DSDS and single-SIM models, we believe it will result in two benefits: (1) more price segments would be created, significantly boosting shipments via the low-price single-SIM model. For instance, if the DSDS model sells for US$650-750, the single-SIM model may sell for US$550-650; and (2) the DSDS model will help increase market share in China and commercial markets.

This isn’t the first time that potential dual-SIM functionality has been mentioned where Apple’s 2018 iPhone models are concerned. A number of previous research notes have suggested Apple will release at least three new iPhone models this year with at least one of those models offering dual-SIM capabilities.

That feature will definitely appeal to a lot of consumers, especially those who travel a lot or who need a business and personal experience, but it’s potentially the price-tag which will be most appealing to a lot of potential consumers.

(Via: MacRumors, Top image: iPhone SE 2 renders)

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