Apple has revealed this week that it plans on discontinuing the first-generation iPhone X. The company will introduce a brand new iPhone lineup for 2018, and the X will end its run as a standalone device that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the iconic smartphone.
The company’s path forward over the next 2 years could serve to fulfill their vision as expressed during the iPhone X launch: “Our vision has always been to create an iPhone that is entirely screen. One so immersive the device itself disappears into the experience. And so intelligent it can respond to a tap, your voice, and even a glance. With iPhone X, that vision is now a reality. Say hello to the future”.
Reputed analyst Ming Chi-Kuo relays in Apple to release two new devices, which will include features like a 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display and a 6.5-inch model with an OLED display. These models will replace the latest handsets made by Cupertino.
It remains unknown what the company will decide to do with the previous iPhone models. Predictions lean towards the theory of the iPhone 7 staying as an affordable option for buyers, or also for those who are not keen on face recognition technology yet.
KGI: Apple to Discontinue iPhone X Rather Than Sell at Lower Price When Second-Generation Model Launches https://t.co/9tMM1tsrWK by @rsgnl pic.twitter.com/8tpvP1OSev
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) January 22, 2018
The iPhone X will set the trend for new models
In the past, Apple has been involved in controversies for deliberately slowing down and making unavailable software updates for older iPhone models in order for buyers to upgrade their phones.
However, the company apologized after facing severe criticism from users and industry peers alike. The apology was followed by Apple announcing that production will cease during the summer of 2018, being the first model discontinued after one generation since the iPhone 5C in 2014.
Apple needs to keep Chinese buyers happy if it is to thrive on
Ming Ki-Kuo has a record revealing Apple’s plans. He states that the historic lack of interest in iPhone products in China is partially responsible for the market drop of the iPhone X model.
According to Kuo, Chinese customers are key to market success. Their response to the product has been negative; the consumer base in the Asian superpower usually describes the X model as “removing too much usable space”.
Kuo shared his belief in the possibility of Apple enjoying a profitable end of the year with a 10% growth with the outgoing iPhone X being replaced with 3 new models based on the X’s functionalities. These models are planned to have a $650-799 price range, pushing the 7, 8 and 8 plus to the bottom of the line of duty for iPhone consumers.
Source: Mashable
