Cheaper iPhone-X Like Models Codenamed Lisbon and Hangzhou
Concerned over its Chinese market share, Apple reportedly plans to release in 2018 iPhones similar to the iPhone X, but for less the price.
iPhone X hits store shelves in just a few weeks. Meanwhile, many already speculate the possibility of Apple releasing cheaper models with near-identical specs next year.
The Cupertino giant allegedly plans to address the price sensitivity in the Chinese market through the low-priced iPhones, codenamed “Lisbon” and “Hangzhou.” While reports claim Apple’s Chinese market share concern being the reason for the move, this also serves to boost sales in their global market.
For the past few iPhones, Apple tended to use alphanumeric codenames like the D20, or the iPhone 8, and the D22, or the iPhone 8 Plus. If rumors on the new code-naming scheme prove accurate, this means 2018 iPhones get city-inspired codenames.
2018 Rumored iPhone Pricing
On the other hand, Japan’s Makotacara expects a price cut of 10,000 yen (roughly P4,500) from this year’s pricing. However, no projections exist to foresee what happens to iPhone X if Apple releases cheaper models for much less.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s claims that 2018 iPhone models will adopt Face ID coincide with Thursday’s reports.
He claims that the TrueDepth Camera and Face ID, along with 3D technology, will keep Apple on the lead in smartphone production for now. Kuo failed, however, to disclose anything on 2018 iPhone prices.
iPhone X Availability
iPhone X launches on November 3, and pre-orders begin on October 27.
