Apple to kill iPhone SE, iPhone X soon: Report

With September drawing to a close, the tech world is getting ready to welcome the next generation iPhone models. Apple is expected to unveil three new models, out of which the rumoured 6.1-inch LCD iPhone is the most hyped of the lot. It is expected that demands for the new models are going to be higher, which is why Apple will need to plan the production before making them available for the market. As a result, it is suggested that Apple could pull the plug on two of its existing models — the iPhone SE and the iPhone X.

According to analysts from BlueFin research, Apple is planning to cease production of the iPhone SE and the iPhone X pretty soon. The decision has been taken in order to accommodate the expected demands for the next generation iPhone models. Apple is expected to achieve 91 million units for all iPhone models for the remaining of 2018 and 92 million units for the first two quarters of 2019. For the fall, the analysts say that Apple could end up making 28 million units of the iPhone 9, and 11 and 11 Plus in Q3 and expect 63 million units in Q4. For 2019, 46 million units of the new models are being planned in Q1 whereas Q2 will see 46 million units. 

The analysts believe that Apple will expect its existing customers to upgrade to the newer models if they didn’t do that with last year’s releases. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Plus will come in as the successor to the iPhone X at lower prices. Therefore, keeping the iPhone X alive with a slightly more expensive price tag doesn’t make sense. For those who seek an iPhone without spending a fortune, the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will cater to them, expectedly driving the majority of Apple’s revenue until its successor arrives.

Meanwhile, the iPhone SE has come across as a slow performer in terms of sales, considering it’s lack of demand due to a smaller screen and outdated specifications. Apple was expected to unveil a refreshed version of the iPhone SE at the WWDC 2018, but didn’t do so. Launched in 2016, the iPhone SE’s outdated specifications have made prospective buyers consider the slightly more expensive yet better iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 models.