In a note to investors from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the well-connected analyst says Apple will likely offer 2 models of a lower-cost iPhone. One would include a single SIM, while the second option would be a dual-SIM dual standby (DSDS) setup.
Kuo believes that the 6.1-inch dual-SIM iPhone could be priced at $650 to $750, while a single SIM model could potentially be less expensive at $550 to $650. Prospective prices for the two OLED iPhones Apple plans to introduce in 2018 were not mentioned in today’s note, but those two devices are expected to be significantly more expensive.
Kuo’s note reads:
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.
Kuo has previously mentioned the dual-SIM standby feature for an iPhone, when he said he expected at least one of the three new iPhones he expects Apple to offer in 2018 would boast the feature. Kuo’s most recent note clarifies that while the supposed 6.1-inch and 6.5-inch devices will support DSDS, the 5.8-inch iPhone handset will not.