Updated: October 13, 2020 11:29:09 am
In a few hours from now, another virtual Apple event is expected to lift the veils of the iPhone 12 series, as well as a list of other products. Apple CEO Tim Cook will take the stage with his executive team to show what Cupertino believes will be able to capture shoppers’ attention this holiday season despite low incomes and negative consumer sentiments across the globe. world.
Everything indicates that this year Apple plans to launch four new iPhones, including two “standard” models and two “pro” models. This would be the first time that Apple will offer four iPhone models, ranging in size from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. All four models will have a new design language with sharper edges around the corners and a slightly smaller notch.
But a model that has a chance to become the most popular iPhone in the pandemic era could be a 5.4-inch variant, which could end up being called the iPhone 12 Mini. This particular iPhone will have a small screen size and will be priced lower, although again it will not be a “cheap” iPhone.
Thomas Husson, Forrester’s vice president and principal research analyst, says Apple will not launch a “cheap” iPhone during Tuesday’s high-profile product launch event. “Indeed, it could launch a more affordable iPhone 12 with a smaller screen, but it would still position itself as a premium device,” Husson said. “It will be very interesting to analyze Apple’s pricing strategy. If Apple released an iPhone 12 Mini, obviously they will need to ensure that it sells for a higher price compared to the iPhone SE model, “he said.
Given that the iPhone SE sells for $ 399, Apple doesn’t need another mid-tier iPhone that’s aimed at budget-conscious consumers. At $ 399, the second-generation iPhone SE offers a lot of value to those consumers who don’t have a budget for Apple’s premium iPhones.
However, Apple needs an iPhone that will fill the price gap between the iPhone SE and the Pro models. Not everyone can afford a $ 1000 iPhone, so the best way is to create a phone that closely resembles the iPhone. Top notch in terms of features, but using price as a weapon to attract consumers to its ecosystem. Apple has implemented this strategy in the past with the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, and Cupertino would like to replicate the same formula with the iPhone 12 Mini.
If Apple priced the iPhone 12 Mini at $ 649, a $ 50 drop in the price of the iPhone 11, the move could shake up both the premium segment and the thriving premium mid-range segment. But considering that a 5.4-inch “mini” iPhone is expected to have an OLED screen, dual-lens cameras, and even 5G support, the iPhone 12 Mini is likely to continue to attract interest from consumers looking for a premium smartphone by far. less. money.
Apple is not in the business of making “cheap” products, but the company has been trying to launch devices that can “entice people to renew or change,” said Rushabh Doshi, Canalys Research Director. Doshi says that the iPhone 12 Mini will be part of Apple’s average strategy, where the focus is on launching products that are not too expensive and not too cheap but still maintain the premium price.
Doshi expects the iPhone 12 Mini to cost the same as the iPhone 11, which retails for Rs 68,300. That means the iPhone 12 Mini won’t be cheap when it hits the Indian market. But the truth is that the iPhone has always been expensive in India. Despite that, Apple continues to increase its share in the premium smartphone segment, where it competes with OnePlus and Samsung.
“The Indian market is certainly central to Apple’s strategy and some players like Xiaomi are quite strong there. There is no doubt that the Indian smartphone market is where growth will come from in the next few years, and Apple will certainly adapt its pricing strategy to local demand, but frankly I doubt it will change its position and start selling “cheap” iPhones. in India. ”Husson said.
Doshi believes that the pandemic has not had a major impact on people who buy iPhones, so there is a greater likelihood that consumers will want to buy the iPhone 12 Mini despite uncertain times. He stated that disposable income has increased for many people who have stable jobs and those consumers could opt for the iPhone 12 Mini or buy the iPhone 11 if the price is lowered.
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