2018 iPhones: Analyst Reveals Details On Rumored 6.1-Inch Model, Including Price

New details on Apple’s rumored 6.1-inch iPhone have emerged from a KGI Securities research note seen by MacRumors.

Apple is expected to release three iPhones this September, a 6.1-inch model, a 5.8-inch device and a larger 6.5-inch version. The iPhones follow the iPhone 8 and iPhone X released last fall. The upcoming smartphones are expected to include features on the iPhone X, like the Face ID.

While the devices are rumored to resemble the iPhone X, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in the research note that the 6.1-inch model will not come with last year’s stacked logic board an L-shaped battery pack. The upcoming iPhone will instead be equipped with a standard non-stacked logic board and rectangular battery pack, like the one seen on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

The analyst’s research note also gives an insight on how much the 6.1-inch iPhone will cost. Kuo predicts U.S. customers will pay between $700-$800 for that model. He said the 6.1-inch iPhone will be announced between September-October alongside the 5.8-inch model and the 6.5-inch version, dubbed the iPhone X Plus. Kuo also said the 6.1-inch model will make up about 50 percent of the total iPhone lineup’s shipments, adding that sales will remain strong into 2019.

The upcoming iPhone is expected to sell for less than the $1,000 price seen on last year’s iPhone X. Since the price will be cheaper, the iPhone will include an aluminum frame, a single-lens camera and not have 3D Touch, Kuo said. The device is expected to feature and LCD screen, rather than an OLED display. The two other 2018 iPhones are rumored to sport an OLED display.

The analyst says in the note:

“Development schedule of new 6.1" LCD iPhone slightly behind 6.5" and 5.8" OLED models, but it may enjoy extended longevity into 1H19F, boosting slow season outlook: We predict the 6.1" LCD iPhone will differ from the 6.5" and 5.8" OLED models in terms of certain specs, for reasons of cost/price and product segmentation. However, this shouldn’t have any effect on key user experience. We revise up our price projection for the 6.1" model from $650-$750 to $700-$800, and remain positive on shipments momentum.”

It’s not yet known if the iPhone will include an aluminum case rather than the glass material seen on the iPhone X. Having an aluminum case would help with the iPhone’s durability, however the encasing could impede the device’s wireless charging feature.

Previous rumors have indicated the new iPhones will feature the TrueDepth camera system found on the iPhone X. That feature supports the device’s Face ID, Animoji and Portrait mode. Apple is also expected to boost the battery size on this year’s iPhones. The 5.8-inch model could feature a battery capacity between 2,900mAh and 3,000mAh, higher than the current 2,716mAh battery.