The 2020 iPhone lineup will be Apple's best move yet
This article may contain personal views and opinion from the author.
The introduction of the iPhone X in 2017 saw Apple create an entirely new smartphone segment focused on power users. But at the same time, it arguably dropped the ball elsewhere in the name of profit.
Apple started to rectify things in September with the iPhone 11 but, if leaks and rumors are to be believed, next year’s lineup overhaul will be so dramatic that it could be considered the company’s best move in years. That’s because it’ll target every consumer demographic north of $399 while also taking into account the needs of different groups of customers.
This should give Apple the best opportunity to monetize users and is, therefore, the first lineup that truly fits in with the new Services-centric direction Apple is taking as a company.
The iPhone 9 will be available for $399
The iPhone 9 may also prove to be a good option for Android users on a budget who are looking to enter Apple’s ecosystem for the first time. Profit naturally isn’t the focus here but buyers of the phone may still be willing to sign up to Apple’s various services including Apple TV+, hence why this device should create a long-term opportunity for the growing Services business.
The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 should cost $499 and $599
The iPhone XR was the world’s best-selling smartphone for the first nine months of this year and the newer iPhone 11 is on track to steal the title in January. The phones can currently be acquired for just $599 and $699 respectively but are expected to receive hefty $100 price cuts come September 2020, making them the perfect choice for iOS users with slightly smaller budgets that are interested in upgrading to the all-screen design.
The compact iPhone 12 may start at $649
Apple’s 5.4-inch iPhone 12 may turn out to be next year’s secret weapon because it’ll mark the beginning of a new iPhone segment. It’s going to offer an updated version of the iPhone 11’s popular dual-camera system coupled with 5G connectivity and a bigger battery.
The iPhone 12 Plus could occupy the $749 price point
Despite the name, the iPhone 12 Plus will be more of a direct successor to this year’s iPhone 11. It’s expected to couple everything featured on the compact iPhone 12 with a 6.1-inch OLED display. This device will continue to target buyers looking for the latest iPhone but not willing to spend over $1,000 on a Pro-branded model.
The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max might start at $1,049 and $1,149
Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro is going to benefit from an updated triple-camera setup paired with a 3D sensing system that’ll drastically enhance AR content and portrait photography. A taller 6.1-inch display could be the most important change, though, because it’ll silence complaints from users who find the 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro too small.
As for the largest iPhone model, it’s expected to benefit from all of the changes coming to the standard Pro model. But rather than adopting a 6.1-inch panel, a massive 6.7-inch display is expected. This should help Apple better compete with Samsung’s latest flagships and, therefore, retain monetizable Pro users for years to come.