Apple is already in trial production of a budget-friendly iPhone with mass production set to begin in a couple of weeks, according to supply-chain insiders.
Rumors of either an iPhone SE2 or iPhone 9 have been swirling for months with an unveiling likely in March.
Smartphone news website Pocketnow, citing a report from MyDrivers, said the low-cost iPhone is likely to see an initial order volume of more than 30 million with total shipments expected to exceed to 200 million units by the end of the year.
The MyDrivers report quotes unnamed industry insiders. That, and a raging coronavirus outbreak in China that threatens production schedules, keeps everyone guessing.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has what many say the best record when it comes to predicting Apple’s next moves. Earlier this week, he said Apple has several new devices planned for the first half of this year, including a 4.7-inch LCD iPhone.
Kuo warned that if China does not contain the virus outbreak by March, Apple could see a significant hold on production.
Right now, the bulk of Apple’s facilities our outside of the region most stricken with coronavirus. If reports are accurate, the cheaper iPhone may get out of China just in time.
Sources: Pocketnow and MyDrivers
