We’ve heard many rumors and predictions from
Ming-Chi Kuo in the past and he has been one of the more accurate leakers when
it comes to Apple’s product portfolio. With a company so tight-lipped as Apple,
Kuo doesn’t always get things right - which is why we shouldn’t take his word
as law.
Today, Kuo of KGI Securities added a note to
investors that suggest that Apple will finally offer dual SIM variants of two
of the three purported models set to be released later this year. Dual SIM support
for a 6.1-inch LCD variant of the 2018 iPhone could cost anywhere between US$ 650
and US$ 750 or US$ 550 to US$ 650 for a single SIM version. The 6.5-inch top-end OLED
model could also receive dual SIM support while the smallest 5.8-inch OLED
isn’t expected to get a dual SIM option.
A new dual SIM option would create a new price
segment for the iPhone. Dual SIM smartphones aren’t really popular in the
United States, but they are very popular in Latin America, Europe, and Asian
markets. Apple might be able to tap into a new customer base, should it release
a dual SIM device.
If Apple manages to market and sell an iPhone for a
price lower than $650, it might have a good year. Increasing smartphone costs
and solid performance has convinced people to hold onto their smartphones for
longer times.
We’ve actually heard rumors of a dual SIM iPhone 7
back in 2016 when alleged iPhone components showed dual SIM trays. There is
certainly demand for a dual SIM iPhone, but Apple likely didn’t feel the need
to cater to this somewhat niche market.
