Analysts say launch of Apple iPhone SE could allow Apple to experiment with pricing on older models

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says that if Apple launches a 4-inch Apple iPhone SE, as seems likely, it will give the tech titan an opportunity to experiment with pricing on older models. Analysts are expecting the iPhone SE to be priced at $450. According to Munster, this would allow Apple to price the Apple iPhone 5s as its new entry-level phone, between $250 and $350. This reasoning is seconded by J.P. Morgan analyst Rod Hall.

Apple might have been setting the stage for the iPhone SE by pulling the Apple iPhone 4s and the Apple iPhone 5c in India. Priced at the equivalent of $175 USD, the iPhone 4s had become the most popular model in the area. With that model gone, the lowest priced iPhone in the country is the iPhone 5s which is priced at $372 USD after a 50% price cut initiated in December.

The Apple iPhone SE is expected to be unveiled at a media event being held on March 21st. The 4-incher is expected to be powered by the same A9 chipset found inside the Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone 6s Plus. Rumors have the new handset offering Live Photos even though it will not support 3D Touch. The phone will support Apple Pay, which means that it comes with NFC support. Connected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iPhone SE will be equipped with a 12MP rear camera.

Whatever specs appear on the iPhone SE, its release will apparently set off a chain reaction in iPhone pricing.


source: AppleInsider