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 perfect for traditional users
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 & iPhone 11 will be a good all-screen entry point
The compact iPhone 12 may be Apple’s secret weapon
The upcoming 5.4-inch iPhone 12 may well turn out to be Apple’s secret weapon next year because it’ll mark the beginning of a completely new iPhone segment. The device is going to offer an updated version of the iPhone 11’s popular dual-camera system paired with 5G connectivity and a bigger battery, the three main upgrades consumers will be looking for next year.
If Apple plays its cards right, the iPhone 12 will be the perfect upgrade for iPhone 6/7/8 and iPhone 5/SE users that are fans of Apple’s latest design language because it won’t be too expensive – a $649 price tag is expected – and certainly won’t compromise on design – it’s expected to be smaller than the iPhone 8.
The iPhone 12 Plus could occupy the $749 price point
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.