Apple Is Apparently In A ‘Naming Conundrum’ Over Its Three 2018 iPhone Models
Image via Victoria Shapiro / Shutterstock.com
Even though Apple’s September event is still a few weeks away, fans have a near-concrete idea of what its iPhone lineup might include. The only loose ends that need tying, as it seems, are the names of the models.
A recent report by Bloomberg, which quotes “people familiar with the matter,” corroborates persistent suggestions that Apple will unveil three iPhone X-like smartphones: a 5.8-inch upgrade of 2017’s higher-end gadget, a larger 6.5-inch version, and a mid-tier 6.1-inch LCD model.
Per these insiders, Apple dubs 2018 an “‘S’ year,” which means none of the newer phones will sport radical design changes like the iPhone X. Rather, they’ll be extensions of the model with added features.
The 5.8-inch OLED iPhone, internally coined ‘D32’, is said to have a faster processing speed and improved camera.
The 6.5-inch OLED device, codenamed ‘D33’, is slated to be the “largest iPhone by far.” According to Bloomberg’s sources, it will feature a glass back with stainless steel edges, along with dual rear cameras. What reportedly sets it apart is that it will accommodate side-by-side viewing of apps like ‘Mail’ and ‘Calendar’.
The last model, a 6.1-inch version with an LCD screen, is dubbed ‘N84’ and deemed the budget counterpart of the three. While the other two devices will have stainless steel edges, this one is said to be coated in aluminum to keep its price low. It will also arrive in several colors, similar to what Apple did with the iPhone 5c.
As you might have noticed, none of these models are accompanied with official names yet. This is because Bloomberg’s sources say Apple has gone back and forth with its branding system, and was caught in a “naming conundrum” because of iPhone X’s vastly different name.
What they do know is that the company had at least considered using the moniker ‘Xs’ for the OLED models. Apple also questioned if the ‘Plus’ label for the 6.5-inch iPhone should be dropped. However, it “altered the names multiple times,” so the final marketing names “could be different.”
Elsewhere, renowned tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that all three iPhones will be announced at the September keynote—which is likely to fall on 12 September—but he expects that the budget 6.1-inch variation will only be available for preorders “slightly later,” perhaps in October, due to production issues.
[via Bloomberg and MacRumors, cover image via Victoria Shapiro / Shutterstock.com]
Also check out these recent news
