Understanding iPhone Discontinuation: Will the iPhone 11 Continue After the Release of iPhone 12?
There has been a lot of speculation and misunderstanding regarding whether the iPhone 11 will continue to be produced after the launch of the iPhone 12 series. It's important to clarify that iPhone discontinuation doesn't necessarily mean the end of production or the product becoming obsolete right away.
What Does Apple Mean by Discontinuation?
When Apple talks about discontinuation, it usually means the following: Removing the product from online buying platforms and product description pages. Stopping the further production of the model. However, discontinuation does not mean your phone becomes obsolete. Apple offers a standard of 5 years of software updates for such models as well as continued support for apps. This ensures that even after the model is discontinued, it remains functional and usable.
Likely Market Trends
Looking at the earlier trends, when Apple launched the iPhone 11 series in 2019, the iPhone XR stayed on the website and continued production, while older models like the iPhone XS and XS Max were discontinued. In 2020, it is expected that the iPhone 11 series will follow a similar trend, with the Pro models being discontinued.
As for the iPhone XR, current speculation and product positioning might influence its future. If Apple decides to keep the iPhone XR active for another year and cut its price, it's likely to cannibalize the iPhone SE's sales. However, if it doesn’t lower the price, what happens to the iPhone 11's starting price remains a point of interest. Rumors suggest a starting price of $649 for the upcoming iPhone 12.
Price Drops and New Releases
No, the iPhone 11 will not be discontinued immediately after the launch of the iPhone 12 series. Instead, it’s more likely that the iPhone 11 will continue to be sold but with a price drop. This is a common practice for Apple to reduce the price of its older models when launching new ones.
Prices for older models like the iPhone 11 could follow a similar trend as the iPhone XR, which saw a price drop after the iPhone 11 was released. This strategy allows Apple to maintain a healthy lineup of devices in the market while also clearing out stock.
Future Outlook and Industry Trends
It's important to note that discontinuation for Apple models only happens after 3-4 years. This means that even if the iPhone 11 does drop in price, it’s likely to remain a viable option for several more years, depending on how Apple manages the pricing and feature sets.
The release of the iPhone 12 is scheduled for June 22, 2020, at the developer conference online. This event is expected to unveil the latest iPhone series, giving consumers a closer look at what to expect for the coming year. Speculation and rumors will likely remain until the official announcements.
Stay tuned for updates and keep your expectations managed. Remember, while technology evolves, the basics of Apple’s pricing and product life cycles remain consistent. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or hold on to your current model, there’s a lot to consider based on the latest trends and announcements from Apple.