New iPhones

Apple Inc. is preparing to release a trio of new

smartphones later this year: the largest iPhone

ever, an upgraded handset the same size as the

current iPhone X and a less expensive model

with some of the flagship phone’s key features.

With the new lineup, Apple wants to appeal to

the growing number of consumers who crave

the multitasking attributes of so-called phablets

while also catering to those looking for a more

affordable version of the iPhone X, according to

people familiar with the products.

Apple, which is already running production tests

with suppliers, is expected to announce the new

phones this fall. The plans could still change, say

the people, who requested anonymity to discuss

internal planning.

Despite months of breathless hype, the iPhone X

hasn’t sold as well as expected since its debut last

year. Apple sold 77.3 million iPhones in the final

quarter of 2017, below analysts’ projections of 80.2

million units. Some consumers were turned off by

the iPhone X’s $1,000 price despite liking the design

but wanted something more cutting-edge than the

cheaper iPhone 8. With its next lineup, Apple is

seeking to rekindle sales by offering a model for

Everyone.

“This is a big deal,” says Gene Munster, a co-founder

of Loup Ventures and a long-time Apple watcher.

“When you have a measurable upgrade in screen size,

people go to update their phone in droves. We saw

that with the iPhone 6, and we think this is setting up

to be a similar step up in growth.”