Apple Targets Samsung

Apple may be set to launch three new iPhone models

and include Apple Pencil support in what could be a body

blow to Samsung's Galaxy Note 9, according to research

firm TrendForce. Apple is also expected to offer lower prices

-- ranging from $699 to $999.

TrendForce's primary argument is that, with Apple's

successor to iPhone X, the company has been able to

squeeze its suppliers to get lower component costs.

Samsung has cited the tough balance between

component costs and profitability of its mobile unit.

Has Apple been able to bring component costs down?

Perhaps. Foxconn, best known for manufacturing Apple's

iPhones, reported a 2.2 percent decline in second quarter

profit. What was notable is that Apple highlighted good

demand for the iPhone. The two developments indicate

that Apple has been able to squeeze suppliers to lower

prices.