Credit: ConceptsiPhone

An insider source told Fast Company that the upcoming device would “likely” start at $399. Notably, oft-accurate TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also said in an October report that the so-called “iPhone 9” could retail for that price point.

We don’t actually know what Apple will end up calling the device. Its supposed place in Apple’s 2020 lineup and the low price makes the device a spiritual successor to the iPhone SE, hence the popular “iPhone SE 2” moniker. It’s largely expected to be an update on the iPhone 8 model, which would better line up with the iPhone 9 name.

iPhone 9 Specs and Features

On the other hand, there’s already quite a bit of information about the device’s specifications and hardware. As mentioned, it’s expected to sport an iPhone 8 body style with a Home button, Touch ID and relatively large bezels.

The device is said to sport an A13 Bionic chipset (the same processor in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro devices) and 3GB of RAM. At this point, rumors point toward it retaining a single-lens camera setup, likely in an effort to keep production costs low.

As far as customization options, the so-called iPhone 9 will likely come in 64GB and 128GB storage configurations and Space Gray, Silver and Red color options.

The device will likely have a 4.7-inch display. Although, like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus that are currently available from Apple, some rumors suggest that the Cupertino company will release a larger “iPhone 9 Plus” device, too.

Apple was reportedly supposed to kick off mass production of the entry-level iPhone this month, but the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in China may snarl those plans.

Despite an official green light to reopen factories in select regions of China, some of Apple’s supply partner facilities remain closed in the country. Others are severely short-staffed in the midst of a sluggish return to a normal routine.

Because of that, it isn’t clear if Apple is going to be able to debut the iPhone 9 within its original planned timeline — within the first half of the year. If all goes well, it’s likely that we’ll learn more about the iPhone 9 at Apple’s first keynote event of the year, which typically takes place in March.

The iPhone 9 is largely expected to be widely popular, particularly for slow upgraders. Some have complained that the device isn’t a straight successor to the iPhone SE. Although based on Apple’s increasing push toward Services, an affordable and up-to-date device is likely to be an important product for Apple in the U.S. and abroad.