IPhone 8 tipped to hit $2000

BUYERS do not even know what they look like but Apple’s latest iPhones are tipped to break sales records in Australia this month, with more than 150,000 expected to buy the smartphones before they appear in stores.

Research by Finder.com.au showed Australians would splash more than $150 million on iPhone pre-orders after Apple’s Wednesday announcement, potentially causing sellouts, and 1.2 million Aussies would buy new iPhones in their first three months on sale.

The forecasts comes despite rumours Apple would raise the price, and competition from its biggest rival, Samsung, which could release its Galaxy Note 8 handset on the same day.

Finder.com.au tech expert Alex Kidman said unprecedented hype and expectations it would launch three smartphones — including a redesigned, premium iPhone — gave the company “better odds than usual” of breaking its sales records.

“I reckon they could be on to a winner because releasing three models gives them more avenues for a range of pricing,” Mr Kidman said.

“We’ve heard there are going to be some expensive iPhones, but having a smaller and cheaper model would mean Apple sell more overall.”

He said reports from the US pointed to a significant price jump, and “the top end” of the range could reach $2000.

But Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said consumers relied on smartphones and would likely spend big dollars on advanced new models.