Apple might launch a budget-friendly 'iPhone 9 Plus'

It looks like Apple might not only release an iPhone 9 (or iPhone SE 2), but an iPhone 9 Plus as well.

According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 14 code contains hints of a larger version of the phone.

The iPhone 9 has been rumored for a while now, with recent reports suggesting it would launch in March of this year. But a "plus" size version of the phone hasn't been mentioned until now.

Considering the iPhone 9 might replace the iPhone 8, it makes sense there would also be a new version of the iPhone 8 Plus.

With a rumored starting price of $399, both phones are supposed to be budget-friendly alternatives to the iPhone 11 (which starts at $699) and the iPhone 11 Pro (which starts at $999).

But as with any entry-level model, that also means its features are slightly more dated.

Based on the code, it appears both phones will feature an A13 Bionic chip (the processor in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro) and a physical Home button with Touch ID. The iPhone 12, meanwhile, should have a faster A14 chip.

Even with Touch ID, 9to5Mac notes that iPhone 9 users will still be able to use Apple Pay, Express Transit, and the ability to scan NFC tags.

That's something you can't do with the iPhone 8 or iPhone X, so at least it will have some fancy features. And we'll likely see a 4.5-inch LCD display on the iPhone 9 and a 5.5-inch display on the iPhone 9 Plus.

As mentioned before, Apple was supposedly set to unveil the phone at an event this month. But recent reports claim production problems have delayed the launch of the phone and, therefore, the event.

While the company has yet to confirm anything, it's highly likely we won't see the phone this month. Especially given the fact that Apple has already announced WWDC will be held online only due to the coronavirus outbreak.

At this point, it sort of feels like the iPhone 9 is literally never coming out. But maybe the company will just unveil it at its main September hardware event.