I just think they are planning to launch a Xr Mini next year.
With the iPhone SE body size they could fit it with 4.7" Display.
If they had kept the iPhone SE in the lineup, and introduce Xr next year, the reaction from people will likely be Apple bump the price of small iPhone from $349 to $599 / $649 ( Assuming $100 to $150 cheaper than Xr )
Now that iPhone SE is gone. They can make a new iPhone entry next year. Instead of replacing something with a more expensive model, they are giving you something new. It makes you value it differently. I think that is how it is going to work out next year.
iPhone 8 > iPhone Xr > iPhone Xs. Each with two different Display size.
If they had kept the iPhone SE in the lineup, and introduce Xr next year, the reaction from people will likely be Apple bump the price of small iPhone from $349 to $599 / $649 ( Assuming $100 to $150 cheaper than Xr )
Now that iPhone SE is gone. They can make a new iPhone entry next year. Instead of replacing something with a more expensive model, they are giving you something new. It makes you value it differently. I think that is how it is going to work out next year.
iPhone 8 > iPhone Xr > iPhone Xs. Each with two different Display size.