Apple’s complete 2020 iPhone lineup to support 5G

MacRumors reported yesterday, July 28, that the highly-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reason to believe that all 2020 iPhone models will support 5G connectivity.

Though Apple has yet to officially disclose its 5G smartphone plans to the public, notable Apple analyst Kuo wrote in a document to investors that the company is planning for its entire 2020 iPhone portfolio to support 5G connectivity.

It was previously believed that only two out of three phones, the high-end iterations, would support the latest cellular network.

According to Kuo, the purpose behind this change is to ensure that Apple can offer its audience an option that will adequately compete with lower-priced Android smartphones that will support 5G.

He provided two additional reasons as to why Apple would give its lowest-tier model this flagship technology, the company now has more resources to expand this type of technology thanks to its recent acquisition of Intel’s modem chip division, and it would aid in the development of its AR ecosystem.

This year is expected to see the launch of a slew of 5G smartphones including Huawei’s Mate X, Samsung’s S10 and Galaxy Fold, and Motorola’s Moto Z3.

Though Apple will be far from the first company to offer a 5G-supporting device, when it launches next year it will have the most comprehensive product line in the industry. HM/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

iPhone 8 mass production may be delayed by up to two months

Apple fans may have to wait until much later this year to get their iPhone 8 fix.

A reputable Apple analyst, KGI Ming-Chi Kuo, has indicated that mass production of the iPhone 8 may be delayed by one to two months from Apple’s usual release dates, reports 9to5Mac.

KGI claims that the possible causes for delay involve production of some cutting-edge major components. These include the custom OLED display, a custom Aple A11 10-nanometer SoC (system on chip), a newly-designed 3D touch module, and 3D sensing cameras.

The delay would also leave Apple vulnerable to competition from its rivals, as more bezel-less Android devices make it to the market.  Furthermore, despite the rumors, Apple has yet to officially hint at what the iPhone 8 will actually look like.

Given the trend, it’s fairly safe to assume that it will also be a bezel-less device. It would at the very least put Apple on equal footing with Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi in that area.

KGI has indicated a pessimistic outlook on the sales of iPhone 7 models—interim updates at best that KGI believes will pale in comparison to more recently released smartphones.

Until more information gets released directly from Apple, there isn’t much else to do but wait and speculate. Who knows, the iPhone 8 might end up being worth the wait. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple analyst predicts more iPhone 7 details

With Apple’s long awaited event just days away, Apple analyst Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted a few more details that may or may not be unveiled on Wednesday when Apple officially launches its iPhone 7.

In a report on Kuo’s predictions, The Verge cites features that may seem to be not so overly innovative individually but would come together to form a solid product from Apple.

To start with, Kuo predicts that the internal components will consist of a base storage capacity of 32GB with 128GB and 256GB variants, 3GB of RAM, and a new A10 processor clocked at 2.45GHz. It will also have a wide color gamut similar to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Moving to the “outer” parts, Apple may now offer five color options for users to choose from, including rose gold, gold, silver, “dark black” and “piano black.” The long rumored absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack will also be confirmed at the event.

As for taking pictures, the iPhone 7 is predicted to feature a dual-lens camera system that features telephoto and wide-angle cameras with both having 12-megapixel sensors. Its flash will be equipped with four LEDs, two warm, and two cool.

Other features that Kuo has predicted included in the iPhone 7 is an earpiece that also doubles as a speaker for better sound reproduction when parking the iPhone on landscape, IPX7 water resistance, a laser-based proximity sensor and, finally, FeliCa NFC technology for the Japanese market.

In all, the new features don’t sound too extravagant on their own and actually seem like “logical” step-ups for a new device. How Apple integrated all these features to work together will be the deciding factor as to whether the new iPhone 7 will be able to carry Apple to the expected game-changing device that it is currently working on for a 2017 unveiling.  Alfred Bayle

source: technology.inquirer.net

Apple may launch interactive iPad stylus soon

 

Apple could soon launch a simple stylus that will come with a Pro version of its 12.9-inch iPad tablet, an Apple enthusiast site reported.

 

In its report, AppleInsider said Apple is also working on an advanced version that will support 3D handwriting.

 

"Given that it's more precise than a person's fingers, a stylus can be more convenient to use than the combination of keyboard and mouse in some cases. Therefore, we believe Apple's stylus will improve the user experience of 12.9-inch iPad," it quoted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities as saying.

 

It also said Apple could launch the stylus in the second quarter of 2015.

 

But AppleInsider also noted Kuo did not cite any particular source for this, though he has had "close ties to Apple's supply chain partners."

 

Citing Kuo, it said Apple may likely launch the stylus as an optional add-on, then base its actions on consumer feedback.

 

Bells and whistles

 

Meanwhile, AppleInsider quoted Kuo as saying the initial stylus will be a simple one, with new features likely added in the future.

 

 Kuo said Apple could add a gyroscope accelerometer "to write not only on the display, but also on other hard surfaces and even in the air." — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com