Tag Archives: new iPhone

Technology

New Apple Exclusive Reveals iPhone 15 Release Surprise

Leave a comment

01/10 Update below. This post was originally published on January 07

iPhone 15 Pro features have been leaked by Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, but the real surprise is Apple’s massive iPhone 15 camera upgrade.

In a research note seen by MacRumors, Pu doubles down on multiple upgrades expected for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (potentially rebranded as ‘Ultra’), all of which we have seen before: titanium chassis with solid-state volume buttons, 3nm A17 chip, Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem, USB-C port and a jump from 6GB to 8GB of RAM.

While it is good to have a significant source back leaks we have seen elsewhere, the real head-turner is Pu’s claim that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will upgrade to a 48-megapixel primary camera like iPhone 14 Pro models.

Pu states that this will be a three-staked sensor, like its Pro predecessors, which is a major surprise given its additional cost compared to the long-running 12-megapixel sensors Apple had been using. Pu also states that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models will move to USB-C, an upgrade initially thought to be Pro-only.

But this is where the surprises stop, with Pu saying that standard iPhone 15 models will again have a generation-older chipset (in this case, the A16 of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max), and no telephoto lens.

01/09 Update: Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has used the latest edition of his Power On newsletter to reveal several further details of the iPhone 15 line-up, as well as backing information from other smaller leakers.

Gurman states that he expects a design upgrade for all standard iPhone 15 models with the pill-cutout and Dynamic Island now universal across the range. This is fascinating for a further reason: Dynamic Island’s success is partly due to its fluidity, which greatly benefits from a high refresh rate display.

Until now, ProMotion has remained a Pro-only feature, despite it being widely adopted by significantly cheaper Android rivals for some time now. So will this iPhone 15 upgrade also see both standard models finally up their display game?

In addition, Gurman backs claims that the iPhone 15 Pro models will come with a titanium frame (first revealed by LeaksApplePro in October), solid-state haptic volume buttons (ShrimpApplePro, October) and, as widely speculated, all models will switch from Lightning to USB-C.

01/10 Update: Momentum is building around the design changes for Apple’s iPhone 15 range. A new supply chain report seen by The Elec states, “Apple has confirmed that it will apply their Dynamic Island camera window to all four iPhone 15 series scheduled to be released in September.”

The report claims that Samsung Display’s Vietnam plant will be a key production partner in ramping up this design and has ordered equipment from Phil Optics to fulfill it. Samsung has come under increasing pressure from LG and BOE over the last year as Apple looks to reduce its dependency on Samsung.

The report also states that Apple is already working on a significant display upgrade called ‘Under Panel Face ID’, which it will introduce next year for iPhone 16 models. As the name suggests, it would allow Apple to hide the Face ID cutout under the display. This would halve the size of the current pill-shaped cutout, leaving more room for the Dynamic Island.

Apple has been working on under-display optics for some time. Apple filed its first ‘Under Panel Camera’ (UPC) patents back in 2019, adding to them in August 2021.

Some Android smartphones already ship with under-display front cameras, most notably the Galaxy Fold 4, but at present, there remains a significant trade-off in camera performance. Something likely to be a deal-breaker for Apple, which is famous for its practice of not releasing new technology until it believes it to be mature.

Apple has a delicate balance to strike this year. The latest price leak claims that Apple will not reduce iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus prices, despite underwhelming sales of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Instead, raising demand by increasing iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra pricing and therefore the gap between standard and Pro models.

This is risky ploy, and Apple needs to get the value proposition right. A 48-megapixel sensor and USB-C will certainly be welcome for standard iPhone 15 models. But for my money, the design also needs to change.

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESiPhone 14 Pro Had ‘Unprecedented’ Development Setback, Report ClaimsBy Gordon Kelly

Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 15 Price Shock

Leave a comment

01/09 Update below. This post was originally published on January 07

iPhone 15 prices are going up, not down, as widely expected, according to the latest leaks. In a move that is sure to shock cash-strapped Apple fans.

Writing for HowToiSolve, prolific anonymous leaker LeaksApplePro adds credence to claims last week that Apple will “aggressively” price iPhone 15 models. The big difference is that aggression was assumed to mean lower iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus pricing to reverse underwhelming sales. Instead, LeaksApplePro says Apple will simply make the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 UItra more unattainable.

“If sales of the iPhone 14 Plus have been so bad, what does Apple plan to do with the iPhone 15 Plus so that the same thing doesn’t happen? The answer is simple: nothing,” explains the leaker. “Apple will launch the iPhone 15 Plus alongside the other 3 models, and it will be unchanged from what is already expected. The price will be the same, the size will be the same, and so on. What Apple will do is provoke more sales by raising the price of the iPhone 15 Pro.”

If correct, this move will shock iPhone fans who have already dealt with major price rises internationally, and LeaksApplePro believes these changes are now set to impact US customers as well.

“It’s something that was expected last year and that Apple decided not to do, but rising production costs, inflation and shrinking profit margins are already starting to take their toll,” the leaker adds.

01/09 Update: LeaksApplePro has contacted me to warn that iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra price rises are unlikely to be limited to the US. Explaining that previous iPhone price increases internationally are “due to currency fluctuations, not because Apple decided to just make them more expensive in those countries.”

In short: Apple may not see the price increases it has made in Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia as price increases at all. This despite the strength of the US dollar pushing prices for the iPhone 14 range in those countries up by 10-20%. Consequently, a calculated price increase, as LeaksApplePro claims, would come in addition to the price adjustments for currency fluctuations.

To put this into context, there was a €170 ($182) average price increase for iPhone 14 Pro models in Europe, so a planned circa €100 ($107) increase for the iPhone 15 Pro would leave the average European buyer (who has waited two release cycles to upgrade), paying close to $300 more for an iPhone 15 Pro than an iPhone 13 Pro. Even spread over the cost of a 2-year contract, that starts to bite.

If correct, it would be a ruthless way for Apple to deal with what many saw as the biggest problem with the iPhone 14 Plus: its value proposition. For just $100 more, iPhone 14 Pro buyers get higher quality build materials, a better camera system, a superior screen (with Dynamic Island), and faster performance. Spread over a 2-3 year carrier contract, the additional spend is negligible.

In many ways, this is classic Apple: fix the problem, but only on its terms. iPhone 14 Plus models were not overpriced, iPhone 14 Pro models were underpriced. It also aligns with the company’s broader strategy of making Pro versions of its iPad, MacBook and Mac significantly more expensive than standard models.

The result is pricing that would create a $300 price gap between the same size of Pro and non-Pro models:

  • iPhone 15 – from $799
  • iPhone 15 Plus – from $899
  • iPhone 15 Pro – from $1099
  • iPhone 15 Ultra – from $1199

Given the lock-in of Apple’s ecosystem and the rumors of eye-opening upgrades for the iPhone 15 Ultra (including a titanium chassis and dual front cameras), the appeal of the range as a whole should hold. Moreover, many would argue that only Apple could solve a sales problem by increasing prices.

Well played, Apple. Well played.

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESInsider Claims iPhone 15 Will Be ‘Aggressively’ PricedBy Gordon Kelly

Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 15 Price Shock

Leave a comment

01/01 Update below. This post was originally published on December 29

iPhone 15 range leaks have revealed a number of potentially tantalizing upgrades coupled with jaw-dropping price increases. But now a new report claims Apple may slash prices.

In a blog post, historically reliable industry insider yeux1122 reveals that Apple’s internal analysis of underwhelming iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus sales concluded that their decline is “far beyond the range predicted” — even allowing for ongoing component shortages caused by the pandemic. And as a result, Apple will aggressively price its successors.

“The biggest problem is the price,” the insider reports. This makes sense. The $899 iPhone 14 Plus costs just $100 less than the iPhone 14 Pro, despite having an inferior display, chipset, camera and older design. With most buyers spreading purchase costs over a two-year carrier contract, the reason to go Plus instead of Pro is minimal.

Yeux1122 says Apple has explored several options to counter this, including reducing the difference between iPhone 15 standard and Pro model features, but concluded that more aggressive pricing for standard models is the most likely strategy.

12/31 Update: Bad news for those hoping Apple’s potential price cuts for standard iPhone 15 models could see the return of the Mini form factor. Since yeux1122 revealed Apple’s “aggressive” pricing strategy, significant chatter has built around how the company would achieve that.

Slashing the iPhone 15 Plus price has a shockwave impact on the iPhone 15, iPhone 14 (which is likely to remain on sale) and even the entry-level iPhone SE. As such, the idea that Apple could simply scrap the Plus and launch an iPhone 15 Mini under the iPhone 15 makes a lot of sense. This would enable Apple to create a cheaper entry point to the range, widen the price gap to iPhone 15 Pro models and leave other prices unchanged.

However, AppleLeaksPro has shot down this strategy, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, there aren’t any plans to launch an iPhone 15 mini next year, in case you were wondering.”

If correct, this is a shame. Not everyone loves big phones, and what Apple achieved in the Mini form factor was remarkable. Surprisingly poor sales ultimately resulted in its cancellation, but market reports claim iPhone 14 Plus sales are even lower.

This could have opened the door for Apple to deliver three iPhone sizes again because those who did buy the Mini loved it. It is hard to make the same argument for the iPhone 14 Plus, where there are Apple and Android alternatives. That said, I suspect it is significantly easier to design a smartphone within a 6.7-inch form factor than a 5.7-inch one.

01/01 Update: Quotes from TSMC Chairman Mark Liu may have just leaked key performance information about Apple’s next-generation A17 chipset, heading to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/Ultra. TSMC is Apple’s primary chip partner, and Liu spoke about the company’s product timelines, confirming that mass production of 3-nanometer chips has begun at its Tainan campus in southern Taiwan.

Liu said demand for 3nm chips is “very strong,” and “Mass production of 3-nanometer chips is the fruit of decades-long collaboration with the local supply chain.” But the giveaway came when Liu spoke about the benefits of 3nm chips, saying their tests revealed they will outperform 5nm chips requiring 35% less power.

While Samsung Foundry has already shipped the world’s first 3nm chips for cryptocurrency mining, the TSMC chips will be the first used for consumer devices, and Apple gets priority access to the lion’s share of what TSMC produces. Consequently, the M2 chips inside the upcoming MacBook Pro range refresh are hotly tipped to debut this new technology in the first quarter.

The timeline then leaves ample time for its transition to mobile for Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Ultra when they launch in Q3. This is unsurprising as 3nm almost made the iPhone 14 launch before being pushed back, but nothing was known about its performance and efficiency benefits until Liu’s comments.

Of course, how Apple utilizes these efficiency gains remains to be seen. It could decide to deliver major battery life improvements and a relatively minor performance bump or vice versa, though I suspect a middle ground will be the most logical option. Either way, Apple now has a level of flexibility it hasn’t enjoyed since the A14 became the first 5nm iPhone chip in 2020.

When the 3nm A17 filters down to the standard iPhone models in 2024, these efficiency gains would also give Apple the flexibility to reintroduce an iPhone Mini model. This move has already been shot down for 2023, but it is a size that is far more unique than the iPhone 14 Plus, and one which is unlikely to find a rival from major Android smartphone makers based on current market positions. That said, when Apple drops a device, it rarely looks back.

The obvious move would be to drop the iPhone 15 Plus by $100 to $799, forcing the iPhone 15 to drop to $699. This pushes the iPhone 14 (which would remain on sale) to $599. At that price, Apple risks cannibalizing the sales of the $429 iPhone SE, which explains reports last week that the company is considering canceling the 2023 iPhone SE altogether.

Interestingly, a new flagship, the iPhone 15 Ultra, is tipped to be even more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max but yeux1122 also supports this, saying Apple will also drive differentiation between it and the iPhone 15 Pro. Yeux1122 cites material and camera differences, which tie in with reports of the Ultra sporting a titanium chassis and dual front cameras.

Ultimately, any talk of price cuts will come as a shock because it goes against multiple leaks saying Apple will increase, not decrease, most iPhone 15 prices. That said, yeux1122 has a successful history of leaking information that goes against the grain.

Notably, in March, the insider countered claims that the iPhone 14 would have slimmer bezels than the iPhone 13 — one week later, leaked schematics showed this. In August, yeux1122 said iPhone 14 prices would not increase, despite widespread reports, and Apple ultimately froze prices in its biggest markets. In September, the leaker also shared iPhone 14 Plus cases showing ‘iPhone 14 Max’ branding rumors up to that point were wrong.

So while the iPhone 15 Ultra may well end up being the most expensive iPhone ever, yeux1122’s information suggests buyers of standard iPhone 15 models will have more money left in their accounts than expected.

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESPrices For Apple’s 2023 iPhone 15 Ultra May Start From $1300By Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 15 Price Shock

Leave a comment

12/11 Update below. This post was originally published on December 8

iPhone 15 leaks have already revealed Apple’s ambitious plans for its next-generation smartphones. But now new information says those ambitions come with a heavy price.

Working with Howtoisolve, influential industry insider LeaksApplePro has released a truckload of new iPhone 15 information, including price increases that will likely shock US buyers.

Last month the leaker revealed that the bill of materials for the iPhone 15 Ultra, Apple’s new name for its ‘Pro Max’ models, will increase by up to $100. Now LeaksApplePro states that the iPhone 15 Ultra will have a starting price as high as $1299 — a $200 increase on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the biggest single generational jump in iPhone history.

“It’s going to be a more expensive iPhone. Even in the United States,” the leaker explains. “Apple has been losing margins year after year. Rising production costs and inflation, that makes the money the company has in the bank worth less, have finally broken the camel’s back.”

LeaksApplePro states that “we don’t know the situation for the other devices in the line-up.” That said, with a $1299 starting price potentially seeing the iPhone 15 Ultra rise as high as $1799 for the 1TB model, this is likely to have a knock-on effect on the rest of the range because Apple doesn’t like to have a gulf between products in the same lineup.

On the flip side, the iPhone 15 Ultra will give you more for your money. LeaksApplePro states that the iPhone 15 Ultra will ship with a minimum of 256GB (double the current 128GB entry point), easing some of the price rise pain.

In addition, the leaker reiterates that the new model will come with dual front-facing cameras, USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) will replace the Lightning port with its USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps/0.48Gbps), and “it will be made of out titanium” — something which comes with significant strength and price increases.

12/10 Update: Speaking to me, LeaksApplePro has provided further information about Apple’s use of titanium in the iPhone 15 range. Following a recent leak from popular fellow industry insider ShrimpApplePro that Apple will bring titanium to all iPhone 15 models, not just the iPhone 15 Ultra, LeaksApplePro says this is categorically incorrect.

“That’s not true,” LeaksApplePro argues, saying it will be “Ultra only (maybe the 15 Pro but definitely not the 15 and 15 Plus).”

Given the cost of titanium, this makes sense. Because it is 3-4x stronger than the stainless steel used in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, some might argue that this reduces the pricing as less will be needed to make a chassis that is as strong, if not stronger.

The problem with that argument is titanium is currently priced at $35-50 per kilogram, compared to $1-1.50 per kilogram for stainless steel. It’s a colossal difference and surely puts it out of reach for standard iPhones.

As such, to my mind, the question becomes more about whether Apple will complicate its supply chain with three different chassis materials (aluminum for standard models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro and titanium for the iPhone 15 Ultra), or stick to two. This would likely mean an upgrade to stainless steel for standard models, because downgrading the iPhone 15 Pro is unlikely to be an option.

12/11 Update: LeaksApplePro has returned with additional information today.

First, the insider answered my query about Apple’s choice of chassis materials. Interestingly, the answer is that currently, Apple plans to use all three: aluminum for the two standard iPhone 15 models, stainless steel for the iPhone 15 Pro and titanium will be reserved for the Ultra.

LeaksApplePro does add the caveat, “that’s what we know for now.” This is fair, given how early the iPhone 15 range is in its development cycle, but it is interesting to see the company add this complexity to its supply chain.

Second, LeaksApplePro states that the repeatedly leaked dual front cameras are highly likely to be an iPhone 15 Ultra exclusive.

I suspect this is not just from a cost perspective but is highly likely to be down to physical size. The Dynamic Island already takes up significant real estate on the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro display. Adding a second camera would leave almost no space for any other icons — many of which (time, cellular / WiFi signal, notifications, etc) users consider essential.

In comparison, the second camera would be considered a luxury addition. In contrast, a 6.5-inch iPhone 15 Ultra can house the camera and still retain the same number of icons as an iPhone 15 Pro. Whether Apple would make the display even bigger to live up to the Ultra name and its supersized Android-rivals, remains to be seen.

And there is one final, fascinating titbit: “Apple is only considering one colour for the iPhone 15 Ultra, and it’s the same colour as the Apple Watch Ultra [silver]. I don’t know if that will be the only colour available in September, or if there will be more, but as of today none of my sources have seen any colour other than the same as the Apple Watch Ultra.”

Yes, the iPhone 15 Ultra looks set to drive iPhone prices higher than ever, but it also looks like the most exciting and ambitious smartphone Apple has released in years.

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESNew iPhone 15 Leak Urges Caution Over ‘Rounded’ Design RumorsBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Exclusive Reveals Lower-Than-Expected iPhone 14 Price

Leave a comment

08/06 Update below. This post was originally published on August 03

Apple leaks have consistently agreed on one thing: iPhone 14 models are getting more expensive. That is, until now.

In a new blog post, anonymous leaker Lanzuk has revealed that Apple has “decided to freeze the launch price of the iPhone 14 base model through a decision at the top executive level.” And given Lanzuk’s solid track record, there is every reason to believe this.

Lanzuk explains that Apple’s decision was based on “global mobile phone market stagnation and demand decline… so the price of the basic model is frozen despite some price increase factors.”

Detailed by other leakers, these factors include an increase in component prices due to shortages and Apple upgrading several key elements of the iPhone 14 lineup. Most notably, an all-new front-facing camera module from LG Innotek, which leaks claim is triple the price of its predecessor.

Lanzuk is undoubtedly aware of the shock and potential disbelief his news will generate and stresses that his information comes from a rock-solid source within a “major US financial institution.” Moreover, Lanzuk has a track record that deserves respect. While the insider has had the occasional miss, there have been a number of accurate leaks for both Apple and Samsung devices in the last year.

08/05 Update: further information has leaked regarding the iPhone 14’s launch, and it is more good news. Influential analyst and industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has successfully expanded production of the upcoming base model in India ahead of release.

“Foxconn’s iPhone production site in India will ship the new 6.1″ iPhone 14 almost simultaneously with China for the first time in 2H22 (India being one quarter or more behind in the past),” explained Kuo. “In the short term, India’s iPhone capacities/shipments still have a considerable gap with China, but it’s an important milestone for Apple in building a non-Chinese iPhone production site.”

My contacts believe this strategy will deliver an immediate pay-off, with Apple able to supply substantial stock of the iPhone 14 for its September release. This contrasts starkly with the ongoing supply chain issues faced by the iPhone 14 Max. While Kuo expects the new 6.7-inch model to launch alongside the rest of the range, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), has warned that “iPhone 14 Max panel shipments [are] still way behind through August.”

So if you plan to buy Apple’s most affordable big-screen iPhone to date, I suspect you will have to move fast when they go on sale.

08/06 Update: speaking to me today, popular tipster AppleLeaksPro says the new prices align with what he has heard for several months. “The Pros are substantially more expensive to manufacture,” LeaksApplePro explained, citing the new punch-hole display, upgraded 48MP camera, stainless steel chassis (which has been a cost differentiator since the iPhone XS) and A16 chipset.

“There are a lot of differences,” the leaker told me, saying the expectation is Apple will focus primarily on the iPhone 14 Pro models at launch. “My guess is that Apple will talk little to nothing about the iPhone 14.”

AppleLeaksPro says the driver behind all of this is “Differentiation”. This ties in with similar moves Apple has made to increase price and feature differences between the standard and Pro models of iPads, Macs and MacBooks in recent years. The strategy has proved successful, even if it is harder to pinpoint any feature that will make iPhone 14 Pro models objectively professional-orientated.

All of which means a split is opening up in the leaks community. Last month, noted analysts at Wedbush explained that price increases across the range were inevitable because “Prices have been increasing across the whole supply chain, and Cupertino needs to pass these costs to the consumer on this release.”

From what I understand, there is some truth to both positions. Pressure in the supply chain is increasing costs, as are several new components in the iPhone 14 range (particularly new front cameras).

That said, I understand that Apple is also determined to make 2022 the year it drives differentiation between Pro and non-Pro models, even if that means swallowing some of the cost increases in the standard models. This is a significant factor behind the iPhone 14’s similarity to its predecessor, both in design and performance, with the upgrades likely to be smaller than any previous generational iPhone upgrade.

As a result, expect this to be one of the more controversial iPhone launches in recent years.

If correct, Lanzuk’s claim would mean the iPhone 14 retains its $799 asking price (instead of jumping to $899), which also builds hope that the new iPhone 14 Max will also be priced $100 lower at $899. These price points make sense, given Apple’s determination to widen the feature and performance gap to iPhone 14 Pro models, which are still expected to go up in price:

  • iPhone 14 Pro – $1099 (iPhone 13 Pro $999)
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1199 (iPhone 13 Pro Max $1099)

Furthermore, I would argue that Lanzuk’s claim still equates to an effective $100 price increase across the range. This is because the $799 iPhone 14 will replace the $699 iPhone 13 Mini as the entry-level model, and the $899 iPhone 14 Max will take the place of the $799 iPhone 13. Given their respective increases in screen size, these rises are also easier for Apple to market to customers.

Will iPhone 14 lineup be worth it? Design, camera and performance upgrades on the Pro models certainly appear so, but with a potential transition from Lightning to USB-C in 2023 I would still urge caution if you don’t have to upgrade this year.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESiPhone 14 Analysis Details Potentially Large Performance GainsBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Exclusive Reveals Lower-Than-Expected iPhone 14 Price

Leave a comment

08/05 Update below. This post was originally published on August 03

Apple leaks have consistently agreed on one thing: iPhone 14 models are getting more expensive. That is, until now.

In a new blog post, anonymous leaker Lanzuk has revealed that Apple has “decided to freeze the launch price of the iPhone 14 base model through a decision at the top executive level.” And given Lanzuk’s solid track record, there is every reason to believe this.

Lanzuk explains that Apple’s decision was based on “global mobile phone market stagnation and demand decline… so the price of the basic model is frozen despite some price increase factors.”

Detailed by other leakers, these factors include an increase in component prices due to shortages and Apple upgrading several key elements of the iPhone 14 lineup. Most notably, an all-new front-facing camera module from LG Innotek, which leaks claim is triple the price of its predecessor.

Lanzuk is undoubtedly aware of the shock and potential disbelief his news will generate and stresses that his information comes from a rock-solid source within a “major US financial institution.” Moreover, Lanzuk has a track record that deserves respect. While the insider has had the occasional miss, there have been a number of accurate leaks for both Apple and Samsung devices in the last year.

08/05 Update: further information has leaked regarding the iPhone 14’s launch, and it is more good news. Influential analyst and industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has successfully expanded production of the upcoming base model in India ahead of release.

“Foxconn’s iPhone production site in India will ship the new 6.1″ iPhone 14 almost simultaneously with China for the first time in 2H22 (India being one quarter or more behind in the past),” explained Kuo. “In the short term, India’s iPhone capacities/shipments still have a considerable gap with China, but it’s an important milestone for Apple in building a non-Chinese iPhone production site.”

My contacts believe this strategy will deliver an immediate pay-off, with Apple able to supply substantial stock of the iPhone 14 for its September release. This contrasts starkly with the ongoing supply chain issues faced by the iPhone 14 Max. While Kuo expects the new 6.7-inch model to launch alongside the rest of the range, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), has warned that “iPhone 14 Max panel shipments [are] still way behind through August.”

So if you plan to buy Apple’s most affordable big-screen iPhone to date, I suspect you will have to move fast when they go on sale.

If correct, Lanzuk’s claim would mean the iPhone 14 retains its $799 asking price (instead of jumping to $899), which also builds hope that the new iPhone 14 Max will also be priced $100 lower at $899. These price points make sense, given Apple’s determination to widen the feature and performance gap to iPhone 14 Pro models, which are still expected to go up in price:

  • iPhone 14 Pro – $1099 (iPhone 13 Pro $999)
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1199 (iPhone 13 Pro Max $1099)

Furthermore, I would argue that Lanzuk’s claim still equates to an effective $100 price increase across the range. This is because the $799 iPhone 14 will replace the $699 iPhone 13 Mini as the entry-level model, and the $899 iPhone 14 Max will take the place of the $799 iPhone 13. Given their respective increases in screen size, these rises are also easier for Apple to market to customers.

Will iPhone 14 lineup be worth it? Design, camera and performance upgrades on the Pro models certainly appear so, but with a potential transition from Lightning to USB-C in 2023 I would still urge caution if you don’t have to upgrade this year.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESiPhone 14 Analysis Details Potentially Large Performance GainsBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 14 Screen Shock

Leave a comment

07/24 Update below. This post was originally published on July 21

According to multiple iPhone 14 leaks, Apple’s new entry-level iPhone will be almost identical to its predecessor. But now momentum is gathering around one surprising upgrade, which has the potential to leave rivals behind.

Speaking to me, respected industry display specialist Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), revealed that Samsung’s ‘M12 OLED material set’ display tech is coming to all iPhone 14 models. And considering that it didn’t even make Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S22 Ultra, this is a shock.

The news also builds on an earlier report from The Elec, which said M12 was under consideration by Apple. But no one seriously expected it to be used in every iPhone 14 model, and I would have been cynical myself were it not for Young’s remarkable track record,

So what is M12? In essence, it comprises the red, green and blue pixel’s dopant, host and prime elements in OLED displays. What M12 brings to the table is improved display performance, color accuracy and energy efficiency. Given that displays are one of the greatest power drains in a smartphone, this latter capability is key. Especially with leaks claiming iPhone 14 battery capacities will be similar to the iPhone 13 line-up.

07/23 Update: further details around the iPhone 14 range’s production have now leaked. In a tweet thread, influential TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, revealed that Apple has added a new supplier to aid with the widespread problem of chip shortages impacting the sector.

Kuo explained that SG Micro has “passed the quality certification of the higher-end iPhone 14 and will likely ship the PMICs (battery and level shifter) for the iPhone 14 in 2H22.”

Battery capacities are one of the main talking points around the iPhone 14 range. While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max and iPhone 14 Pro all alledged to receive small boosts, the iPhone 14 Pro Max battery is tipped to be smaller than its predecessor.

Power efficiency has been a calling card of Apple hardware in recent years, so it will be fascinating to see how this is managed in the iPhone 14 lineup, and the addition of SG Micro looks well timed.

07/24 Update: Ross Young has provided additional updates about the adoption of M12 on the iPhone 14 lineup, and it isn’t all good news.

While previously stating that M12 will increase the power efficiency of iPhone 14 displays compared to their predecessors, he explained that this doesn’t mean they will be class-leading in other areas. “The S22 Ultra will still likely be brighter due to the MLA/MLP structure, which boosted brightness to 1750 nits. But [it] should be better than iPhone 13,” he told me.

This makes sense. For context, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are rated at 800 and 1000 nits peak brightness, respectively, so the generational jump would have had to be massive. Moreover, Apple has never been interested in winning a spec war, and it fits that the company would prioritize efficiency first.

Interestingly, Young also gave context around Samsung’s omission of M12 in the Galaxy S22 lineup, saying that the “timing didn’t work out. M12 only just launching.” So it looks like Samsung’s loss will be Apple’s gain — at least until the Galaxy S23 lineup launches early next year.

So why didn’t Samsung put this tech in its Galaxy S22 lineup? According to The Elec it came down to cost-cutting. However, that will be hard for some Galaxy fans to stomach when the Galaxy S22 Ultra is almost twice the price of an iPhone 14.

Consequently, the Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Plus use M11 (the same as 2021 models), while the standard Galaxy S22 only has M10, a generation first used by the Galaxy S20 range in 2020.

Yes, iPhone 14 prices are tipped to increase across the range, but Apple fans will point to all the little things the company continues to get right with its devices. And this looks set to be another one.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More On Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESApple’s New iPhone 14 Max May Outlast The Pro MaxBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Exclusive Reveals iPhone 14 Price Shock

Leave a comment

07/17 Update below. This post was originally published on July 14

Apple leaks have revealed that iPhone 14 Pro models will receive multiple exclusive upgrades and higher pricing. But now a new report claims standard iPhone 14 models will also receive a price bump, despite being virtually unchanged from their predecessors.

Speaking to The Sun, Dan Ives, head of popular analyst group Wedbush Securities, cites supply chain prices as the driving force behind the increase.

“We believe a $100 price increase is coming for the iPhone 14,” explained Ives. “Prices have been increasing across the whole supply chain, and Cupertino needs to pass these costs to the consumer on this release.”

If correct, the iPhone 14 lineup would breakdown as follows:

  • iPhone 14 – $899 (iPhone 13 $799)
  • iPhone 14 Max – $999 (iPhone 13 Mini $699)
  • iPhone 14 Pro – $1099 (iPhone 13 Pro $999)
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1199 (iPhone 13 Pro Max $1099)

While the $100 would hurt, particularly for standard models, which will sport the same design, rear cameras and chipset as the iPhone 13, the big financial hit comes with the range’s entry point jumping from $699 to $899. This near-30% increase results from Apple discontinuing the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 Mini in favour of a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max (also tipped to be called the ‘iPhone 14 Plus’), which pushes the iPhone 14 into the base model position.

07/16 Update: now the iPhone 14 range has started production, leaks are not only accelerating but they are adding a level of detail we have not seen before. Reliable anonymous leaker, ShrimpApplePro — the first leaker to reveal the new iPhone 14 Pro dual punch-hole redesign — has now published detailed schematics for the flagship iPhone 14 Pro Max via Weibo.

The headline news is the schematics again back up the large number of leaks claiming Apple will scrap the notch, though it is expected to be retained for non-Pro models. That said, at this stage, the more interesting information for me is the dimensions they reveal:

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max – 160.71 x 78.78 x 7.85mm
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max – 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm

While the differences are slight, they eliminate one popular line of thought: that Apple would use the same chassis for iPhone 14 Pro models as their predecessors. Speculation will now accelerate about what those changes are.

My suspicion is the new 48-megapixel primary camera exclusive to Pro models will be a significant factor. But hopes that larger batteries are behind the increase seem unlikely based on a recent capacity leak. Leak season is well and truly open.

07/17 Update: LeaksApplePro has cast doubt on Wedbush’s pricing claims. The leaker, who has regularly provided iPhone pricing data in the past, told me the drive for Apple in 2022 is to widen the gap between Pro and non-Pro iPhone 14 models and price is one way that the company will do this.

“The difference between the iPhone 14 Max and iPhone 14 Pro is huge,” the leaker explained. “Apple is really trying to save as much money as possible with the iPhone 14 production, so I don’t think the company plans on the $100 raise Wedbush is talking about”

While this would be good news for buyers of standard models, LeaksApplePro does warn that Apple is looking to raise iPhone 14 Pro prices by at least $100. $799, $899, $1099, $1199 are the prices the insider believes Apple has pinned for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max/Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max at present but they are not locked in:

“Apple could definitely change these prices, but right now that’s what’s being considered,” the leaker added.

This breakdown makes a lot of sense. By removing the Mini, Apple already increases the entry price for the iPhone 14 range to $799 from the $699 of the iPhone 13 lineup; and by using most of the same parts for standard iPhone 14 models as the iPhone 13, the company avoids major new costs.

This opens the door for higher iPhone 14 Pro pricing, greater hardware differentiation and increased upsell potential. If the leaks are correct, this will be a strategy which polarizes customers at a time of high global inflation. That said, my guess is there will still be queues around the block when these phones launch in late September/early October.

Such a chasm would cause genuine shock. It would also be a hard sell. Historically, Apple has kept previous generation iPhones on sale at lower prices after their successors’ launch. If Apple does this again, opting for a virtually identical iPhone 13 or even iPhone 13 Mini (which could be as low as $599) would be a no-brainer.

There is one popular industry counterpoint. That is, Apple will retain iPhone 13 pricing for the iPhone 14 and the lack of an iPhone 14 Mini will account for a $100 entry-level increase rather than the $200 gap discussed here. However, this doesn’t account for the hike in supply chain prices, so it may prove overly optimistic.

So should you upgrade? Throw in the red-hot rumor that iPhones will move from Lightning to USB-C in 2023 and, for me, I think this is an upgrade year to forget unless you’re in desperate need. That said, based on supplier deposit sizes, it looks like another super cycle regardless.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESNew iPad Leak Opens Door For iPhone 15 USB-C MoveBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 14 Battery Surprise

Leave a comment

06/28 Update below. This post was originally published on June 25

Apple’s iPhone 14 design changes leaked months ago, but speculation around their performance has proved much more controversial. And now a new leak has set tongues wagging about their battery life.

Shared by credible industry insider ShrimpApplePro, a new Baidu post has published what it claims are the battery capacities for all iPhone 14 models. This is the first time capacities have been reported for the new range and while three models have received minor battery increases, a drop for the iPhone 14 Pro may mean your money is better spent elsewhere. [06/25 update – Baidu post now removed, this is often seen as a sign of accuracy because accurate data is more sensitive and posters come under significant pressure but it is impossible to know for sure]

The leak breaks down the battery capacities as follows:

  • iPhone 14 – 3279 mAh (iPhone 13 – 3,227 mAh)
  • iPhone 14 Max – 4325 mAh (N/A)
  • iPhone 14 Pro – 3200 mAh (iPhone 13 Pro – 3,095 mAh)
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max – 4323 mAh (iPhone 3 Pro Max – 4,352 mAh)

The big news comes from the big phones and, if these numbers are correct, there is every chance that the new iPhone 14 Max will outlast the flagship iPhone 14 Pro Max.

06/27 Update: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has published a deluge of information on Apple’s upcoming products, including the iPhone 14 line-up, in his latest Power On Newsletter.

In addition to leaks surrounding a slew of new M2-based devices — Mac Mini, Mac Pro and iPad Pro models coming “later this year” sporting a variety of M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra and M2 Extreme chips, a moderate Apple Watch 8 upgrade using the same chipset as the Watch 7, a second-generation HomePod and AirPods Pro and an A14-based Apple TV — Gurman also detailed multiple iPhone 14 upgrades.

“Like the Apple Watch, the iPhone 14 Pro will be able to show widgets displaying weather, calendars, stocks, activities and other data while the screen remains at a low brightness and frame rate,” wrote Gurman, adding his weight to revealing iOS 16 beta code which hinted at the feature earlier this month.

Gurman adds further detail as well, saying “there will be a setting—also like the Apple Watch—that keeps sensitive data from appearing on the lock screen for all to see.” This would combat one of the big concerns iPhone users have expressed about this feature.

Gurman also doubles down on previous industry leaks saying iPhone 14 Pro models will have “a much-improved front-facing camera, a new rear-camera system that includes a 48-megapixel sensor, thinner bezels, a faster A16 chip, and a redesigned notch with a pill-shaped cutout for Face ID and a hole punch for the camera.”

On the flip side, standard models will generate “less excitement” because “The lower-end phones will stick with the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13, though the 5.4-inch mini size will be replaced with a 6.7-inch model.” Meanwhile, despite the entry-level iPad switching to USB-C in the fall, Gurman says iPhone 14 models will stick with Lightning for another year with the transition coming in 2023. Whether the inclusion of a soon-to-be legacy connector puts off potential upgraders in 2022, only time will tell.

06/28 Update: What will be will be! A new report from tech site and supply chain specialist Digitimes claims that components have now been finalized for the iPhone 14 range and shipments have begun.

Citing supply chain sources in Taiwan, Digitimes says the components — which are sourced from numerous different suppliers — have been sent to Apple’s manufacturing partners, the biggest and longest running of which is Foxconn. These components will be stockpiled before mass production begins in the next 1-2 months ahead of the range’s traditional September/October release.

The big news from this development is twofold. First, specifications for the new phones are a lock. Apple has the capacity to switch suppliers mid-cycle but it would only be for like-for-like components (e.g. identical battery capacities, camera resolutions, etc). The company has never improved iPhone specifications for any model after sales have begun. That would undermine buyer confidence and risk the creation of a ‘wait and see’ upgrade approach.

This can be seen even when it has a detrimental effect, such as when it became clear that iPhone 12 Mini battery life was poor. Instead Apple waited until the iPhone 13 Mini to make improvements.

Second, leaks around the iPhone 14 series should now intensify. That may seem surprising given the large number of leaks, but the security Apple has enforced up to this point tends to go out the window when thousands of production lines and tens of thousands of labourers start mass production. Expect photos of components, and the phones themselves at various stages of the production process, to begin leaking over the coming weeks and months.

Where potential controversy for the iPhone 14 models lies is in the greater difference between the lines this year. iPhone 14 Pro models will sport a new i-shaped dual cutout display, which has polarized opinion, an even larger camera hump and a next generation chipset which could be a lot faster than its predecessor.

In contrast, it is going to be difficult to tell the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 apart. Its successor is expected to have an identical external design, camera specifications and chipset. The new phones may have 50% more RAM but all signs are currently that the standard models will be the most incremental generational iPhone upgrade to date.

Moreover, if you’re disappointed by this and want to go Pro, it looks like you’ll be paying more as well. Apple has widened the gap between its iPad, Mac, MacBook and even AirPods ranges in recent years and iPhones are playing catchup here. It’s a strategy which may not be universally popular but there is no denying its success.

The reason for this is not the fractional difference in their battery capacities but what they will be asked to do. iPhone 14 Pro models will have 48-megapixel sensors meaning they will process file sizes 4x larger than the 12MP sensor retained by standard models. They are also expected to have more RAM which means greater performance but increased battery drain.

Whether new efficiencies from the Pro-exclusive A16 chipset and new DDR5 RAM can offset this remains to be seen, but with iPhone 14 Max expected to cost $300 less it could be a tempting downgrade for those concerned by reported iPhone 14 Pro price rises. The iPhone 14 Max is also a dramatic improvement on its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Mini (2,406 mAh) for which battery life was its biggest drawback.

Looking more widely, the minor battery increases to the rest of the range are also eye-opening. After being overshadowed by large Android phones for several generations, the iPhone 13 lineup was a big leap forward and there was hope Apple would look to extend its lead over the competition, having seen success from its M1-based MacBooks streaking ahead of the battery life delivered by Intel and AMD-based rivals.

It is worth noting that ShrimpApplePro has some doubts about the figures, writing “Hmmm” afterwards but the leaker also has a history of only sharing accurate information. So the reaction may be more towards Apple’s strategy than the leak itself.

That strategy would certainly be a gamble. Ever since the iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014, Apple’s biggest and most expensive model has always had the best battery life. That now looks to be under serious threat and it makes the iPhone 14 Max a lot more attractive. Furthermore, with Pro models set to ditch Lightning for USB-C in 2023, skipping iPhone 14 Pro models altogether in 2022 might just be the smartest option.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESNew iPad Leak Opens Door For iPhone 15 Surprise RedesignBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here

Technology

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 14 Release Surprise

Leave a comment

06/07 Update below. This post was originally published on June 4

Recent iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro leaks have revealed two very different iPhones, with Apple determined to widen the gap between Pro and non-Pro models. The news has split opinions and now differing information surrounding their release has done the same thing.

In recent weeks, contradictory reports have claimed that there will/won’t be a delay to the release of some iPhone 14 models. And now one of the most respected industry insiders has twisted the picture one more.

06/06 Update: Ahead of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has used his Power On newsletter confirm that next-generation releases of all the company’s major platforms will be announced:

“What certainly will be at the conference are significant updates to the company’s core operating systems: iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS. This year’s event is likely to usher in a wider-than-usual breadth of new features,” he explains.

Gurman states that new hardware will follow and “the new [MacBook] Air will be the biggest revamp to the device in over a decade”. The potential launch of ‘realityOS’, a platform for Apple’s upcoming VR headset, is also mooted but far less certain.

Central to Apple’s iPhone plans, however, is iOS 16 and Gurman claims that a core element of the release will be an Always-on display. The interesting aspect around this, however, is Gurman claims it will be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models “if the feature ends up making the cut.”

Always-on displays have been a staple of even mid-range Android phones for years, so seeing Apple limit this to its latest flagship models would be another example of how the company is determined to widen the gap between Pro and non-Pro models. Whether this strategy will prove successful or incite fan backlash remains to be seen.

06/07 Update: As expected, Apple officially unveiled iOS 16 yesterday at WWDC and it has set tongues wagging about the iPhone 14. While Apple announced a long list of new features coming to the next-generation release — including a revamped lockscreen with widgets and multiple pages, an upgraded notification system and overhauls of iMessage (edit/recall messages), Apple Pay, voice dictation and a new Safety Check security feature designed to protect people in abusive relationships — the much leaked Always-on display was missing.

This has two clear implications. First, as Gurman warned, the feature may not have made the cut into the final release of iOS 16. Second, the feature is being hidden until the iPhone 14 lineup launches in September. The problem with the latter is it would mean the feature is exclusive, with the company’s current iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models excluded.

And this makes little sense. For starters, leaks report the A16 chip is a relatively minor upgrade from the A15, while the primary requirement for always-on displays are panels which can handle variable refresh rates to conserve battery life. The iPhone 13 lineup already has this technology and couples it with the most power-efficient smartphone chipset available.

As such, my feeling is this should serve as a red flag for aspiring iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max upgraders. Always-on displays have been a staple of Android for years without any of the top-end hardware of the current flagship iPhones, but it looks like Apple is already starting to reserve significant features (justifiably or not) for its next-gen models. I will revisit this should Always-on in iOS 16 get an official announcement as beta testing progresses, but I believe we just received our first big clue as Apple ramps up an aggressive strategy to ensure its iPhone 14 Pro models stand out from the pack.

In a series of tweets, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disputed a recent report from ET News that supply problems have forced Apple to prematurely install a front-facing camera module intended for the iPhone 15 a year early at great cost.

“This report is not entirely consistent with my understanding,” explains Kuo. “1. If LG Innotek became iPhone 14 front camera supplier in 2Q22, it would be almost impossible to catch up with the development schedule for 2H22 iPhone 14. 2. I believe Apple had already chosen LG Innotek and Cowell as the iPhone 14 front camera suppliers in 4Q21 at the latest.”

This aligns with Kuo’s earlier claims that iPhone 14 production overall is “under control currently.” That said, both Nikkei Asia and Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu believe that supplies of the iPhone 14 Max are delayed by almost a month.

Similarly, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) and one of the most accurate industry insiders, has countered that “iPhone 14 Max panel shipments have always been behind.” Consequently, Apple may be heading for its second iPhone split release in the last five years (iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Mini), which in turn was only the second in iPhone history (iPhone 8/iPhone X).

It is a surprise to see insiders split like this, because historically leaks around iPhone releases are fairly consistent. This tends to be due to the global way iPhones are mass-produced, with even Apple’s secretive expertise unable to stem the flow of leaks as production is cranked up.

Split release or not, the most divisive aspect of the iPhone 14 launch is likely to be the phones themselves. While the standard iPhone 14 models will inherit the same design, chipset and rear cameras as the iPhone 13 lineup, iPhone 14 Pro models will leap ahead with upgrades in all three departments and increased prices to match.

How iPhone fans respond to Apple’s aggressive attempt to upsell buyers to these more expensive models, remains to be seen.

___

Follow Gordon on Facebook

More on Forbes

MORE FROM FORBESApple iPhone 14 Models Exposed In New VideoBy Gordon Kelly



Read original article here