Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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Apple Predicted to Launch A9-Based 4-Inch iPhone in Early 2016, iPhone 7 Plus to Carry 3 GB of RAM
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report outlining his expectations for Apple's 2016 iPhone launches, including several interesting tidbits about the upcoming devices.
First, Kuo believes Apple still has a new 4-inch iPhone in the works that "resembles an upgraded iPhone 5s". The device is said to be targeted for launch in the first half of next year and will come equipped with an A9 processor.
Looking ahead to the next full refresh with the iPhone 7, Kuo expects the usual third-quarter launch in 2016 with an unsurprising upgrade to a new A10 chip to offer increased performance. He does, however, believe Apple will opt to differentiate between the two sizes of the iPhone 7 when it comes to RAM, with the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 carrying the same 2 GB seen in current iPhones while the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus will include 3 GB of RAM for performance reasons.
Kuo believes major winners for the 2016 iPhone cycle include Foxconn, which he expects will be the exclusive supplier for the new 4-inch iPhone, and TSMC, which he expects will be the sole provider of the A9 chip used in that phone as well as the A10 chip used in the iPhone 7.
First, Kuo believes Apple still has a new 4-inch iPhone in the works that "resembles an upgraded iPhone 5s". The device is said to be targeted for launch in the first half of next year and will come equipped with an A9 processor.
As there is still demand for a 4-inch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line. Because the iPhone 5s is more popular than the iPhone 5c, we think Apple is likely to launch an upgraded iPhone 5s. We predict Apple will mass-produce this new 4-inch iPhone in 1H16 with metal casings. In order to make the current iOS 9 or next-generation iOS 10 run smoothly, Apple may adopt an A9 chip for this new phone.Kuo believes this new 4-inch iPhone will not include 3D Touch support as part of an effort to keep it differentiated from the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. He also projects Apple could ship 20-30 million units of this new iPhone through the end of 2016.
Looking ahead to the next full refresh with the iPhone 7, Kuo expects the usual third-quarter launch in 2016 with an unsurprising upgrade to a new A10 chip to offer increased performance. He does, however, believe Apple will opt to differentiate between the two sizes of the iPhone 7 when it comes to RAM, with the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 carrying the same 2 GB seen in current iPhones while the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus will include 3 GB of RAM for performance reasons.
Kuo believes major winners for the 2016 iPhone cycle include Foxconn, which he expects will be the exclusive supplier for the new 4-inch iPhone, and TSMC, which he expects will be the sole provider of the A9 chip used in that phone as well as the A10 chip used in the iPhone 7.
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
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51 months ago
I'm a fan of options. I'll be getting the larger versions, but I know several people who would love a newer 4 inch model!
51 months ago
Please let it be top of the line and not a "5c" type of handicapped device....
51 months ago
it'd be nice if they wouldn't penalize people who like smaller form factors by removing functionality & power.
If a user has an iPad Air 2 for a couple years, and realizes the mini would be a more convenient and useful size for them, they're going to eat hundreds dollars on depreciation getting rid of their Air 2, only to spend a load of $ on a smaller iPad that has... the same hardware as an Air 2. Result is paying maximum money for a new device, and getting last years hardware for it, only smaller. Tough sell.
If a user has an iPad Air 2 for a couple years, and realizes the mini would be a more convenient and useful size for them, they're going to eat hundreds dollars on depreciation getting rid of their Air 2, only to spend a load of $ on a smaller iPad that has... the same hardware as an Air 2. Result is paying maximum money for a new device, and getting last years hardware for it, only smaller. Tough sell.
51 months ago
Please let it be top of the line and not a "5c" type of handicapped device....
I'd have to agree with this. Give it as similar specs to the other models as possible. Make it be a size choice and just a size choice.
51 months ago
It was like pulling teeth for 2GB of RAM and now we're going to get 3GB just like that? I don't buy it - although the plus could use a boost.
How do I get paid to be an analyst?? Make obvious predictions 99% of the time and whether you're wrong or right it doesn't really matter.
How do I get paid to be an analyst?? Make obvious predictions 99% of the time and whether you're wrong or right it doesn't really matter.
51 months ago
What is it going to be called? iPhone 6C or 6SC or 7C or just C? 3GB of RAM seem very fishy though, as we had to wait 3 years just for a RAM bump to 2GB. Regardless, I'm curious. Please no 16GB though.
The iPhone 6-
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