Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Apple to Release iPhone With Glass Casing and AMOLED Screen in 2017
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a new report that again predicts Apple will switch to non-aluminum casing, with glass being the most likely candidate, for the majority of new iPhone models starting in 2017. If accurate, the design change would not apply to the iPhone 7 expected to launch this September.
Specifically, Kuo believes that in order to differentiate iPhone from an increasing number of competing aluminum smartphones, Apple will return to iPhone 4s-like glass casing next year to allow for an all-new form-factor design. The switch would allow Apple to again "enhance the competitiveness" and innovation of iPhone.
Kuo notes that some investors are concerned that glass casing would be too heavy or fail a drop test. However, the analyst believes that a return to glass casing will not be problematic for Apple, and the added weight in particular could be offset by the switch to lighter AMOLED screens in 2017.
Specifically, Kuo believes that in order to differentiate iPhone from an increasing number of competing aluminum smartphones, Apple will return to iPhone 4s-like glass casing next year to allow for an all-new form-factor design. The switch would allow Apple to again "enhance the competitiveness" and innovation of iPhone.
If iPhone 7 still uses an aluminum casing in 2016, it will be the fifth year in a row that iPhone has done so, which means there is no longer a feeling of freshness to appeal to consumers. Also, a lot of Apple’s (US) competitors are also adopting aluminum casings, which means iPhone no longer has a clear edge due to a lack of differentiation. On expectations that iPhone shipments will decline in 2016, we believe Apple will be more strongly motivated to use non-aluminum casings in 2017 in a bid to enhance the competitiveness of iPhone by offering an all-new form-factor design.The oft-reliable analyst adds that the ratio of new iPhone models using aluminum casing will likely drop from 100% currently to 40% or less, indicating that some aluminum-based iPhones will likely remain available for at least the short term. This could be older models like the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 series.
Kuo notes that some investors are concerned that glass casing would be too heavy or fail a drop test. However, the analyst believes that a return to glass casing will not be problematic for Apple, and the added weight in particular could be offset by the switch to lighter AMOLED screens in 2017.
Apple already uses glass casing for iPhone 4/ 4S, and non-Apple brands have also been using glass casings. We therefore think a drop test will not be problematic for glass casing. A glass casing may be slightly heavier than an aluminum one of the same thickness, but the difference is so small that the use of the thinner and lighter AMOLED panel will compensate for that.Multiple sources have claimed that Apple will release an OLED-based iPhone as early as 2017, with possible suppliers eventually including Samsung, LG Display, AU Optronics, Japan Display, Foxconn-owned Sharp, and others. Kuo said at least one model could have a 5.8-inch OLED screen with curved glass casing.
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44 months ago
why do you keep posting this KGI stuff?? this guy is never right, NEVER.
https://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/23/apple-predicted-to-discontinue-17-inch-macbook-pro/
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/13/apple-predicted-to-release-ultra-slim-12-inch-macbook-with-retina-display-in-mid-2014/
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/05/12/kgi-iphone-6s-2015-predicitions/
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/19/iphone-5c-predicted-to-replace-iphone-5-iphone-4s-sales-to-continue/
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/01/18/kuo-ipad-pro-stylus/
44 months ago
If this is true, I'll be holding off on upgrading my 6 to the 7 to get the OLED phone next year.
Hopefully it will launch earlier than usual in June for the 10th anniversary.
Flush dual cameras, no antenna lines, jet black on the front and back, no home button (integrated into screen) to reduce bezel size, edge to edge screen would be on my early wish list. Also be available in 4.7" size, rather than just the 5.5-5.8"
Hopefully it will launch earlier than usual in June for the 10th anniversary.
Flush dual cameras, no antenna lines, jet black on the front and back, no home button (integrated into screen) to reduce bezel size, edge to edge screen would be on my early wish list. Also be available in 4.7" size, rather than just the 5.5-5.8"
44 months ago
Looking more and more like the iPhone 7 is shaping up to be the most underwhelming iPhone release ever.Anyone would be a fool to buy it considering the dramatic change in 2017
44 months ago
why do you keep posting this KGI stuff?? this guy is never right, NEVER.
Kuo is not OFTEN ACCURATE, I'm tired of this crappy trope.
Kuo issues a new rumor every single day; so having a few turn up true is almost a god damn sure thing hey.
Check out confirmation bias whole slew of echo chamber rumor sites; Kuo makes money of you being naive and desperate.
The very fact Kuo issues all sort of, Apple does this for this motivation, makes me think this person is taking the piss out of everyone all the way to the bank.
Kuo has made several accurate predictions:
- Many details about the iPhone 6s (Touch ID 2.0, 12MP camera, 16/64/128GB, 3D Touch, much more…)
- iPhone SE in first half of 2016
- New 9.7" iPad in first half of 2016
- Apple Pencil
- 17" MacBook Pro discontinued
- 12-inch MacBook
- 5-megapixel FaceTime cameras on new devices
- Apple Watch Sport in yellow & rose gold
- Apple Watch launching in 2015 with 8GB storage
- iPhone 5C Predicted to Replace iPhone 5, iPhone 4S Sales to Continue
- Many iMac rumors
- More…
44 months ago
I think the iPhone should be made of chocolate. When they reach the end of useful life we eat them for a snack. I might have to buy a new one monthly though, not sure how long I could tote chocolate without having at least a nibble.
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