Mike Wuerthele
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects a trio of iPhones in 2020, and revising a previous prediction, he now thinks that all three will have 5G, instead of just two of them.
In a research note, Ming-Chi Kuo from TF Securities cites competition from 5G adoption in high-end Android phones, forcing the revision from Apple. As a result of the proliferation, Kuo believes that consumer sentiment will demand that all of the 2020 models have the technology.
What isn't yet certain is if Apple will release a 5G phone without mmWave technologies for some markets like China that only will support sub-6GHz networks. Kuo believes that "Apple and EMS who are currently focusing on developing and testing mmWave may not have enough development resources if Apple would like to develop the 5G iPhone, which will only support Sub-6GHz."
For 5G specifically, frequencies can be generally categorized into one of two groups — low-frequency sub-6GHz bands, and higher-frequency 6GHz bands. The first low range consists of bands that are currently used for existing mobile network communications, as low as 600MHz and up to 2,600MHz, though it can also include "C-Bands" up to 4,700MHz.
The 6GHz band is referred to as mmWave in the US. It is the part of the 5G specification that delivers the fast speeds — assuming that a handset is within the short range of a mmWave transmitter.
Rumors have suggested that Apple will use a smaller TrueDepth camera — allowing it to shrink the notch on OLED screens — plus a seven-piece lens system for the rear camera. A more questionable claim is that there could be a China-exclusive model that switches out Face ID for subscreen Touch ID.
A recent rumor suggests that the Taptic Engine responsible for all of the iPhone haptics will see a revision in 2019, and carried along to the 2020 iPhone.
It is generally believed that Apple will have three models, all of them OLED-based, in 5.4-, 6.1-, and 6.7-inch sizes. Kuo previously believed that the 6.1-inch unit would forego 5G support, relegating it to mid-tier status like 2018's iPhone XR
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
44 Comments
Apple will incorporate/release it when it’s ready and benefits their product line—not out of this ridiculous idea of “pressure” from competitors. That’s how they react.
If all 2020 iphones are 5G and OLED than that gives option of screen size vs pricing. Easier to make decision and purchase 2020 iPhone. Though 5G service additional cost could be a deterrent when I am perfectly fine with 4G LTE if consistently available.
Well yeh, Duh!