Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is once again cautioning investors that Apple's anticipated flagship "iPhone 8" could be in extremely limited supply to end 2017, thanks to the expected adoption of a number of new technologies, namely an edge-to-edge OLED display.
Apple is testing a variety of different technologies for this year's "iPhone 8," according to a report reaffirming many rumors about the phone's features, such as an edge-to-edge Samsung OLED display and new camera technology.
New supply chain data shows the impact of a $9 billion OLED screen contract on Samsung, which could see as many as 55 million "iPhone 8" flagship phones shipping to consumers by the end of this year.
Despite an expected higher construction cost, and reports suggesting that the "iPhone 8" will start at $1,000, one financial analyst believes the 10th anniversary iPhone will retail starting at $850, only a slight premium over the "iPhone 7s" and Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.
A new analyst report sees Apple outperforming an expanding premiums smartphone market, with the company garnering its highest market share in four years in the US, Japan, and Europe.
Conflicting rumors peg the 2017 iPhone refresh to boast OLED screens in just the "iPhone 8," or the high-end model and in the "iPhone 7s," or in nothing at all. AppleInsider examines the technology, and discusses why — or why not — it may make an appearance later in the year.
While the underlying technology behind the charging may change, the Lightning port will remain on all of Apple's three new iPhones coming later this year — including the flagship "iPhone 8" — according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities.
Apple's main mobile processor manufacturer, TSMC, is reportedly set to begin commercial shipments of 10-nanometer chips in the next month — likely supporting claims that the "A11" processors in upcoming iPhones will use the technology.
While not much has been said up until now about Apple's possible intentions for user storage on the "iPhone 8," a new report claims that the high-end device will have at least 64 gigabytes of flash storage, with a second configuration boasting 256 gigabytes.
While the handsets are still on track to launch September, Apple's 2017 iPhone lineup — led by an anticipated high-end OLED model — is rumored to go into production earlier than the usual timeframe, in a move that could allow the company more time to iron out kinks associated with new technology.
As rumors continue to suggest Apple will ditch the home button on this year's flagship "iPhone 8" redesign, a newly leaked image claims to show Samsung's next-generation "Galaxy S8" handset also deleting its own home button.
Recent supply chain reports suggest that once and possibly future iPhone manufacturer Wistron is expanding its efforts in India, possibly as a way to help Apple fulfill local sourcing requirements for future iPhones.
iPhone sales in the second half of 2017 could reach a massive 150 million units, as Apple suppliers are gearing up for a massive upgrade cycle set to outperform the iPhone 6 series, based on pent-up demand for new designs and new technology, like wireless charging.
With Apple expected to launch three new iPhone models next year, a new report suggests the company could slash prices on the 4.7- and 5.5-inch models with legacy LCD technology, allowing them to appeal to a new segment of consumers.
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