7 New Features and Upgrades Coming to 2019’s iPhone Lineup
Credit: Bro.King
New iPhones are coming. Apple is largely expected to debut three new smartphones later this year, each a direct successor to the models released in 2018. While there won’t be a radical redesign or lineup change, 2019's iPhones are still expected to sport some significantly upgraded technology. From better cameras to a faster chipset and more, continue reading to learn about seven major features you can expect on the upcoming iPhones.
More Powerful Batteries
From Batterygate to new claims that Apple exaggerates the battery life on its handsets, the Cupertino tech giant is no stranger to battery-related controversies. Mostly, that’s because battery life is one of the most important smartphone features to the majority of consumers. Luckily for Apple fans, the 2019 iPhone lineup is largely expected to receive a battery capacity bump.
The iPhone XS successor will receive a 25% larger battery, the iPhone XS Max successor will get a 10 to 15% larger battery, and the iPhone XR successor will receive a 5% battery increase.
Larger batteries will be especially important, since the new iPhones are also rumored to be receiving another related feature (which we’ll cover in the next slide).
Two-Way Wireless Charging
There have been multiple reports suggesting that the 2019 iPhone lineup will sport two-way wireless charging, also known as bilateral wireless charging. Essentially, the new iPhones will be able to charge another device through their rear wireless charging coils.
If the feature is anything like two-way wireless charging on recent Samsung devices, it means that one iPhone will be able to charge another. But it could also mean users will be able to charge their AirPods Wireless Charging Case and other accessories with their smartphones. The Apple Watch may also be compatible, although Apple will need to adjust its charging standards — since the Apple Watch doesn’t technically use Qi wireless charging.
Wide-Angle, 'Night Sight' Triple-Lens Camera
By the looks of it, the camera is going to be the most significant upgrade on the 2019 iPhone lineup. Apple is largely expected to add a triple-lens camera system on its iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max successor, while the iPhone XR2 will likely receive a dual-lens camera setup. That mean big changes for iPhone cameras.
A triple-lens system will offer a wide variety of benefits, from increased telephoto zoom to significantly improved performance in low-light environments. The triple-lens iPhones are also expected to sport an ultra-wide-angle lens, which means that users will be able to capture much more of a scene. On the other hand, a triple-lens system necessitates the use of a different camera bump — and Apple’s current rumored design has been called “ugly.”
Indoor Navigation Features
One of the more interesting rumored additions to the 2019 iPhone lineup is the possible inclusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB is a short-radio communications technology that can allow for much more precise and accurate location services. Essentially, it’s a bit like GPS, but it can be used for indoor navigation.
The feature could have a wide arrange of benefits, from getting more precise location data in Find My iPhone to simple turn-by-turn navigation features within airports, malls or other large buildings. Of course, UWB requires that transmitter systems be installed at such locations. But hey, look at how quickly contactless payment systems spread after Apple Pay. It’s possible that Apple’s new feature could spur the same type of adoption.
Fast Charging in the Box
For the last few years, Apple’s iPhones have included the ability to take advantage of USB-C fast charging. Basically, the feature allows the iPhone to reach about 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes. But there’s been a problem: Apple’s iPhones don’t come with the necessary accessories to take advantage of the feature.
That could change this year. While there have been some conflicting rumors on the issue, the latest reports claim that Apple’s 2019 iPhone lineup with come bundled with the firm’s new 18W charger — which was first introduced with the 2018 iPad Pros. Along with an included USB-C to Lightning cable, users will have everything they need to use USB-C fast charging out of the box.
A13 Silicon
A new year means a new Apple-designed chip, and this year’s iPhone silicon is largely expected to be dubbed the A13. According to a report published this week, Apple supply chain partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is already gearing up to kick off mass production of the chip this month.
While it may not be the most exciting change to the 2019 iPhone lineup, a new chipset may just be one of the most impactful. Just consider that the A12 Bionic is already nearly as fast as top-line desktop CPUs. We’re not sure just how powerful the A13 will be, but rest assured that it’s going to break some records once benchmarks start surfacing.
A Slightly Redesigned Form Factor
In addition to a new squarish camera bump, we’ve heard a handful of rumors relating to the design and overall form factor of the 2019 iPhone lineup. To be clear, there doesn’t appear to be anything radical on the table — the 2019 iPhones will largely look the same as their predecessors.
But that doesn’t mean the chassis and external components will be unchanged. The new iPhones may feature a redesigned Mute button, microphone placement and a new back panel crafted from a single piece of glass. Another rumor suggests that the glass casing itself could be “frosted." The new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models may also be ever so slightly thicker than their predecessors.