Well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has several new predictions about this year’s iPhone lineup.
In a research note distributed to KGI’s clients over the weekend, Kuo forecasted details for the rumored iPhone X Plus, as well as rebutted several rumors about the entry-level iPhone SE 2.
iPhone X Plus
In their most recent research note, KGI Securities maintained that Apple will release three iPhones in the fall. That includes two OLED-based devices, as well as one iPhone that sports an LCD display.
While some outlets reported last week that Apple could ditch plans for two OLED-based models, Kuo, along with several other reputable media outlets, still believe that Apple will release a 5.8-inch iPhone X successor, a 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus, and a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone that’s geared toward the midrange market.
Kuo also gave predictions concerning those devices’ battery specifications.
- The analyst claims that both OLED iPhones — 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch — would sport the L-shaped battery design of the 2017 iPhone X.
- The 6.5-inch OLED iPhone X Plus would be equipped with a battery capacity between 3,300 and 3,400 mAh, while the 5.8-inch OLED iPhone would have a battery similar to the current iPhone X — with a capacity between 2,700 to 2,800 mAh, Kuo wrote.
- The midrange 6.1-inch LCD iPhone would use the traditional rectangular shape for its battery, but could see a capacity bump to 2,850 to 2,950 mAh.
Other Rumors
- Interestingly, Kuo also believes the LCD-based phone could feature the “notch” design of the iPhone X, despite lacking 3D sensing or a rear dual-camera setup (corroborating previous reports about the single-lens nature of the device).
- While Kuo did not mention wireless charging, previous reports suggested that the LCD iPhone would use a metal construction, and as a result, would lack the new charging tech.
- On another note, the lack of 3D sensing seems to suggest that the LCD iPhone won’t feature Face ID or a TrueDepth Camera. Kuo had previously predicted that Face ID could be coming to all iPhones this year, so it seems that the analyst has backpedaled from that prediction.
iPhone SE 2
- Kuo cast doubt on rumors that Apple’s iPhone SE successors would sport high-end features such as wireless charging, 3D sensing technology, or even any upgrades in form factor.
- Previously, a handful of reports suggested that the second-generation iPhone SE would come equipped with a range of iPhone X-esque features, including a glass constructions and wireless charging. But KGI believes that these new iPhone features will be set aside for Apple’s devices on the higher-end of the spectrum, at least for now.
- The research firm believes, purely on speculation, that the so-called iPhone SE 2 could feature a slightly upgraded processor and the ability to run iOS 12, which is expected later this year.
- The device would continue to use cheaper components, which could translate to an overall lower price point.
iPhone SE 2 rumors first surfaced last summer, when reports claimed that the device — which could be manufactured by Wistron in Bengaluru, India — would sport incrementally upgraded internals such as an A10 chipset.
Most reports hint that the iPhone SE 2 could launch in the first half of the year, but individuals reports conflict about the exact timing.
It’s worth noting that Apple released the first iPhone SE in March 2016, before updating the lineup in March 2017. While a March 2018 unveiling isn’t a guarantee by any means, it would line up with Apple’s historical patterns for the device.