Apple is trying to find methods to offset an expensive upgrade to 5G, Kuo states. The analyst pegs the cost of upgrading to sub-6Ghz and millimeter wave technologies at $75 to $85 and $125 to $135, respectively. The strategy should keep consumer pricing consistent throughout the transition to 5G.
Starting with this years anticipated “iPhone 12” family, Kuo in a note to financiers on Friday said he thinks Apple will decrease the number of rigid-flex battery board layers and capture active cell parts into a smaller sized location to achieve an average system price 40% to 50% lower than iPhone 11. Looking ahead of 2021, Apples “iPhone 12S” will ditch rigid-flex boards for a flexible architecture that must shave 30% to 40% off “iPhone 12” battery unit costs.
Apple is commonly anticipated to launch 4 “iPhone 12” models this fall. More cost effective 5.4- and 6.1-inch “iPhone 12” models are rumored to sport OLED screens, dual electronic cameras, an “A14” processor and aluminum chassis, while flagship 6.1- and 6.7-inch “iPhone Pro” handsets include upgraded display screens, an additional electronic camera and, on the biggest “iPhone 12 Pro Max” model, a LiDAR Scanner. All 2020 iPhones need to boast 5G connection.
More inexpensive 5.4- and 6.1-inch “iPhone 12” designs are reported to sport OLED screens, dual cams, an “A14” processor and aluminum chassis, while flagship 6.1- and 6.7-inch “iPhone Pro” handsets include upgraded displays, an extra camera and, on the biggest “iPhone 12 Pro Max” design, a LiDAR Scanner.
Seeking to cut expenses on next-generation hardware, Apple will adopt less expensive and less intricate battery technology for so-called “iPhone 12,” “iPhone 12S” and “AirPods 3” gadgets, according to TF Securities expert Ming-Chi Kuo.
Regulative filings found in July recommend Apples 2020 iPhones will incorporate batteries with a little lowered capacities as compared to the iPhone 11 series. The lone upgrade could be a 3,687 mAh element reported for inclusion in the 6.7-inch “iPhone 12 Pro Max,” with the specification making it slightly more capacious than the 3,500 mAh version used in iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Regulative filings found in July suggest Apples 2020 iPhones will integrate batteries with slightly minimized capabilities as compared to the iPhone 11 series. Depending on handset size, this years cells are supposedly ranked at 2,227 mAh, 2,775 mAh and 2,815 mAh, compared to 3,110 mAh for iPhone 11 and 3,190 mAh for iPhone 11 Pro. The lone upgrade could be a 3,687 mAh part rumored for addition in the 6.7-inch “iPhone 12 Pro Max,” with the specification making it somewhat more capacious than the 3,500 mAh variation utilized in iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The cost saving procedures, combined with increased bargaining pressure to drive down component rates, are prepared for to hurt existing battery board providers.
Kuo includes that Apple will make comparable moves with its AirPods lineup. The company is predicted to abandon existing second-generation AirPods battery PCB tech for a system-in-package design that will debut with a third-generation design in the first half of 2021. The brand-new systems battery cells will even more drive down average unit cost, which is on track to sink 25% to 35% in the 2nd half of 2020, Kuo states.
