Apple predicted to launch 2 big-screen iPhones, Retina displays for iPad mini & MacBook Air
According to DisplaySearch, the coming year will see Apple revamping displays across nearly all of its product line, introducing Retina iPad minis, Retina MacBook Airs, and the long-rumored larger-screened iPhone.
Apple has moved away from its traditional role as an early adoptor of display technology, DisplaySearch vice president David Hsieh writes in a post to the company blog, but that is set to change over the next year. Citing supply chain research, Hsieh says that Apple will count on display technology for new product innovation in late 2013 and throughout 2014.
Hsieh believes that Apple's display tech turnaround will begin later this month when Apple reveals its new iPads in a media event. That event, according to DisplayTech, will see the introduction of an iPad mini with a Retina display. Such a device has been rumored since the release of the first iPad mini, but analysts disagree over whether Apple will be able to push out a new mini in time for the holiday season. Many have noted the difficulty of putting a battery capable of supporting a Retina display into the mini's small form factor, but Hsieh predicts the next generation of mini will feature a 2048x1536 display when it is unveiled.
Hsieh also says another long-anticipated iOS device will make an appearance next year, an iPhone with a 4.7-inch 1280x720 display. The DisplaySearch note points to not only one larger-screened iPhone, but two, with the second being a "phablet" device packing a 5.7-inch display outputting at 1920x1080. Those devices, the report predicts, will hits shelves in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Putting a larger screen on Apple's bestselling device has been the suggestion of many analysts over the past year. While the iPhone is still the best selling smartphone on the planet, its competitors dwarf it in terms of screen size. Rumors saying a larger iPhone is in the offing regularly pop up, typically accompanied by an explanation of how the larger screen will help Apple push back against its competitors. Apple CEO Tim Cook has not ruled out the possibility of a larger screen for the iPhone, but he says such a device would only emerge once Apple can do it without trade-offs in power consumption, longevity, color reproduction, and other factors.
Hsieh's report also sees Apple releasing an iPad with a 12.9-inch display outputting at 2732x1536 in 2014. Other recent reports have pointed to such a device as a likely outgrowth of Apple's choice of a 64-bit processor for the iPhone 5s.
Hsieh's report also points to two heavily rumored Apple products that have seen less press as this year's iPhones and iPads approached launch. DisplaySearch believes the iWatch wearable device and the long-rumored Apple TV will both see release in 2014. The Apple TV, according to Hsieh will debut in 55- and 65-inch 4K LCD models in the third quarter of next year, while the fourth quarter of 2014 will see the iWatch appearing with a 1.3- or 1.63-inch flexible AMOLED display outputting at 320x320. Apple has not commented on the existence of either an iWatch or an Apple-branded television set. Instead, the company has only hinted that it has product "surprises" slated for late-2013 and all of 2014.
Apple has moved away from its traditional role as an early adoptor of display technology, DisplaySearch vice president David Hsieh writes in a post to the company blog, but that is set to change over the next year. Citing supply chain research, Hsieh says that Apple will count on display technology for new product innovation in late 2013 and throughout 2014.
Hsieh believes that Apple's display tech turnaround will begin later this month when Apple reveals its new iPads in a media event. That event, according to DisplayTech, will see the introduction of an iPad mini with a Retina display. Such a device has been rumored since the release of the first iPad mini, but analysts disagree over whether Apple will be able to push out a new mini in time for the holiday season. Many have noted the difficulty of putting a battery capable of supporting a Retina display into the mini's small form factor, but Hsieh predicts the next generation of mini will feature a 2048x1536 display when it is unveiled.
It is clear from its products that Apple is a strong believer in high resolution, wide color gamut and wide viewing angle displays.
?DisplaySearch's David HSieh
Hsieh also says another long-anticipated iOS device will make an appearance next year, an iPhone with a 4.7-inch 1280x720 display. The DisplaySearch note points to not only one larger-screened iPhone, but two, with the second being a "phablet" device packing a 5.7-inch display outputting at 1920x1080. Those devices, the report predicts, will hits shelves in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Putting a larger screen on Apple's bestselling device has been the suggestion of many analysts over the past year. While the iPhone is still the best selling smartphone on the planet, its competitors dwarf it in terms of screen size. Rumors saying a larger iPhone is in the offing regularly pop up, typically accompanied by an explanation of how the larger screen will help Apple push back against its competitors. Apple CEO Tim Cook has not ruled out the possibility of a larger screen for the iPhone, but he says such a device would only emerge once Apple can do it without trade-offs in power consumption, longevity, color reproduction, and other factors.
Hsieh's report also sees Apple releasing an iPad with a 12.9-inch display outputting at 2732x1536 in 2014. Other recent reports have pointed to such a device as a likely outgrowth of Apple's choice of a 64-bit processor for the iPhone 5s.
...we believe Apple is planning to revamp nearly all of the displays in its products over the next year. This would indicate that Apple, once again, intends to count on display technology for new product innovation.DisplaySearch sees Apple finally bringing Retina display technology to its ultra-lightweight notebook in 2014. While the 2013 MacBook Air saw praise for its long battery life, some questioned Apple's decision not to release the device with a high-resolution display. Such an inclusion, though, might have cut down on the Air's "all-day battery life," a major selling point for Apple. Hsieh believes that Apple will change that with the 2014 model, leveraging low-power chips to balance out any increased power consumption from the display.
?Hsieh
Hsieh's report also points to two heavily rumored Apple products that have seen less press as this year's iPhones and iPads approached launch. DisplaySearch believes the iWatch wearable device and the long-rumored Apple TV will both see release in 2014. The Apple TV, according to Hsieh will debut in 55- and 65-inch 4K LCD models in the third quarter of next year, while the fourth quarter of 2014 will see the iWatch appearing with a 1.3- or 1.63-inch flexible AMOLED display outputting at 320x320. Apple has not commented on the existence of either an iWatch or an Apple-branded television set. Instead, the company has only hinted that it has product "surprises" slated for late-2013 and all of 2014.
Comments
I am sorry but the DisplaySearch information seems pathetic at best. Anyone who has been around Apple for the last 15 years will look at this with incredulous eyes and for good reason IMHO.
Just sorry that AI has to post this as is and not with some prejudice.
My view in summary is this.... Apple orders a good amount of samples for design prototyping and testing. These samples are being picked up and used as rumour mongering analysis and lack any insight.
I can only hope I am wrong about some of these items, but my sensibility rolls my eyes.
What IS that ghastly screaming sound?
Oh...it's my wallet.
Apple has always followed the "slimmer and smaller" form. It's just the way humans are meant to use their devices. It is insane to hold a brick against your face while talking to someone. Equally embarrasing is pulling out a piece of concrete from your pocket to check time or weather.
Appled deemed iPad as 'too big', so they made an iPad Mini. The 17" MBP was not too portable, so they dropped it in favour of smaller and more portable 13" and 15" MBP. The huge Mac Pro is now a much smaller machine. iPhones and iPad and iPods have become slimmer over time. That's what Apple does - value ergonomics.
If Apple makes a 5" iPhone, it is a clear indication that Apple has lost it. They have forgotten the Liberal Arts married with Technology prospect, in favour of quantity and competition. Although, being an Apple user since 2000s, I seriously doubt that this could at all be a possibility. I hope Apple never makes a larger iPhone, if it compromises with ergonomics.
Apple isn’t in the piece of Schmidt business.
That’s idiotic. So, what, 16:9? No, not even that. Who knows what that resolution is.
It’s an iPad. 4:3.
Hope so.
Exactly. It’s Apple; no worries here.
Good grief.
BUT IS IT IGZO?! I want a flexible IGZO AMOLED QD 4K BLT display or no sale.
A larger iPhone is the final and last missing piece of the puzzle. I think it will easily outsell the 4" version assuming it is priced the same. But I imagine it will add an extra $100 to the price as Apple tends to do which may decrease sales to a degree. There is a huge pent up demand from current iPhone owners that have been begging for a larger screen. There are also many Android users who cite the small iPhone display as the only reason they stick with Android. Playing games like Modern War, Kingdom Age, Clash of Clans and really most games is just painful on a 4" display. Once Apple has a larger iPhone I think iOS share will easily pass 50% of U.S. market share and also increase significantly in other countries. I just hope I will be able to sell my gold 5s for a decent price once the larger ones are released.
I've been looking forward to the day that Apple creates a bigger iPhone, but these guys lost me when they said:
These are Android screen sizes. Apple has always scaled up from its current screen resolution, not adopted some one else's. It does this for the reason of easing developers paths in resizing images and also allowing newer devices to easily run legacy apps. If the above were true, then easy scaling of current apps would be lost and conversely, it would make it easier for iPhone app developers to port to Android, at least with respect to UI layout and images. Neither of these outcomes is in Apple's (or dare I say it, its users') interests.
I've been looking forward to the day that Apple creates a bigger iPhone, but these guys lost me when they said:
These are Android screen sizes. Apple has always scaled up from its current screen resolution, not adopted some one else's. It does this for the reason of easing developers paths in resizing images and also allowing newer devices to easily run legacy apps. If the above were true, then easy scaling of current apps would be lost and conversely, it would make it easier for iPhone app developers to port to Android, at least with respect to UI layout and images. Neither of these outcomes is in Apple's (or dare I say it, its users') interests.
I agree. I think it is EXTREMELY unlikely Apple would release 2 new models alsong with the updates for the 5c and 5s for a total of 4. They will likely just add one larger display model and it certainly would have a better resolution than 1280*720. This is often the case a year in advance where rumors are way off the mark. I think most people expect for Apple to make a larger version in the 4.7" to 5" range. Any iPhone about that size would satisfy the vast majority of consumers.
That is 16:9 and indeed does not make one bit of sense.
DisplaySearch. Phuleeze.
They should add a tagline to their name:
'Unable to see'
But… 2732/16 = 170.75. Is that close enough?
It is. I use this site, and it tells me:
An image with dimensions 2732x1536 has an aspect ratio of 1.779
An image with dimensions 16x9 has an aspect ratio of 1.778
So, a rounding error, if you will.
Still, you'd be right in saying Apple will probably tick with their 4:3 and rightfully so. I actually know somebody who has an Android tablet (don't know the HW maker) and it's 16:9 and looks pretty awful when reading mail, Internet, calendar...
A larger iPhone is the final and last missing piece of the puzzle. I think it will easily outsell the 4" version assuming it is priced the same. But I imagine it will add an extra $100 to the price as Apple tends to do which may decrease sales to a degree. There is a huge pent up demand from current iPhone owners that have been begging for a larger screen. There are also many Android users who cite the small iPhone display as the only reason they stick with Android. Playing games like Modern War, Kingdom Age, Clash of Clans and really most games is just painful on a 4" display. Once Apple has a larger iPhone I think iOS share will easily pass 50% of U.S. market share and also increase significantly in other countries. I just hope I will be able to sell my gold 5s for a decent price once the larger ones are released.
I think that there is also a big contingent who stick with iPhone because it is the only "premium" smartphone with a smaller-screen, pocketable design. If given a choice between a 4/4.7" iPhone and a 5.7" device next year, I'll go with the smaller phone. I've heard a lot of people complain that Android phones are too big, and that we're going in the wrong direction. Technology usually leads to smaller devices, not bigger devices.
1) I think the camera is a thing of beauty
2) I really do not want a bigger phone. I actually liked the 3.5" display FF a better phone, for its pocket-ability, which a phone should be, like you say.
Still, you'd be right in saying Apple will probably tick with their 4:3 and rightfully so. I actually know somebody who has an Android tablet (don't know the HW maker) and it's 16:9 and looks pretty awful when reading mail, Internet, calendar...
Probably just the tablet. My phone is 16:9 and it displays everything perfectly. Then again, I've never experienced the majority of the problems that people at AI have had with Android. The members here and their friends may be the unluckiest bunch in the world when it comes to Android devices.
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I don't think that's necessary. At the current resolution and ratio, a 720 screen would come in at about 4.5", a great size. Not sure how that would be dealt with, being 4.5 icons wide on the Homescreen (160px per icon), and it might even still be too big for some, but it's a very practical step. For 1080 they'd have to up the resolution, and that would decrease their tap zones or need scaling, something that might still be a way off software-wise.
4.7"? I don't think so.
4.3" - 4.5" - Yes. Somewhere in that range.
Phablet? Uh uh. That is so unApple imho.
If Apple creates a 4.3" premium phone next year then the line up will make more sense, imo.
5c moves to the $0 slot, the 5s moves to the $99 slot and the 4.3" moves to the top of the heap. I mean, really, how do you keep the 5c in the middle? What would go at the bottom? Two plastic phones, mid and bottom tier, would just be confusing.
I really believe that Apple will differentiate its line-up next year with 3 different sizes... and this time the connectors will all be the same.
iPad mini RD? Of course. Isn't that a no brainer.
I would argue that it's Apple that chooses their screen sizes based on their OS, manufacturers who load on Android don't give a f what getting the cheapest display they can does to the software. Agreed, Apple won't use these odd sizes.
I don't think that's necessary. At the current resolution and ratio, a 720 screen would come in at about 4.5", a great size. Not sure how that would be dealt with, being 4.5 icons wide on the Homescreen (160px per icon), and it might even still be too big for some, but it's a very practical step. For 1080 they'd have to up the resolution, and that would decrease their tap zones or need scaling, something that might still be a way off software-wise.
If Apple makes a larger version of the iPhone they would likely keep a 4" version as well. There would be no reason to compromise with a 4.5" making the current customers who like the smaller display unhappy because they think 4.5" is too big and the people like me that want a larger display unhappy because we think 4.5" is still too small. It would be a fantastic line up with a an iPhone 6c as their entry, iPhone 6 as the 5s upgrade and an iPhone 6+ or whatever they decide to call the larger iPhone.
iPhones (16:9):
- 4" (iPhone 5x)
- 4.7" (aka 5")
'Phablet' (16:9?):
- 5.7" (aka 6")
iPads (4:3?):
- 7.9" (aka 8") iPad Mini
- 9.7" (aka 10") iPad
- 11.9" (aka 12") or 13.1" (aka 13") "iPad Pro"?
Taken together, it seems pretty unlikely.
That said, I've long maintained that the next "logical" additions, based on Apple's current 4", 8", 10", and 13" (MacBook) screen sizes would be:
- A 6" mobile device (in between iPhone and iPad Mini), e.g. "iPad Nano" or "iPhone Pro", that is essentially a smaller iPad with cellular telephony included.
- A 12" (possibly 13"?) mobile device, e.g. "iPad Pro".
It's not impossible to imagine Apple maintaining up to 5 device screen sizes: 1 ~ 2 phone screen sizes and 3 ~ 4 iPad screen sizes. One of the problems that surfaces though is the difference between the iPhone 16:9 widescreen format, and the 4:3 iPad format, and deciding where the best transition point happens. e.g. Which format would a 6" iPhone Pro/iPad Nano be?
I expect we'll see a 6" device at some point. And we suspect they're exploring larger than 10" form factors%u2026 perhaps we'll end up with both.