Okay, let's just consider the past couple months. We've seen a stream of rumors, pictures, and even videos highlighting the front panel in the 4.7" size, with the credibility and realism growing steadily over time. When you see this type of progression it's a good sign of the existence of the underlying product and its pending release. It would not be a stretch to have high confidence at this point that a 4.7" iPhone is in production with the usual Sept introduction event and ship date. But throughout the last couple of months of building credibility in a 4.7" model, we've only heard peripheral noise about a 5.5" model. This suggests one of three possibilities, I'll list in order from least probable to most probable:
1. Apple is planning a 5.5" iPhone 6 and, unlike the 4.7" model which would use the same screen technology, the same metal and color process in its case, and the same sapphire technology in its front panel, Apple is inexplicably having difficulties with these on one model but not the other. I conjecture that the same basic technology would be used in both because that is simply what would make sense. Just as Apple added the A7 to the iPad mini and gave it the same pixel count as the Air (even though that means the less expensive mini is just as capable and has a higher pixel density than its larger, more expensive cousin). So this is the least probable scenario.
2. A more probable scenario, but still in my opinion not very probable, is that the 5.5" model is nothing but a rumor. Something that got added on by over zealous sources once evidence surfaced of the 4.7" model. The rumors traveled together and the growing validity of one carried the other along for the ride. But no concrete evidence has been shown, from my monitoring of the news, that a 5.5" model has been coming along in the production phases we have seen evidence for of a 4.7" model. It may simply be a rumor that found life in the shadow of validity the the 4.7" model has exhibited.
3. In my opinion, the most probable scenario is that there will be a 5.5" model but Apple always planned to phase it into production and into its release schedule following the 4.7" model. I believe Apple will introduce both at the same time, in September, then announce availability of the 4.7" model the following week and availability of the 5.5" model 'later in the calendar year' or 'by Christmas' for example. This would make a great deal of sense to me because Apple will need time to get to supply/demand balance on the 4.7" model (which will be the more popular of the two) but will want to avoid any potential backlash from customers that would occur if they didn't also announce that another model/choice were coming on the near horizon. (A customer who would prefer a phablet model should know one is coming so that he doesn't lock himself into a two-year contract with a 4.7" model having thought that was the only new model available.) This course of action may also capture some potential Samsung customers who will wait a few more months to get an iPhone phablet rather than purchasing the expected Galaxy Note 4 when it arrives in the fall. Apple will deliver a one-two punch to Samsung with this approach without fear of not being able to deliver on huge initial demand of two new iPhone models at the same time.
You forgot 4. There is no 5.5” model: it’s an iPod touch. They’re repositioning the device for gaming, both handheld and via the Apple TV.
The A8 is going to have the last generation of console gaming devices running for the hills and this generation’s looking uneasily over their shoulders.
By the A10, there will be no contest, and this generation of consoles will still have 3-4 years on their cycles.
Do we know that the 5.5 uses the same materials? Hint - No we don't!
Why would they use different materials. They don't with the iPads. Unless they're going to do some dickish move where they make the 5.5" phone "premium" and force people to have to make a compromise rather than just picking the screen size they want. Of course that would be the complete opposite of what they did with iPads.
Good point. A little nit-picky, but I agree with you. AI editors, are you listening?
So annoying. Breaking news is actually news. Ming-Chi Kuo analyst reports is not news, it's rumors. And every year, every product cycle we get the same story about production issues/product delays. Last year it was the iPad mini. One minute it was going retina, the next retina was in doubt. Then retina was back in again. I swear analysts do this to cover themselves in case one of their predictions is wrong.
If, and I don't put any faith in what Kuo says, all iPhones are delayed until next year, then Walmart, Target, Costco, and all the other iPhones vendors who significantly dropped their prices to clear inventory in anticipation of new iPhones won't have any to sell. I could see a couple of these companies making a huge blunder but not all of them. I'm sure these vendors had to get some amount of understanding from Apple that lowering the prices wouldn't leave them high and dry. Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell.
If AAPL drops significantly on Monday, we all know who bought shorts.
Do we know that the 5.5 uses the same materials? Hint - No we don't!
Why would they use different materials. They don't with the iPads. Unless they're going to do some dickish move where they make the 5.5" phone "premium" and force people to have to make a compromise rather than just picking the screen size they want. Of course that would be the complete opposite of what they did with iPads.
I was thinking that the 5.5 might finally use LM. Also we don't know for sure that the 4.7 actually uses sapphire either. Kuo did mention that the 5.5 uses sapphire. It has also been speculated that the 5.5 will have a better camera. Too many unknowns to to make assumptions. I'd lean towards going with Kuo's predictions over some anonymous forum poster.
To be fair, it just says "Breaking" you are the one adding the word "News."
But why is this considered breaking? Usually breaking is associated with something big or important (though cable news frequently abuses the use of it). I don't see how a research note from Ming-Chi Kuo is important.
If, and I don't put any faith in what Kuo says, all iPhones are delayed until next year, then Walmart, Target, Costco, and all the other iPhones vendors who significantly dropped their prices to clear inventory in anticipation of new iPhones won't have any to sell. I could see a couple of these companies making a huge blunder but not all of them. I'm sure these vendors had to get some amount of understanding from Apple that lowering the prices wouldn't leave them high and dry. Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell.
If AAPL drops significantly on Monday, we all know who bought shorts.
You've misread the article. The delay he says may happen regards the rumored 5.5" iPhone "phablet" and not the 4.7" that's widely expected this fall.
Quote: "Apple's rumored 5.5-inch "phablet" iPhone model is said to be facing issues with its new in-cell touchscreen panel, as well as color unevenness on the new "iPhone 6" metal casing, which could see the device's launch pushed back to next year, leaving the smaller 4.7-inch model to debut alone this year,"
You forgot 4. There is no 5.5” model: it’s an iPod touch. They’re repositioning the device for gaming, both handheld and via the Apple TV.
The A8 is going to have the last generation of console gaming devices running for the hills and this generation’s looking uneasily over their shoulders.
By the A10, there will be no contest, and this generation of consoles will still have 3-4 years on their cycles.
My scenario #2 is the 'There is no 5.5" model." I didn't want to complicate the message by introducing an alternate iPod Touch theory.
To be fair, it just says "Breaking" you are the one adding the word "News."
But why is this considered breaking? Usually breaking is associated with something big or important (though cable news frequently abuses the use of it). I don't see how a research note from Ming-Chi Kuo is important.
Think of it as "This Just In!" You don't need to read so much into it. It is like putting three exclamation points at the end of a comment. No big deal.
I was thinking that the 5.5 might finally use LM. Also we don't know for sure that the 4.7 actually uses sapphire either. Kuo did mention that the 5.5 uses sapphire. It has also been speculated that the 5.5 will have a better camera. Too many unknowns to to make assumptions. I'd lean towards going with Kuo's predictions over some anonymous forum poster.
If Apple goes this route I think a lot of people will be pissed off. I was really happy with the last iPad release that basically all one had to consider was screen size (and price of course). You didn't have to make a compromise because you wanted a smaller screen. What if I consider 5.5" too big? I have to compromise and get an inferior device because I prefer a smaller screen? I can understand adding features that make more sense on a larger screen (using side by side apps on a 4" screen wouldn't make much sense) but I don't see what liquid metal or better camera has to do with screen size. So I hope Ming-Chi Kuo is wrong about that one.
I was thinking that the 5.5 might finally use LM. Also we don't know for sure that the 4.7 actually uses sapphire either. Kuo did mention that the 5.5 uses sapphire. It has also been speculated that the 5.5 will have a better camera. Too many unknowns to to make assumptions. I'd lean towards going with Kuo's predictions over some anonymous forum poster.
But, but... All the videos and images that show the front panel component and show strong evidence that it's made of sapphire are videos and images of a 4.7" display component.
Quote: "Apple's rumored 5.5-inch "phablet" iPhone model is said to be facing issues with its new in-cell touchscreen panel, as well as color unevenness on the new "iPhone 6" metal casing, which could see the device's launch pushed back to next year, leaving the smaller 4.7-inch model to debut alone this year,"
Plus he said "...meaning a later-than-expected launch for the rumored product would not have much of an effect on the company's bottom line." which can't be construed as a stock manipulation remark - not that I think anyone can actually manipulate AAPL stock at point.
Think of it as "This Just In!" You don't need to read so much into it. It is like putting three exclamation points at the end of a comment. No big deal.
It's just click bait pure and simple. Put the word breaking in bright red and people will click thinking it's something important. I guess I don't consider Ming-Chi Kuo's research notes to be that important.
Comments
1. Apple is planning a 5.5" iPhone 6 and, unlike the 4.7" model which would use the same screen technology, the same metal and color process in its case, and the same sapphire technology in its front panel, Apple is inexplicably having difficulties with these on one model but not the other. I conjecture that the same basic technology would be used in both because that is simply what would make sense. Just as Apple added the A7 to the iPad mini and gave it the same pixel count as the Air (even though that means the less expensive mini is just as capable and has a higher pixel density than its larger, more expensive cousin). So this is the least probable scenario.
2. A more probable scenario, but still in my opinion not very probable, is that the 5.5" model is nothing but a rumor. Something that got added on by over zealous sources once evidence surfaced of the 4.7" model. The rumors traveled together and the growing validity of one carried the other along for the ride. But no concrete evidence has been shown, from my monitoring of the news, that a 5.5" model has been coming along in the production phases we have seen evidence for of a 4.7" model. It may simply be a rumor that found life in the shadow of validity the the 4.7" model has exhibited.
3. In my opinion, the most probable scenario is that there will be a 5.5" model but Apple always planned to phase it into production and into its release schedule following the 4.7" model. I believe Apple will introduce both at the same time, in September, then announce availability of the 4.7" model the following week and availability of the 5.5" model 'later in the calendar year' or 'by Christmas' for example. This would make a great deal of sense to me because Apple will need time to get to supply/demand balance on the 4.7" model (which will be the more popular of the two) but will want to avoid any potential backlash from customers that would occur if they didn't also announce that another model/choice were coming on the near horizon. (A customer who would prefer a phablet model should know one is coming so that he doesn't lock himself into a two-year contract with a 4.7" model having thought that was the only new model available.) This course of action may also capture some potential Samsung customers who will wait a few more months to get an iPhone phablet rather than purchasing the expected Galaxy Note 4 when it arrives in the fall. Apple will deliver a one-two punch to Samsung with this approach without fear of not being able to deliver on huge initial demand of two new iPhone models at the same time.
Why is this called breaking?! Breaking should only be reserved for actual news, not analyst rumors!
Good point. A little nit-picky, but I agree with you. AI editors, are you listening?
You forgot 4. There is no 5.5” model: it’s an iPod touch. They’re repositioning the device for gaming, both handheld and via the Apple TV.
The A8 is going to have the last generation of console gaming devices running for the hills and this generation’s looking uneasily over their shoulders.
By the A10, there will be no contest, and this generation of consoles will still have 3-4 years on their cycles.
Its the week before earnings, so bring forth every crazy, half-baked rumor known to man...
Yep, sounds like somebody is shorting AAPL again.
I am beginning to think that AI has become the PR newswire for dubious analysts. AI gets so many "leaked" analyst reports on Sunday. What gives?
Because we fall for the click bait every time.
Agreed but sill not as irritating as "epic fail"
If, and I don't put any faith in what Kuo says, all iPhones are delayed until next year, then Walmart, Target, Costco, and all the other iPhones vendors who significantly dropped their prices to clear inventory in anticipation of new iPhones won't have any to sell. I could see a couple of these companies making a huge blunder but not all of them. I'm sure these vendors had to get some amount of understanding from Apple that lowering the prices wouldn't leave them high and dry. Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell.
If AAPL drops significantly on Monday, we all know who bought shorts.
Do we know that the 5.5 uses the same materials? Hint - No we don't!
Why would they use different materials. They don't with the iPads. Unless they're going to do some dickish move where they make the 5.5" phone "premium" and force people to have to make a compromise rather than just picking the screen size they want. Of course that would be the complete opposite of what they did with iPads.
I was thinking that the 5.5 might finally use LM. Also we don't know for sure that the 4.7 actually uses sapphire either. Kuo did mention that the 5.5 uses sapphire. It has also been speculated that the 5.5 will have a better camera. Too many unknowns to to make assumptions. I'd lean towards going with Kuo's predictions over some anonymous forum poster.
To be fair, it just says "Breaking" you are the one adding the word "News."
Quote: "Apple's rumored 5.5-inch "phablet" iPhone model is said to be facing issues with its new in-cell touchscreen panel, as well as color unevenness on the new "iPhone 6" metal casing, which could see the device's launch pushed back to next year, leaving the smaller 4.7-inch model to debut alone this year,"
Ming-Chi Kuo bribed by Samsung?
My scenario #2 is the 'There is no 5.5" model." I didn't want to complicate the message by introducing an alternate iPod Touch theory.
To be fair, it just says "Breaking" you are the one adding the word "News."
But why is this considered breaking? Usually breaking is associated with something big or important (though cable news frequently abuses the use of it). I don't see how a research note from Ming-Chi Kuo is important.
Think of it as "This Just In!" You don't need to read so much into it. It is like putting three exclamation points at the end of a comment. No big deal.
But, but... All the videos and images that show the front panel component and show strong evidence that it's made of sapphire are videos and images of a 4.7" display component.
Plus he said "...meaning a later-than-expected launch for the rumored product would not have much of an effect on the company's bottom line." which can't be construed as a stock manipulation remark - not that I think anyone can actually manipulate AAPL stock at point.