2018 iPhone models to boast enhanced LTE transmission, support 4x4 MIMO
Apple's next-generation iPhone lineup, due for debut in 2018, will build on LTE antenna technology introduced with iPhone X to support ultra-fast transmissions speeds designated by 4x4 MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) standards.
Source: KGI Research
In a research note to investors on Tuesday, well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple will likely upgrade its antenna design to include flexible circuit boards crafted from liquid crystal polymer. Compared to FPCBs made from polyamide, LCP models offer superior frequency attenuation, thermal performance and moisture resistance.
Apple currently employs two LCP FCPBs in iPhone X, while the iPhone 8 series sports a single LCP module. Next year, the company is expected to include at least two LCP LTE antenna modules per device, if not more. In addition, the hardware will feature higher specifications to support 4x4 MIMO standards, Kuo says.
Though competing handset makers plan to make the transition to 5G, Apple is seemingly content to maximize the potential of 4G LTE technologies. Samsung's Galaxy S8 was one of the first to support Gigabit speeds, notably through 4x4 MIMO, carrier aggregation and 256 QAM offered in some cities by T-Mobile.
Current Apple supplier Career, which furnishes about 20 to 25 percent of all LCP LTE antenna FPCBs for iPhone X, is predicted to grow its share of orders to 45 to 50 percent in 2018. Since the firm does focuses on FPCB manufacture, not in-house antenna module integration, it might need assistance from other vendors. Kuo sees Luxshare-ICT and Sunway as the most viable candidates.
For 2017, Apple's iPhone LCP modules were supplied by Murata and Amphenol, which were integrated into FPCBs manufactured by Murata and Career.
Earlier this month, Kuo said he expects Apple to release three new iPhone models in 2018, including a 6.5-inch OLED model that will seemingly serve as an up-sized iPhone X. Apple is also said to be working on a new LCD handset with a 6.1-inch display, a model Kuo believes will be aimed at the low-end and mid-range smartphone markets.
Features have yet to be revealed, but the analyst says Apple will likely integrate its advanced TrueDepth camera system in the LCD version as the company moves away from Touch ID to Face ID facial recognition.
Source: KGI Research
In a research note to investors on Tuesday, well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple will likely upgrade its antenna design to include flexible circuit boards crafted from liquid crystal polymer. Compared to FPCBs made from polyamide, LCP models offer superior frequency attenuation, thermal performance and moisture resistance.
Apple currently employs two LCP FCPBs in iPhone X, while the iPhone 8 series sports a single LCP module. Next year, the company is expected to include at least two LCP LTE antenna modules per device, if not more. In addition, the hardware will feature higher specifications to support 4x4 MIMO standards, Kuo says.
Though competing handset makers plan to make the transition to 5G, Apple is seemingly content to maximize the potential of 4G LTE technologies. Samsung's Galaxy S8 was one of the first to support Gigabit speeds, notably through 4x4 MIMO, carrier aggregation and 256 QAM offered in some cities by T-Mobile.
Current Apple supplier Career, which furnishes about 20 to 25 percent of all LCP LTE antenna FPCBs for iPhone X, is predicted to grow its share of orders to 45 to 50 percent in 2018. Since the firm does focuses on FPCB manufacture, not in-house antenna module integration, it might need assistance from other vendors. Kuo sees Luxshare-ICT and Sunway as the most viable candidates.
For 2017, Apple's iPhone LCP modules were supplied by Murata and Amphenol, which were integrated into FPCBs manufactured by Murata and Career.
Earlier this month, Kuo said he expects Apple to release three new iPhone models in 2018, including a 6.5-inch OLED model that will seemingly serve as an up-sized iPhone X. Apple is also said to be working on a new LCD handset with a 6.1-inch display, a model Kuo believes will be aimed at the low-end and mid-range smartphone markets.
Features have yet to be revealed, but the analyst says Apple will likely integrate its advanced TrueDepth camera system in the LCD version as the company moves away from Touch ID to Face ID facial recognition.
Comments
iPhone X2
iPhone XL
iPhone XS
and the budget
iPhone X
This simple lineup would move development forward so fast.
Everything else is wild-eyed speculation.
I’ve recently decided I don’t need an iPhone 8 or X... just gonna fly along fine with my old 6s, which I bought with enough extra memory to get me by nicely.
But I do understand the concern, that is why I kind of think 5G will be like 3G, there are little incentive for users past a certain level. Massive MIMO, More Spectrum and Refarming, LAA would means current LTE networks getting at least 3 - 5x capacity increase.
Personally, my two cents, 4G LTE-advanced is going to be the leading technology for quite a while supporting gigabit speeds. 5G has some major standardization and technical problems to overcome like the higher frequencies allocated under 5G unable to travel farther and unable to travel through the walls, thus limiting it’s effectiveness in deployment. Future is combining and layering radio technologies like 5G alongside 4G and using MIMO, multiple liquid crystal antennas, more bands and more carrier aggregation. Just think of 5G as more stronger radio waves, which can also have a potential impact on your brain. So keep your tin foil hats ready and drink more water. After all, microwaves at your home are nothing more than 6G frequencies operating above 100Ghz of electromagnetic radiation spectrum, while 5G will be just under 100Ghz.
The notch is ugly. I do not approve. I find it unlikely that Steve Jobs would have approved. But he’s dead now for 6 years. Six years!
Headlines:
Apple production delays due to key component.
Before 5G becomes a reality for the majority, I can see many users upgrading handsets once or twice.
In the meantime, having enough antennas and efficient modems on those upgraded handsets to squeeze the most out of 4.5G will offer benefits that go beyond pure speed.
For what it’s worth, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the notch when I got the X but I’ve come to feel fine with it for the most part. You may be right that Steve wouldn’t have approved but I don’t think the notch is a real problem—it’s rarely distracting (I don’t even mind it with full screen video) and it does add some character to the phone. With that said, I love the rounded screen edges and do look forward to sometime in the future when the notch is gone and the top is like the bottom.
- Theoretical maximum speeds are great to improve upon, to move the overall functionality forward, but the reality is that the spectrum in any given "cell" is shared, and so unless you are in a low population area at 3AM at the optimum distance from the cell antenna, you are not going to get anywhere near the top speeds.
- 5G is still in the standardization/R&D phase. It will be many more years before carriers role out a "real network" (not a demonstration / marketing gimmick) into multiple markets. And I wouldn't expect Apple to support it out of the gate either. They will follow the path of 3G and LTE - waiting until the power consumption is reasonable.
- 5G will improve upon the overall throughput available per user, but it is not a miracle solution. Max speeds will be theoretical only, and not delivered in practice as the spectrum again is shared.
- 4G (LTE) and its evolution will be what the majority use for the next 5+ years.
Actually you are buying 2 IPhone 8’s from T-mobile, they have a buy one get one free promo.