Analyst: Apple's 'iPhone 6' design 'locked down' with 4.8" display, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Though Apple isn't expected to introduce a new iPhone model for months, one Wall Street analyst claims that the company has already internally "locked down" the design for its next flagship handset, sporting a 4.8-inch display and speedy 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity.
The details come from analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company, who issued a note to investors on Wednesday in which he claimed that much of the design of Apple's next iPhone has been finalized. Citing checks within the company's supply chain, he believes the handset will feature a larger 4.8-inch display, matching the trend of larger smartphones elsewhere in the market.
Arcuri isn't the first to suspect that Apple will launch a larger iPhone model this year, with various earlier rumors suggesting the company has been toying with screen sizes just under 5 inches. One of the most respected Apple analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, said last September that the company is likely to launch a larger iPhone this year, but that the device will not exceed 5 inches due to Apple's "unwavering principle of one hand use."
As for 802.11ac, the new Wi-Fi standard was added to the Macs Apple updated in 2013, along with Apple's AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule routers. But last year's flagship iPhone 5s remains limited to 802.11n Wi-Fi connections.
Aside from hardware tweaks and design changes, Arcuri also said that Apple is planning "key software innovations" with the next major release of its iOS platform. He expects the company will leverage iBeacon, Touch ID and Passbook as part of a push into new services with mobile payments.
In many ways, Arcuri said, last year's release of the iPhone 5s was merely a "set-up" for this year's new products. In particular, he believes the 64-bit A7 processor and Touch ID fingerprint sensor will allow Apple to introduce new services that will give it a leg up on the competition.
Arcuri expects Apple to follow its typical annual release schedule and launch a so-called "iPhone 6" in September, though some sources have reportedly indicated to him that a June launch for the next-generation device is "not out of the question."
Also on tap this year, according to Arcuri, is a 13-inch iPad that he expects to "blur the lines between tablets and PCs." The analyst expects that the larger iPad model would likely debut in late 2014.
The details come from analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company, who issued a note to investors on Wednesday in which he claimed that much of the design of Apple's next iPhone has been finalized. Citing checks within the company's supply chain, he believes the handset will feature a larger 4.8-inch display, matching the trend of larger smartphones elsewhere in the market.
Arcuri isn't the first to suspect that Apple will launch a larger iPhone model this year, with various earlier rumors suggesting the company has been toying with screen sizes just under 5 inches. One of the most respected Apple analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, said last September that the company is likely to launch a larger iPhone this year, but that the device will not exceed 5 inches due to Apple's "unwavering principle of one hand use."
As for 802.11ac, the new Wi-Fi standard was added to the Macs Apple updated in 2013, along with Apple's AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule routers. But last year's flagship iPhone 5s remains limited to 802.11n Wi-Fi connections.
Aside from hardware tweaks and design changes, Arcuri also said that Apple is planning "key software innovations" with the next major release of its iOS platform. He expects the company will leverage iBeacon, Touch ID and Passbook as part of a push into new services with mobile payments.
In many ways, Arcuri said, last year's release of the iPhone 5s was merely a "set-up" for this year's new products. In particular, he believes the 64-bit A7 processor and Touch ID fingerprint sensor will allow Apple to introduce new services that will give it a leg up on the competition.
Arcuri expects Apple to follow its typical annual release schedule and launch a so-called "iPhone 6" in September, though some sources have reportedly indicated to him that a June launch for the next-generation device is "not out of the question."
Also on tap this year, according to Arcuri, is a 13-inch iPad that he expects to "blur the lines between tablets and PCs." The analyst expects that the larger iPad model would likely debut in late 2014.
Comments
Sounds like the obvious sweet spot. I think most people are expecting these changes so no surprises here. I'm really scratching my head what else they can pack into an iPhone......maybe an SD card, HDMI port, USB port, runs Flash, NFC.....hmmmmm.....no, I don't want any of that crap.
what type of special education does it take to be an analyst?
syncing for me has been working without fail for *years*. what specific issue(s) are you having?
maybe calling applecare when you get your new phone would be a good idea?
maybe searching other support apple forums would help (https://discussions.apple.com/).
maybe providing feedback to apple would help (https://www.apple.com/feedback/).
Agreed. Samsung and Apple would be in court - again.
Rather than a larger screen, I'd like to see Retina where they double the resolution again!
Nothing like these (new screen size) rumors to BLUNT Apples iphone sales....
Who is this guy.? Is he a pro Apple analyst...
I personally think the 4.8 range or so is a good size for me. Large screen to view, but at the same time not too big. I had a Galaxy S2 for a while between my iPhone models to try it out. I believe it had a 4.7 on it and that was good for me. I would say i have average sized hands. I have iPads already... I do kot need to carry one in my pocket. Haha
Just double? Why not to quadruple? So even under microscope it would still stay Retina...
Can't wait for the Apple stans to defend this statement, and this statement alone: "Apple is copying Samsung's screen size."
As long as it fits in my pocket and I can type with one hand (finger... thumb). I don't want to carry a bag just for my phone!
It's not an issue for other 4.7"/4.8" smartphones, other than the very occasional shirt pocket. I'd guess Apple has it covered.
nothing is locked down except this ANALysts brain
The use of ANAL as a clever (not so much) derogatory twist when referring to analysts is so long in the tooth I am suspecting there are other factors at play here.
Except there were no 11ac chips in existence that were small enough and actually saved power to put in it.