Apple's 2018 lineup of iPhones; what to expect

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published not one but a trio of research notes that details both new and existing predictions about the 2018 lineup of iPhones.

By Chandrika

| Updated: Monday, January 29, 2018, 13:41 [IST]

Apple is currently the talk of the town, thanks to its 2018 lineup of iPhones. Yet again, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published not one but a trio of research notes that details both new and existing predictions about the upcoming iPhones. According to him, there will be a new iPhone X (direct successor to this year's iPhone X, a larger iPhone X Plus, and a cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone.

Apple's 2018 lineup of iPhones; what to expect

Ming-Chi Kuo seems to have obtained this information from anonymous supply chain sources in Asia. It should be kept in mind, this analyst has a good track record when it comes to sharing accurate details about Apple iPhones. Of course he is not always right, but most of his predictions so far have been bang on. Anyway, let's find out what has he revealed in his latest research notes.

6.1-inch iPhone

To start with the 6.1-inch iPhone, it will basically be the cheaper version of iPhone X. It is said to be fitted with Japan Display's Full Active LCD screen with just 0.5mm bezels on the sides. There will be a notch at the top for TrueDepth sensors just like last year's iPhone X. However, it will pack a rectangular shaped, one-cell battery of 2,850-2,950mAh capacity.

Kuo also predicts that the 6.1-inch iPhone model will feature 3D sensing for Face ID and Animoji. As far as the pricing aspect is concerned, it is likely to cost between $700-$800 in the US. The analyst previously said that the 6-inch iPhone would have an aluminum frame, a single rear camera, and 3GB of RAM.

iPhone X (2018) and iPhone X Plus

The analyst notes, the next generation iPhone X with a 5.8-inch display and the larger 6.5-inch model (unofficially referred to as the iPhone X Plus) will carry 4GB of RAM. Due to its larger size, the iPhone X Plus is also said to be equipped with a 25 percent larger battery capacity of 3,300-3,400mAh as compared to the iPhone X.

Kuo further adds that Apple has decided to use a two-cell, L-shaped battery for the iPhone X (2018) and iPhone X Plus. As per the information we have come across so far, it seems like the next generation iPhone X and iPhone X Plus won't be significant upgrades except for the large displays. As per the analyst, there won't be much improvements made to the TrueDepth camera system this.

DigiTimes report

A recent DigiTimes report, however, claims that Apple will launch only one OLED iPhone this year, along with two LCD iPhone models. The report further states that, for the entry-levle segment, the company is working on a new cheaper model of iPhone which will be similar to the iPhone SE.