Tag: iPhone 18

  • iPhone 18 Release Delayed to 2027: New Schedule Leaked

    iPhone 18 Release Delayed to 2027: New Schedule Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is expected to introduce a new model, the iPhone 17 Slim, alongside the iPhone 17 series this year.
    2. Starting next year, Apple may switch to a bi-annual release schedule for its smartphones.
    3. The standard iPhone 18 release might be delayed until early 2027, while the iPhone 18 Slim and other models could launch in September 2026.
    4. This new strategy aims to keep Apple competitive by releasing models at different times of the year.
    5. Introducing new iPhone models in early and late parts of the year could potentially increase sales for Apple.

    Big shifts might be coming for Apple. The company based in Cupertino is likely to introduce a completely new model this year in response to Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge. This new device, reportedly named the iPhone 17 Slim, is set to launch alongside other models in the iPhone 17 series later this year, possibly indicating a change in how Apple schedules its smartphone releases.

    New Release Schedule

    A fresh report from industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple will switch to a bi-annual release timetable starting next year. Although all four iPhone 17 variants are scheduled to release this year as intended, it seems that the standard iPhone 18 might be pushed back to 2027.

    In light of this newly disclosed timeline, the iPhone 17e could be unveiled early next year, similar to how the 16e was revealed this year. The main launch event in September might then showcase the iPhone 18 Slim, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s very first foldable iPhone all at once. The standard iPhone 18 would, however, be postponed to an early 2027 release, alongside the iPhone 18e.

    Competing Effectively

    Ming-Chi Kuo mentions that this adjustment aims to help Apple remain competitive throughout the year by rolling out new models both at the beginning and the end of the year. Currently, most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) launch their flagship devices in the first few months of the year, leaving Apple without a direct competitor. Introducing two iPhone models during that time could, in theory, boost sales.

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  • Apple to Launch iPhone 18 in Two Phases: Pro and Foldable Models

    Apple to Launch iPhone 18 in Two Phases: Pro and Foldable Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple will stagger the launches of the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and 2027, moving away from its usual September release schedule.
    2. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Air, and the first foldable iPhone are set to launch in fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and affordable iPhone 18e will debut in spring 2027.
    3. This new release strategy aims to reduce production pressure and improve manufacturing processes, particularly as Apple increases production in India to reduce reliance on China.
    4. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-like design, a 5.5-inch outer display, a 7.8-inch inner screen, and a liquid metal hinge for durability, with a potential price tag of around $2,000.
    5. Upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may feature under-display Face ID technology, and the foldable iPhone could include enhanced AI functionalities and a dual-camera system.

    Apple is set to reveal its iPhone 17 series this September, but interest is already shifting towards the upcoming lineup for 2026. A notable change is on the horizon for Apple’s iPhone release schedule, as reported by The Information. The outlet claims that Apple intends to stagger the launches of the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and 2027, departing from its usual practice of unveiling everything in September at once.

    New Release Timeline for iPhone 18 Series

    The report indicates that during the typical fall event in 2026, Apple will roll out the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a sleek iPhone 18 Air, and its inaugural foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and an affordable iPhone 18e, which will follow as the successor to the iPhone 16e, are expected to be launched in spring 2027.

    This change is meant to alleviate production pressure, especially as Apple boosts manufacturing efforts in India to lessen dependence on China due to trade issues. The staggered release schedule may also help simplify factory processes, requiring fewer workers during each launch period. The iPhone 18 Pro models are likely to incorporate under-display Face ID technology, replacing the Dynamic Island feature with a single front camera cutout, while the Air model is set to focus on a thinner profile.

    Anticipated Features of the Foldable iPhone

    Apple’s foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026, is said to sport a book-like design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, enhancing multitasking capabilities. To address durability issues, Apple is reportedly using a liquid metal hinge to reduce creasing. When opened, the device might measure about 4.5mm and could forgo Face ID in favor of a Touch ID power button sensor. It may also come with a titanium chassis and a dual-camera system. Priced around $2,000, this could be Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date. Enhanced AI functionalities and software improvements are anticipated to make it a premium, AI-focused device, paving the way for potential future foldable iPads or MacBooks.

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  • Apple A20 Could Upgrade to TSMC’s 2nm Process, 15% Faster

    Apple A20 Could Upgrade to TSMC’s 2nm Process, 15% Faster

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 18 series is expected to use TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing technique for its A20 SoC, offering a 15% performance boost over the A19 chips.
    2. Earlier reports mistakenly suggested the A20 would stick with TSMC’s 3nm process, but updated analysis confirms the shift to 2nm.
    3. TSMC will begin accepting orders for 2nm wafers, with Apple likely being the first customer for the A20 chip.
    4. The iPhone 17 series will continue using the 3nm process with slight performance improvements due to higher transistor density.
    5. Both the iPhone 17 and 18 series may feature silicon-carbon batteries for increased capacity without added thickness.

    There has been a flurry of speculation and leaks regarding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series, which is set to debut next year, even before the iPhone 17 series has been revealed. Recent developments suggest that Apple is likely to adopt TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing technique for its A20 SoC, which will drive the iPhone 18 series. This change could provide the SoC with a boost of around 15% in performance compared to the A19 chips.

    Changes in Chip Manufacturing

    Earlier reports indicated that Apple would remain with TSMC’s 3nm process for the A20 chips, similar to the A19, meaning no significant performance enhancement. However, a different industry analyst has confirmed that the A20 chips will actually utilize TSMC’s 2nm process. In addition, a report from Economic News Daily claims that this innovative manufacturing method could result in a 15% performance increase over the 3nm, all while maintaining the same power consumption levels.

    Potential Orders and Production

    Another source has mentioned that TSMC is poised to begin accepting orders for its 2nm wafers, with Apple possibly being the first to place an order for its A20 chip utilizing this new process.

    The iPhones currently available are powered by the Apple A18 SoCs, which are built on the 3nm process. It is expected that the iPhone 17 series will continue using this same manufacturing technology. However, it is anticipated to offer slight improvements in performance compared to the existing generation, thanks to a higher transistor density made possible by an enhanced 3nm process.

    Battery Innovations

    For both the iPhone 17 and 18 series, Apple is rumored to implement silicon-carbon batteries that boast greater capacity without adding to the thickness of the devices.

    It’s important to remember that Apple has not released any official details regarding the iPhone 17 or 18 series, so take this information with caution.

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  • Apple A20 Will Not Use TSMC’s 2nm Technology in 2026

    Apple A20 Will Not Use TSMC’s 2nm Technology in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Apple A20 chip will be released with the iPhone 18 in 2026, but it won’t be made using TSMC’s advanced N2 node as previously expected.
    2. The A20 will instead use TSMC’s N3P node, the same technology as the A19 chip scheduled for release this year.
    3. The A20 will feature TSMC’s CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate) packaging to differentiate it from the A19.
    4. TSMC’s 2 nm node is set to begin mass production in late 2025, which aligns with the timeline for the Apple A20 chips.
    5. The upcoming Apple M5 chip for iPad Pros will also use N3P technology, likely due to rising wafer costs.

    There has been a lot of talk about Apple’s A20 chip, which is expected to come out with the iPhone 18 in 2026. Some wild stories suggest that Intel Foundry might be involved in making it. However, it seems unlikely that Apple would switch to using the 18A tech so quickly, especially since it has strong partnerships with TSMC. Recently, 9to5Mac has shared some new details about the A20 that might not sit well with some die-hard Apple supporters.

    Manufacturing Details

    In a twist from previous information, the Apple A20 will not be produced on TSMC’s advanced N2 node as once thought. Instead, it will remain on the N3P node, which is also the same one used for the A19 chip set to release this year. To set the A20 apart from its predecessor, it will feature TSMC’s sought-after CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate) packaging.

    Future Production Plans

    According to TSMC’s plans, its 2 nm node is expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2025, aligning with the schedule for the Apple A20 chips for the iPhone 18. Even the upcoming Apple M5 chip for the iPad Pros will stick with the N3P technology, likely due to the rising costs of wafers. N2 is TSMC’s first technology to utilize Nanosheets (gate-all-around), which should bring noticeable improvements in performance, efficiency, and thermal management.

    MacRumors has indicated these developments may change the expectations for Apple’s future chip advancements.

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  • Apple Analyst Reveals Exciting Camera Upgrades for iPhone Pro

    Apple Analyst Reveals Exciting Camera Upgrades for iPhone Pro

    The iPhone 17 lineup is still nearly a year from its launch. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already shifted his focus to what Apple might reveal in 2026. He has particularly highlighted the potential for major camera upgrades with what he refers to as ‘the 2026 high-end iPhone 18’.

    Speculations on iPhone Models

    Kuo doesn’t explicitly mention the model names, but it’s likely he’s referring to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. To give some context, Apple is expected to debut a new 48 MP periscope telephoto camera with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which we talked about during the summer. Even more significant enhancements could be on the horizon for the next iteration.

    Exciting Camera Innovations

    As per Kuo, Apple is aiming to incorporate a variable aperture feature for the main cameras on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While detailed information is limited at this stage, Kuo projects that Sunny Optical Technology and Luxshare will be the primary and secondary suppliers respectively.

    In theory, a variable aperture would enable the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to achieve a superior depth of field compared to current competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra (currently $945 on Amazon). Nevertheless, it’s uncertain if Apple will match the advancements made by Huawei or Xiaomi, who have been able to create flagship devices with f/1.6-4.0 and f/1.4-4.0 variable apertures, respectively.

    Ming-Chi Kuo, Sayan Majhi (Unsplash) – Image credit

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  • Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    In a potential shake-up for the smartphone camera market, Samsung is reportedly preparing to challenge Sony’s long-standing role as the exclusive supplier of image sensors for Apple’s iPhones.

    According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the South Korean tech giant is poised to enter Apple’s privileged supply chain by 2026. They plan to introduce a 1/2.6-inch, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera sensor for the iPhone 18 series.

    Samsung Forms Dedicated Team to Enter Apple’s iPhone Supply Chain

    To accomplish this ambitious goal, Samsung has set up a dedicated team solely focused on meeting Apple’s rigorous standards. This strategic move marks a significant industry shift, as Samsung seeks to diversify its camera sensor business and penetrate the lucrative iPhone market.

    The potential inclusion of Samsung in Apple’s supply chain is anticipated to have extensive implications. It could heighten competition between the two tech giants, fostering innovation and pushing the limits of smartphone camera technology. Moreover, Apple’s decision to diversify its suppliers could lead to cost savings, enabling the company to offer more competitive pricing or reinvest in other product development areas.

    Supplier Diversification and Market Implications

    Although Sony has been a dependable partner for Apple over the years, concerns about supply chain stability and the integration of new camera technologies have reportedly prompted Apple to consider alternative options. Samsung’s advanced imaging capabilities and manufacturing expertise position it as a strong candidate to fill this gap.

    However, becoming an iPhone supplier is no easy feat. Samsung will need to prove its ability to meet Apple’s exacting quality standards, ensure consistent performance, and adhere to strict production timelines. If successful, this partnership could cement Samsung’s status as a global leader in image sensor technology.

    As competition intensifies, consumers can look forward to even more remarkable camera features and capabilities in future smartphones.

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