Tag: Ming-Chi Kuo

  • iPhone 17 Series to Feature Major Selfie Camera Upgrade

    iPhone 17 Series to Feature Major Selfie Camera Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. All models in the iPhone 17 series will feature a 24 MP front-facing camera, a significant upgrade from the current 12 MP sensors.
    2. The new 24 MP sensor is expected to use a 4-in-1 binning process, resulting in a 6 MP image output.
    3. Previous analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, had hinted at the 24 MP selfie camera upgrade prior to this leak.
    4. The upgraded selfie camera will include a 6P lens, improving image quality compared to the 5P lens in the iPhone 16 series.
    5. The iPhone 17 series is anticipated to launch in September.

    Previous news has pointed out some enhancements that the iPhone 17 series is likely to feature when it launches in September. Now, a fresh leak suggests that all four models in this lineup may also receive a major boost in camera capabilities.

    Camera Upgrades for All Models

    As per analyst Jeff Pu, every model in the iPhone 17 series, including the new iPhone 17 Air, is expected to benefit from a better selfie camera. Reportedly, these devices will sport a 24 MP front-facing camera, which is a nice upgrade from the 12 MP sensors found in the current models. While the specific details of the new 24 MP sensor remain unclear, the leap to 24 MP suggests a 4-in-1 binning process that would yield a 6 MP image output.

    Previous Insights Confirmed

    It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t entirely new information, as both Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu had already hinted at the iPhone 17 series featuring 24 MP selfie cameras back in August of the previous year. However, Pu seems to have reinforced this detail in a recent research memo, which adds more weight to the claim. Kuo also mentioned that this upgraded 24 MP selfie camera will come with an enhanced 6P lens, contrasting with the 5P lens used in the iPhone 16 series, promising a notable enhancement in image quality.

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  • Apple Smart Home Hub Delayed: Updates on Release Timeline

    Apple Smart Home Hub Delayed: Updates on Release Timeline

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has postponed the release of its Smart Home Hub, originally planned for Q1 2025.
    2. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the delay is at least six months, with sales targets set between 500,000 and 1 million units by year-end.
    3. Further delays are primarily due to the development of new Siri features, including personal context awareness and a redesign of conversation mode.
    4. An internal team is currently testing the Smart Home Hub in real-world settings.
    5. The overall Smart Home Hub project is on hold until the new Siri upgrades are completed.

    In December, news surfaced that Apple had postponed its rival to Google’s Nest Hub series and the Amazon Echo Show 8 (currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon). During that time, Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the so-called Apple Smart Home Hub would not launch in Q1 2025, contrary to Mark Gurman’s claims from November 2024.

    Delay in Release

    Kuo pointed out that Apple had delayed the product’s release by at least six more months. Nevertheless, the analyst expressed that Apple aimed to sell at least 500,000 units by year’s end, or even reach 1 million units if the Smart Home Hub exceeded initial projections.

    Siri Features Still in Development

    Now, Mark Gurman has reported further delays for the project, primarily due to the need to finalize new Siri features. These enhancements reportedly include personal context awareness and a complete redesign of Siri’s conversation mode.

    Meanwhile, while the Siri updates are on hold, an internal team is said to be testing the Smart Home Hub in real-world settings. However, it remains uncertain when these highly anticipated Siri upgrades will be ready, leading Apple to effectively pause the entire Smart Home Hub initiative for now.

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  • iPhone Fold Launch Details, Pricing, and Specs Revealed

    iPhone Fold Launch Details, Pricing, and Specs Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Final specifications for the iPhone Fold will be set by Q2 2025, with features still uncertain.
    2. Apple plans to launch the foldable iPhone in the latter half of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series.
    3. Initial production is estimated at 3-5 million units for 2026, potentially increasing to over 20 million for the second-generation model in late 2027 and 2028.
    4. The foldable iPhone is expected to have a price exceeding $2,500 and will feature a thinner design at 4.5 to 4.8 mm when opened.
    5. The device will likely include two rear cameras, a side fingerprint sensor, and a 3:2 aspect ratio with a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch foldable display.

    Ming-Chi Kuo has shared his thoughts on the upcoming foldable iPhone from Apple, which has been the topic of much speculation lately. He claims that the final specs for the iPhone Fold won’t be set until the second quarter of 2025. This means that several features are still up in the air and may change in the coming months.

    Launch Expectations

    Kuo anticipates that Apple will unveil its first foldable phone in the latter half of 2026, likely coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 18 series. He mentions that Apple is aiming for an initial production of just 3-5 million units in 2026, but expects this number to rise to over 20 million for a second-generation model in late 2027 and 2028.

    Pricing and Design

    Being a top-tier product in Apple’s iPhone lineup, the foldable will come with a hefty price tag, which Kuo predicts will exceed $2,500. To make this price justifiable, Apple is believed to be working on a first-generation foldable that measures about 4.5 to 4.8 mm in thickness when opened and 9 to 9.5 mm when closed. While these dimensions seem a bit off, Kuo insists that Apple will be making some sacrifices, like reducing the Face ID technology and the typical triple camera arrangement, to achieve a thinner device.

    In its place, the iPhone Fold will likely have two rear cameras and a fingerprint sensor located on the side, similar to devices like the Oppo Find N5 and the Galaxy Z Fold6, which currently retails for $1,549 on Amazon. Additionally, it’s reported that Apple is looking to use stainless steel for the hinge and titanium for the phone’s body. Kuo also mentions that the iPhone Fold is expected to have a 3:2 aspect ratio, resulting in a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch foldable display.

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  • Apple Analyst Reveals Dynamic Island Changes for iPhone 17 Series

    Apple Analyst Reveals Dynamic Island Changes for iPhone 17 Series

    Apple is still some time away from unveiling the iPhone 17 series. Current insights suggest that the company won’t be updating the iPhone 16 Pro Max (currently priced at $1,179 – refurbished premium on Amazon) or its less expensive models until at least mid-September. In the interim, there are expectations for the upcoming iPhone SE, which may be introduced this quarter as the iPhone 16e, featuring smaller dimensions than anticipated.

    Speculation About Changes

    Even though the release is a while off, rumors are already circulating regarding potential changes to this year’s leading iPhone models to set them apart from existing ones. One recent claim suggested that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would come with a smaller version of the Dynamic Island. However, according to the typically dependable Ming-Chi Kuo, this isn’t accurate at all.

    Analyst Insights

    In a post on X, the seasoned Apple analyst expressed that the Dynamic Island will not see any modifications between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 17 series. He stated that its design will remain ‘largely unchanged’, despite the introduction of a new ‘Air’ product line. As it stands now, Apple seems unlikely to move away from the Dynamic Island across all iPhone models until the end of this decade.

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  • Apple iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Be Extremely Thin, Analyst Says

    Apple iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Be Extremely Thin, Analyst Says

    We have already learned that Apple’s upcoming iPhone series for 2025 will introduce a new model – the iPhone 17 Air. The leaked details about this new smartphone show a variety of features, including a limited single-camera system. However, most experts and insiders agree that the iPhone 17 Air is set to be the slimmest iPhone ever, which is expected to be its main selling feature.

    Details on Thickness and Design

    In a recent article, well-known supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo provided more insight into this topic, stating that the iPhone 17 Air will measure approximately 5.5 mm in thickness, making it significantly slimmer than any previous iPhone. Additionally, he mentioned that this model will eliminate the physical SIM tray, opting instead for eSIM technology only. This change has been speculated about not just for the iPhone 17 Air, but for the entire iPhone 17 series as well.

    Apple’s Focus on Slimmer Devices

    Curiously, this shows Apple’s renewed focus on creating thinner products, a trend that was also evident with the recent Apple Watch Series 10. Moreover, well-respected analyst Mark Gurman has indicated that future devices from Apple, including the next-gen MacBooks, will also emphasize slim designs. Thanks to the advancements in performance and efficiency offered by Apple Silicon, it seems the company might successfully achieve thinner models without compromising on heat management or overall performance. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

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  • iPhone 18 Pro May Feature First Variable Aperture Camera

    iPhone 18 Pro May Feature First Variable Aperture Camera

    Apple appears to be gearing up to follow a trend that has been popular among various Android brands. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18 Pro, which is anticipated to be announced in 2026, may feature a variable aperture camera system.

    Variable Aperture Advantages

    Android phone makers have been testing variable aperture lenses for a while, offering users better control over light intake and depth of field. These lenses can change their opening size, similar to what you find in professional cameras. In well-lit conditions, a smaller aperture results in clearer images and a greater depth of field, keeping both foreground and background in sharp focus. On the other hand, a larger aperture lets in more light, making it perfect for taking well-lit photos in darker settings, though this results in a shallower depth of field that blurs the background behind the main subject.

    iPhone 18 or 17?

    Earlier reports from The Information hinted that one of the iPhone 17 models might introduce a variable aperture camera, but Kuo’s new findings suggest that this feature may be pushed back to the iPhone 18 series in 2026. He specifically points out that the main rear camera on the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to incorporate this technology. Kuo’s industry analysis shows that Sunny Optical is expected to be the main supplier of the camera’s shutter mechanism, with Luxshare serving as a secondary supplier. Interestingly, Sunny Optical is also projected to provide the variable aperture lens, while Largan Precision will remain the primary lens supplier.

    Current iPhone Limitations

    Up to now, every iPhone model has utilized fixed aperture lenses, which limits how much users can control light intake and depth of field. With the introduction of variable aperture technology, users could gain more precise control over these settings, allowing for adjustments that match their personal preferences. It’s worth mentioning that Kuo’s insights are drawn from industry surveys, so they should be seen as educated guesses rather than confirmed information. Since the iPhone 18’s release is still two years away, Apple has plenty of time to fine-tune its plans and potentially alter its camera approach.

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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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  • Apple iPhone SE 4 Specs, Price, and Launch Timeline Leaked

    Apple iPhone SE 4 Specs, Price, and Launch Timeline Leaked

    Apple is not likely to update the iPhone SE series in 2024, but there are rumors of a new model arriving in early 2025. A prior leak suggested that this new version will borrow features from the last three flagship phones, including the Apple A18 SoC found in the latest iPhone 16 lineup. This upgrade would provide the upcoming budget-friendly phone with a significant boost in performance.

    Launch Timeline

    Although Apple has not yet disclosed specifics about the 2025 iPhone SE, a recent leak indicates that the affordable model could debut in March 2025. This timeline aligns with information shared by Ming-Chi Kuo in a recent analysis. Kuo has indicated that mass production for this phone will kick off in December 2024.

    Specifications Unveiled

    The fresh leak also outlines possible specifications for the iPhone SE 4. In addition to the Apple A18 SoC, it is said that the display will be 6.06 inches, confirming earlier reports from Ice Universe. Furthermore, like some earlier claims, this spec leak states that the front will feature a notch similar to that of the iPhone 14, along with a single camera located on the rear.

    The display is reportedly M11 grade, consistent with the iPhone 14, and the rear camera is expected to be the Sony 48 MP IMX904.

    RAM and Connectivity

    Additionally, the spec leak suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which meets Apple’s minimum requirements for its Intelligent features. Another notable detail from the leak is the inclusion of a proprietary 5G chip, which Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned back in July this year.

    Pricing Insights

    Regarding pricing, earlier reports indicated a cost below $500, and the new leak suggests that the iPhone SE 4 could begin at $499 (the M2 iPad Air is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon). In general, this leak appears to be a compilation of prior reports from various sources, so it’s wise to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism.

    @Jukanlosreve on X (tweet embedded above) via: Wccftech

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  • Apple to Use In-House 5G Modem in iPhone SE 4

    Apple to Use In-House 5G Modem in iPhone SE 4

    Apple has long been speculated to be working on its own 5G modem for iPhones, intending to decrease its dependency on Qualcomm. The company has been dedicated to this objective for several years. In 2019, Apple took a significant step by acquiring Intel’s 5G modem business, which fueled more discussions about an in-house solution.

    Progress Towards In-House Modem

    Recent developments suggest that these efforts are approaching completion. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst known for his dependable insights into the supply chain, has indicated that Apple’s internal modem project is advancing, citing information from his sources within the supply chain.

    Kuo predicts that Apple will ship 35-40 million devices equipped with its own 5G modem next year. This number is expected to increase to 90-110 million units by 2026 and 160-180 million units by 2027. He also pointed out that this shift could negatively impact Qualcomm’s 5G chip sales and licensing income.

    Significant Impact on Qualcomm

    Back in July, Kuo stated that two iPhone models are anticipated to premiere Apple’s proprietary 5G modem in 2025. These would be the iPhone SE 4, expected in the first quarter of next year, and the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, which could be released in the third quarter of 2025.

    Goals for Integration and Efficiency

    Apple has consistently aimed for complete control over its hardware ecosystem. Crafting its own modem would grant the company greater autonomy in design, potentially facilitating improved integration between iPhones and their cellular networks.

    There are additional rumors suggesting that Apple plans to merge the modem with its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips into a single, unified component. Such integration could enhance battery longevity and overall device efficiency.

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