Rumor Suggests Apple is extending the iPhone's Product Cycle
It's being reported in Asia today that "Apple will likely take three years between full-model changes of its iPhone devices, a year longer than the current cycle. In a typical two-year term, fall 2016 was supposed to see a major upgrade. But the changes on the model to be launched this autumn will be minor, such as improved camera quality."
The Nikkei Asian Review report states that "The move is largely due to smartphone functions having little room left for major enhancements. A slowing market is another factor.
Less frequent redesigns will significantly affect large-lot suppliers in Japan, Taiwan and other parts of Asia because of their heavy reliance on iPhone manufacturing.
The new version slated for this autumn will look almost identical to the current iPhone 6. Functions such as the camera, water resistance and battery capacity will likely be improved, and the headphone jack will be removed. Also, a high-end version of the model will give users better-quality photo capabilities via correction functions.
Apple sold some 230 million handsets in 2015, but unit sales will likely be less this year. According to Apple's production schedules provided to suppliers, the company is not expecting to sell more iPhones than last year.
On the other hand, the 2017 model will likely involve major enhancements and design changes, including adoption of an organic electroluminescent display. The new device will also be able to create more complex tactile vibrations on the display because of a tiny, but high-performance motor equipped inside." They're likely referring to Apple's advanced Haptics technology (see patents one and two).
Today's rumor seems odd and speculatively based on rehashed rumors we've heard from grumbling analysts of late. The iPhone is Apple's profit and growth engine which makes it very difficult to blindly accept this line of thinking at the moment.
However, with the current confusion in play regarding the more dramatic 2017 Anniversary iPhone on the way with an all-new glass design, a switch to OLED, and a dramatic leap in graphics for the ARM processor to support VR, it would make this year's iPhone 7 appear to be no more than a simple updated model. Of course this supports the position taken by the Nikkei report.
This is why it'll be really important that we get more news about the iPhone 7 at Apple's World Wide Developer Conference starting on June 13. There's no doubt that the 2017 anniversary iPhone, as it's being referred to in the media, could throw out Apple's regular iPhone upgrading schedule. The question remaining is, is this a one-time anomaly or a trend as the Nikkei is suggesting? Perhaps Apple will provide us with some clarity on this front next month.
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