Analysts from J.P. Morgan have released a report to CNBC, predicting that 2020 will be a monster year for the iPhone as 5G connectivity becomes a reality.
The report suggests that Apple could launch four new iPhones next year – three models with OLED displays and 5G modems, in addition to an all-new design that forgoes both of those features in favor of a much lower price point. All four would boast new display sizes, which could mean other changes to the physical design too – though there’s no indication at this stage that those changes might entail.
Specifically, we could be looking at screen sizes of 5.4-inches, 6.1-inches, and 6.7-inches, with the iPhone XR shrinking and the iPhone XS Max getting even bigger which the iPhone XS remains the same.
5G looks set to be a game-changer in the near future, as more and more networks upgrade their infrastructure to support the super-fast cellular technology. 5G will provide handsets with a mobile data connection in much the same way that 3G and 4G do now – it’s an iteration of the same tech. But faster!
Diversifying the devices in this way, with a bigger range of options at different prices, would follow in the footsteps of the iPad and could help Apple gain more of a foothold in the mid-range smartphone sector.
J.P. Morgan also expect that at least two of the handsets will feature groundbreaking “Time of Flight” 3D-sensing cameras to enable more sophisticated Augmented Reality experiences.
Apple is not expected to make particularly big changes to iPhone this year – rumored triple-camera setup aside – with relatively straightforward performance upgrades taking center stage. That would leave room for a major update in 2020, which lends credence to this report. Plus, another trusted analyst in Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested Apple will mix up its display sizes next year – though he’s yet to mention a fourth budget handset.