iPhone 6 RUMORS: Apple Rumored to be Looking at New ‘Touch-On Display’

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A report out of China is claiming that Apple is considering a new display technology for its next iPhone. The new display dubbed “touch-on” would address issues said to exist in the current “in-cell” technology found in the iPhone 5.

AppleInsider:

Apple has reportedly contracted with Chimei Innolux, Taiwan’s largest LCD maker, for the next-generation panels, according to The China Times (via AppAdvice). Apple’s interest has reportedly been prompted by alleged “interference problems” with the recently released iPhone 5.

The in-cell touch panels currently in use allow for a thinner design by combining the touch sensor and display into one component. However, an issue with the iPhone 5 display where the screen pauses or apparently ignores touch input was published in November.

The problem can be viewed when swiping rapidly back-and-forth diagonally on the iPhone 5 touchscreen. Previous iPhone models did not exhibit this issue.

Early reports suggested the glitch was hardware related, and the report from the Times seems to support that conclusion, with the explanation that the TFT touch panel and touch sensors are on the same side, which is resulting in interference.

The “touch-on display” technology from Chimei Innolux is reported to be both thin and durable, and offers better touch sensing capabilities.

1-3-13

www.mactrast.com

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A couple of new rumors have popped up suggesting that Apple has already built a new version of the iPhone and that it is currently being tested in the Cupertino campus. According to TNW, the new iPhone has been spotted in developer app usage logs and has been given the code ‘iPhone6,1′ (the current iPhone 5 models carry the designators iPhone5,1 and iPhone5,2). The device seems to be running a new iOS version coded ‘iOS 7′ but other than this, no specific details are offered on the new iPhone.

A slightly less likely rumor comes from a Capital Markets analyst Brian White who states that, in a similar vein to the current iPod touch line, the next generation iPhone will launch in up to eight different colors at some point in May or June of this year. While this doesn’t seem too far out of the realms of possibility, the analyst also comes out with a cracker of a prediction stating that Apple is going to be offering a variety of screen sizes in the new iPhone to ‘better bifurcate the market and expand its reach’. The analyst believes that Apple will even increase the screen size of the 4 inch display currently found on the iPhone 5.

That said, the analyst is probably the only person that does, in fact, believe that Apple would start offering a larger screen size on the iPhone, just one generation after increasing it vertically for the iPhone 5. This would involve another substantial change for developers, particularly when many apps on the App Store still don’t offer support for the longer iPhone 5 screen. As such, it’s unlikely we will be seeing a bigger iPhone screen from Apple this year.

1-7-13

Source

[sparkyscott21]

A colorful rumor has today emerged from the omniscient Digitimes, who are suggesting that Apple will be releasing two separate iPhone models this year and that one of them will actually have a brand new design. The report, apparently sourced from supply chain sources, are saying that Apple will be releasing a ‘low-cost iPhone which will come with a larger display’, in China with the justification being the large number of 5 inch displays that are sold there.

No details are offered on the new device other than the possibility that it may include low-cost Qualcomm chipsets and that the low cost iPhone will capitalize on the success of the iPad mini. A cynical person could assume that the report, when referring to a low cost iPhone with a larger display, could quite simply by referring to the current generation iPhone 5 which, while having a larger display than the current ‘low cost’ iPhone 4S, will likely drop in price when a new iPhone is announced.

However, taking the report at face value, it’s very unlikely that Apple will be releasing a larger iPhone at a lower price than the current generation. More likely is an iPhone 5S, similar in design to the iPhone 5 but perhaps in a variety of colors, as has previously been predicted.

1-9-13

Source

[Tiny Apple Bytes]

Tim Cook claims that Apple will make China their number 1 market in the near future. I don't know how they will make this happen, but I believe a more affordable iPhone may be their plan. Read more here: Tiny Apple Bytes

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Following reports from WSJ that Apple is cutting component orders for iPhone 5 due to “weaker-than-expected-demand,” Jeffries analyst Peter Misek is out today with a note to clients claiming initial production of the iPhone 5S will begin in March for a June/July launch (via StreetInsider):

”As word of the earlier production schedule starts to spread, we believe we could see a slight slowing of demand CQ1 in anticipation of the new product launch and Apple will likely start curtailing channel inventory. Therefore we tweak down our CQ1 iPhone shipment estimate from 48M to 44M, which is still well above widespread fears of shipments in the mid-30Ms.”

Back in December Misek also claimed the 5S is coming in June and at the time said he expects Apple to ship the device with multiple colors, improved battery life, and possibly a 4.8″ Retina/IGZO display. However, in today’s note Misek said there has been no additional evidence for the 4.8″ prototype signaling the design could be for the iPhone 6. Today he also added his thoughts on rumors of a low-cost iPhone, claiming Apple could release a low-cost device made of polycarbonate with no LTE and a 4″ non-retina display.

As for the rumors of less than expected iPhone 5 demand contributing to cuts on component orders, which is also impacting the company’s stock price this week, Misek provided his thoughts:

Commenting on fears of of large CQ1 component order declines, Misek believes the primary drivers are: 1) an assembly bottleneck caused component inventories to rise in CQ4; 2) new iPhone builds starting in March; 3) demand being in line to slightly below optimistic expectations.

Today, AllthingsD reiterated another rumor, Apple’s move to IGZO displays, as a possible source of component cuts:

The reduction in orders is the result of a coming switch in display technology. Sources close to Apple tell AllThingsD that the company has been evaluating IGZO displays for use in its iOS devices, though they declined to say what the results of that evaluation have been.

1-15-13

9to5mac.com

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iPhone 5S' could be ready for June/July launch

Apple is currently testing two prototype iPhones, claims Jefferies analyst Peter Misek. One of these is said to be Apple's next flagship model, nicknamed the iPhone 5S. The nature of the other phone is unclear, but could possibly be the rumored low-end iPhone. In any case Misek expects the 5S to be an incremental upgrade over the 5, and debut in June or July, even though the 5 and 4S were both fall releases.

Misek speculates that a low-end iPhone may have already been greenlit, and that it will take the iPad mini's approach of being a "concentrated" device, rather than built cheaply. "Likely specs: polycarbonate [plastic] case with 4" non-Retina display and no LTE," the analyst writes. Apple has used Retina screens on every iPhone and iPod touch since the iPhone 4.

Looking further ahead, to a so-called iPhone 6, Misek speculates that Apple will upgrade to a 4.8-inch screen. Initially Apple stuck with 3.5-inch displays for the iPhone, even after competing Android phones were regularly surpassing the 4-inch mark. The iPhone 5 appears to have been a concession to demand though, and Apple could conceivably carry on that trend whenever the 6 ships.

Regarding Apple's alleged reduction in iPhone 5 part orders, Misek argues that they're probably connected to three factors, including preliminary production of an iPhone 5S in March. Also playing a role could be an assembly bottleneck that caused part stockpiles to rise during the holidays, and demand that isn't low so much as in line or "slightly below optimistic expectations."

1-15-13

Source

[sparkyscott21]

There have been all sorts of crazy rumors about the iPhone 5S. Some have said it might launch in June. It could have NFC built-in with a ‘Super HD’ camera. There might even be multiple iPhone colors for you to choose from.

If you want high-tech security in your iPhone, then maybe this new rumor will get you excited. According to one analyst, the next iPhone will be rocking a built-in fingerprint sensor, and it’s going to debut alongside a cheaper iPhone model.

Ming-Chi Kuo, over at KGI Securities, has made some correct predictions on Apple product launches in the past, so while we trust him a bit, we’re also a bit skeptical of the timeframe he’s pushing.

Apple acquired the fingerprint sensor maker, AuthenTec last year. They also signed a deal with an Australian company that specializes in biometric security called Microlatch. Both of those deals didn’t come through till the last half of 2012 though, so we’d be surprised if Apple was able to integrate them in time for the iPhone 5S launch. It’s more likely that we’ll see biometric security make its way into the iPhone 6, but we’d be pleasantly surprised if we see it sooner.

As for other features the iPhone 5S might get, Kuo says the new device will have an improved camera, and an A7 chip (both are obvious guesses).

Along with His new report for Apple’s 2013 product roadmap claims that Apple will launch a cheaper, plastic iPhone alongside the iPhone 5S, that has the same appearance as the iPhone 5, but it will come in different colors. We’ve heard similar reports from both the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg that Apple is considering a cheaper iPhone. Some rumors have suggested that Apple is already talking to carriers about selling the cheap iPhone and that it will retail for $99 to $149.

Both the cheap iPhone and the iPhone 5S should be announced in June or July, according to Kuo, as Apple is expected to begin preliminary builds of both devices in March.

1-16-13

Source

[sparkyscott21]

The latest rumors out of Asia claim that Apple will launch three new smartphones in 2013, including a next-generation iPhone, a cheaper model handset and a surprise large-format device with a 4.8-inch screen tentatively dubbed the "iPhone Math."

Apple's current generation iPhone 5 may be joined by two new models in 2013.

Citing upstream supply chain sources, the China Times (via global investment news service BrightWire) reports that Apple will unveil the three iPhones at staggered launches throughout the year, with the first two being the next-generation iPhone and the 4.8-inch "phablet" device. These people claim a third model with a 12-megapixel camera will debut before the holiday season, though not much is known about the product at this time.

It should be noted that AppleInsider cannot vouch for the veracity of the sources' claims and offers the following information for purposes of discussion only.

Recent reports have that suggested Apple may debut a more affordable handset this year, but none have mentioned the so-called "iPhone Math," which the publication says will help the company stay competitive in light of rival manufacturers' phablet offerings.

While details regarding the mystery device's specifications remain scarce, sources claim it will feature a large display measuring at least 4.8 inches diagonal, almost one inch larger than the current iPhone 5. Form-factor and screen resolution are unknown, though the so-called "iPhone Math" is said to boast an 8-megapixel camera with lenses built by Largan Precision. The Chinese firm has supposedly been tapped to supply some 8 million camera lenses for both the "iPhone 5S" and the "iPhone Math."

Component shipments for the two handsets, including touchscreen panels and cameras, will purportedly begin in March ahead of a late-April production timeline. Apple manufacturing partner Hon Hai, better known as Foxconn, will reportedly be responsible for assembling 90 percent of the orders.

The iPhone 5S claims are in line with analyst predictions regarding the production timeline of the iPhone 5 follow-up, with manufacturing expected to begin in March ahead of a launch in June or July.

A recent report from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the next-generation iPhone will likely include a fingerprint scanner built into the home button. He also expects a more affordable iPhone range to debut in the third quarter of 2013. The new model will be similar in design to the iPhone 5 but will replace the expensive aluminum chassis with a polycarbonate version available in six different colorways.

1-20-13

appleinsider.com

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The alleged cuts of iPhone 5 component orders are due to an upcoming ‘evolutionary technology update’ for the iPhone 6, not a lack of demand for Apple’s smartphone, an analyst has suggested.

Global Equities Research’s Trip Chowdhry believes that Apple has begun sourcing its screens from a new supplier in preparation for the launch of the next iPhone, which is why it seems as though Apple is cutting back on order for iPhone parts.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal published a story claiming that Apple has halved its component orders for the iPhone 5 due to low demand for the device, leading Apple’s share price to fall below US$500 per share. However, the report’s accuracy was later questioned, and was accused of being ‘flawed’. Some suggested that there may have been some stock manipulation involved in the report.

But Chowdhry claims: “The data is accurate, cancellations are happening – but what is the underlying reason? There is a technology shift happening at Apple.”

He thinks that the share sell-off was overblown, and that Apple is in fact preparing to launch an “evolutionary leap in phones” and possibly a new TV venture within the next three quarters. He expects Apple to introduce IGZO screens into its next iPhone, which will be lighter, more energy-efficient, and easier to cut for different sized models.

Apple is rumoured to be planning to launch an iPhone mini this year, a low-cost, smaller iPhone that could be made with plastic to make the device cheaper.

Chowdry also notes that IGZO glass could be used to create flexible phones, representing the next leap in handheld technology. Samsung has already shown off its foldable, rollable ‘Youm’ smartphone displays this month, indicating that the technology could be making its way into devices in the near future.

According to Chowdry, Apple has been ordering glass that is also able to be cut into large panels, which could indicate that the company is working on its widely speculated Apple television set.

Chowdry believes that 2013 is the year of innovation for Apple, and that if his predictions are correct, Apple’s share prices will rise to US$650.

1-20-13

www.macworld.com

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According to new information from the China Times translated by BrightWire, Apple is planning to release the iPhone 5S alongside a larger phone, deemed the "iPhone Math" by the report.

Because the iPhone Math name is highly unusual and does not fit in with Apple's traditional naming scheme, it is not clear if it is a code name or a potential mistranslation.

China Times says that the larger phone will come equipped with a 4.8-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera. It is said that it will launch in June alongside an updated iPhone 5, which will also feature an 8-megapixel camera. An additional iPhone update is said to be coming during the holiday season, with a 12-megapixel camera.

Though the report contains detailed information on suppliers, manufacturers, and production times, it is difficult to believe that Apple will produce a bigger iPhone and that the company will release two iPhones in a six month time frame.
The shipments for components, including touchscreens and cameras, will start rising significantly in March, and iPhone manufacturers will begin production in late April. Hence, Apple's suppliers will see major growth in 2Q 2013.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. will undertake 90% of the manufacturing orders, and Largan has received orders for 8 million camera lenses. Fujikura, Flexium and Zhen Ding will share production orders for printed circuit boards.

Foxconn Technology and Coxon will provide molding parts for Apple's new models; Foxlink will continue to offer connectors; Hon Hai Precision's Microelectronics Technology will start designing 4G network solutions for Apple.
This is not the first rumor that has featured a larger iPhone. Jeffries analyst Peter Misek first reported in December that Apple was working on an iPhone with a 4.8-inch display, but just last week noted that he has seen no further signs of the device. Digitimes also reported in early January that Apple was working on a bigger, more affordable iPhone that was targeted towards emerging markets, and analyst Brian White suggested that Apple might be considering launching its next iPhone in multiple sizes.

While rumors from the The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg support the introduction of an additional iPhone at a lower cost, the device is said to be smaller, not larger.

As we noted the first time the 4.8-inch iPhone rumors emerged, Apple has just increased the size of the iPhone with the iPhone 5, and may be reluctant to face the same resolution and pixel density obstacles attempting to create an even larger iPhone.

1-21-13

www.macrumors.com