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Is Apple buying Intel's 5G business? A business move is on the horizon.
by Dominik Bärlocher
Is this the 2020 iPhone? Let's ask the world's best analyst
29.7.2019
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
When the Taiwanese legend Ming-Chi Kuo speaks, the world listens. Then the analyst knows the inner workings of the eponymous tech company better than any outsider. And he just announced details regarding the 2020 iPhone.
When it comes to Apple's future, talk to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Whenever others prophesise the coming of the Messiah from Apple's hallowed halls, he usually stays quiet – and is usually right. He's unrivalled when it comes to accurate predictions.
In short: when Kuo speaks, the world listens.
His newest prediction: Apple will release 5G iPhones in 2020.
Apple's vision according to Ming-Chi Kuo
According to the analyst, the 2020 iPhone range will consist of three models:
- A 6.7-inch diagonal iPhone, probably a larger version of the iPhone XS Max.
- A 5.4-inch diagonal iPhone, probably a smaller version of the iPhone XS.
- A 6.1-inch diagonal iPhone, probably a cheaper version of the iPhone XR.
However, in his first analysis, he clarifies that the 2020 models will remain on LTE, meaning 4G. No doubt due to the Intel/Apple affair. After years of legal battles, Apple surprisingly made up with chip manufacturer Qualcomm. They quickly cancelled their deal with Intel to produce modem chips for iPhones, completely kicking Intel out of the market. They even acquired Intel's cut 5G division (article in German).
«Now that Apple bought Intel, they have more resources to put into 5G development,» Kuo writes in his newest report. However, this doesn't mean that the first 5G iPhone chips will be made by Apple. After all, developing hardware and software still takes a fair bit of time. The 2020 iPhones will be fitted will Qualcomm modem chips. Apple Chips will only be implemented in iPhones starting in 2021.
Further features:
- The 5.4-inch iPhone will include an OLED screen.
- The 5.4-inch iPhone will support DSDS, allowing for the simultaneous use of two phone numbers.
- The 6.1-inch iPhone will include an LCD screen.
- The 6.1-inch iPhone will contain 4 GB of RAM.
- All iPhones will include an Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), allowing for improved location tracking in buildings.
- All iPhones will include frosted glass back covers.
- All iPhones will allow contactless charging and can wirelessly charge other gadgets.
- FaceID will be improved.
- The batteries will be improved.
- Some models will contain a triple camera setup: a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens and an ultra wide-angle lens.
- Apple iPhones will still require Lightning Connectors and not include USB C slots.
- The notch will remain and look the same as it currently does.
How does Ming-Chi Kuo even know all this?
Ming-Chi Kuo is a mysterious individual. He doesn't do interviews and doesn't expose his sources. We only know that Ming-Chi Kuo works for KGI Securities, a bank. He probably has various sources at Apple. The Taiwanese national doesn't confirm or deny this. However, there are indicators that he has friends on the inside. Such as when he mentioned an internal Apple codename during a DigiTimes interview. He might also have contacts at the relevant supply chains.
Source: DigitTimes
Before entering the world of finance, he worked for DigiTimes, a journal on tech. This is where he began publishing his analyses and predictions. Still, his aim isn't perfect. His big announcements are usually accurate in the grand scheme of things, but details such as release dates are often lacking in accuracy. His revelations are also pretty safe, only revealing the most obvious conclusions. Nevertheless: he's usually right.
Journalist. Author. Hacker. A storyteller searching for boundaries, secrets and taboos – putting the world to paper. Not because I can but because I can’t not.
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