In a research note, J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee says that his discussions with Apple’s suppliers indicate that the company will introduce four iPhone models in the fall 2020 launch cycle. Suppliers also indicate that in 2021, Apple is likely to shorten its product cycle, unveiling phones in both the spring and the fall.
Looking ahead to Apple’s next iPhone launch season, likely in September, Chatterjee expects Apple to unveil four new devices spanning a wider range of screen sizes. His channel checks suggest that the company is planning a 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch devices, and one 6.7-inch phone, all of which will support 5G connectivity. Chatterjee expects that Apple’s two new higher-end devices will feature “world-facing” 3D sensing, a technology that could help Apple boost its augmented-reality capabilities and support other feature improvements on its priciest devices.
A wider range of models with a more advanced set of features this coming year could drive “potential acceleration in replacement cycles,” he wrote.
Chatterjee’s supply-chain checks indicate that Apple may begin staggering its iPhone introductions after this fall, and he now expects “a strategic change in the launch cadence with the release of two new iPhone models in 1H21 followed by another two in 2H21.” Such a shift could help Apple “smooth seasonality” around iPhone launches, Chatterjee wrote, while also helping the company better compete with rival phone introductions that happen throughout the year. In addition, a staggered launch may help limit Apple’s exposure to “product cycle missteps” by allowing the company to alter designs more quickly in response to market feedback.
MacDailyNews Take: As per altering things based on feedback: Last night we dreamt our iPhone was named just “iPhone”, as in: “6.7-inch iPhone (2020)” and that it had a Sleep/Wake button on top where it belongs as opposed to the ill-conceived and badly-placed Side button found on our current iPhones. Then we woke up to disappointment. But, hey, hope springs eternal!
Would love to see the sleep/wake button back on top, especially now that iPhones wake themselves with a glance or screen tap.
Well unlike the 13 people to upvote this comment, I had enough conmen sense to understand MDN was referring to the SLEEP function of said button. 🙄🙄
And the new SE .
So true ! that it had a Sleep/Wake button on top where it belongs as opposed to the ill-conceived and badly-placed Side button found on our current iPhones. . .
’tis the one and only real ergonomic problem with the iPh design, per my experience. It must be related to one thing; manufacturing cost savings?
I’ve hated the sleep/wake button ever since they moved it. Worst freaking location and always accidentally getting pushed when taking landscape photos.
Jony struck again with that mess
hey no bad talk about the man Jony!
When the iPhone got bigger, it made sense (the top of the phone became inaccessible with a normal-sized hand). Directly opposite the volume buttons was a mistake. But now that you rarely need the sleep/wake button to wake the phone, the top makes more sense once again.
1451
amount of times I shut down my iPhone trying to turn down the volume!