KGI analysts Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is preparing three new iPhone models featuring wireless charging.
A report from 9to5 Mac suggests that the rumored iPhone 8, as well as the iterative iPhone 7 models, will come with a long-distance wireless charging. Previous reports from Kuo and from other sources claimed that the wireless charging technology will only feature on the iPhone 8, the 10th-anniversary special edition of the iPhone.
The famous Apple analyst mentioned that the iPhone 8 could be an expensive smartphone due to higher costs in production, especially with the 3D Touch sensor.
Kuo said that the phone will need a new graphite layer to protect the 3D Touch sensor because the wireless charging component produces more heat. The graphite sheet will be laminated to the heat-sensitive film sensor internally.
According to the analyst, the new iPhone 8 will cost more than $1000. He predicts that the total cost of the 3D Touch module will increase between 30-50%, and Apple may have to pass that increase onto the consumer in the final sale price.
iPhone 8 Rumors
Apple is said to introduce three new iPhones this year. Two models will be iterative updates to the existing iPhone 7, whereas the other will be a premium flagship phone with an OLED display and radical new design. Moreover, the iPhone 8 might be bezel-less with a Touch ID home button integrated into the display.
Analysts at Barclays predict that the iPhone 8 will feature a bezel-less design with curved edges on all sides. According to the firm’s analysts, the radical Apple phone will have a 5.9-inch display.
Inside, the iPhone 8 is said to have the A11 chipset. Rumors suggested that the chipset is being designed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company on a 10nm FinFET process.
In addition, the flagship phone will feature the highest level of water-resistance rating, Korean Herald reported. It will reportedly be IP68 certified, meaning the phone can survive for 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water.
Apple is also considering to add a camera compatible with 3D technology to the iPhone 8, according to a report from The Korea Economic Daily. Moreover, rumors suggest that the phone will feature the iris technology.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is expected to release the new iPhones in the fall.
