iPhone 7 will resemble the iPhone 4, and feature wireless charging says KGI
KGI investors have received a new note from top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has revealed information on the future of Apple iPhone devices in 2017.
The information reveals some important changes to the iPhone lineup, including what seems to be a nod to the iPhone 4, at least in terms of design, and the integration of an AMOLED display, in what Kuo predicts will be a 5.8 inch phablet, alongside other form factors still undisclosed.
AMOLED in the iPhone, as early as 2017 seems to be in contrast with an earlier prediction placing AMOLED technology in the iPhone, by 2018.
The body of the new handset will most likely be made of glass, although Apple is reportedly exploring other options, including plastic and ceramic, and the back of the handset will be round, “...with more narrow bezels and a more comfortable grip...”.
A 5.8 inch iPhone seems to be in the cards, as unlikely as it may seem, with a strong chance of it replacing the 5.5 inch version entirely.
With Windows 10 phones heading towards the direction of integrating as much of Windows Hello biometric technology as possible, it’s not far-fetched to think that the new iPhone will feature biometric authentication that goes beyond Touch-ID, including iris, and face recognition.
It’s not a secret that Apple has invested plenty of new ways to charge its devices, including wireless charging, which is part of the Apple Watch. The iPhone will likely feature long-range wireless charging, enabling the new handset to recharge using wireless frequencies captured from across a room.
There has been plenty of talk about the next iPhone eliminating the 3.5 audio jack, and this could be a real possibility by the time the iPhone 7 reaches production.
Why 2017?
While it’s unlike Apple to skip a whole year to release a new handset, there may be valid reasons, mostly related to the latest devices released recently, like the iPad Pro. Apple wants to move its design and engineering operations to the new Apple Campus 2 as soon as possible, and focus on future iOS devices, and narrow down new features, in order to return to its roots as an innovator, after too many years of relying to the same design for the iPad and iPhone. This is a golden opportunity which will likely build momentum for consumers.