Apple looks set to jump on the industry trend towards even more cameras in its next iPhone models. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, the next iPhones will get an ultra-wide-angle lens in addition to the two ones on current models – and he's known to get it right.
Apple won't be the first to a camera feature like this, however. Other manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei are already incorporating three – and in some cases four – cameras into their smartphones to improve image quality and camera versatility.
Google, on the other hand, has so far stuck to only one lens in its Pixel phones in an effort to prove that its AI-based software can deliver better photo quality (an approach that has many tech bloggers convinced).
Ming-Chi Kuo also writes that Apple wants to give new iPhones "reverse charging", a feature that lets you wirelessly charge other devices by putting two phones together, another thing we saw last year on Android phones.
In addition, Apple wants to improve the FaceID facial recognition function with advanced hardware. The range of models – two versions with OLED displays, one with a cheaper LCD screen – looks set to remain unchanged, however.
To the lament of people using USB-C chargers on other devices at home, Apple will likely stick to its Lightning chargers and will not – as with the iPad Pro – switch to the more widely used USB-C.
It's unclear if such features, which are largely already familiar to smartphone users of rival manufacturers, will be enough to restore dwindling iPhone sales, which are a key source of Apple's revenue (contributing more than 60%).
But anything can change in the six months between now and September, when Apple traditionally launches its new iPhone models.
A recent slump in sales in China led to Apple missing its forecast for the entire Christmas business. Competition in the Asian market has become tougher and tougher in recent years – especially from Chinese suppliers who sell technically advanced phones at lower prices.
Ming-Chi Kuo is considered to be well networked in the supply chain and in recent years has repeatedly provided correct information on future Apple devices. Although his reports are intended for paying customers, his predictions are typically made public by tech blogs like MacRumors and AppleInsider.
According to the analyst, Apple also plans to expand the MacBook Pro laptop model range this year by releasing a larger version with a 16- to 16.5-inch display alongside existing models with 13- and 15-inch screens.
For the new Mac Pro desktop computer Apple is also said to be planning its own computer monitor, a product we haven't seen from Apple in years.
Finally, the long-awaited AirPower charging pad will finally come onto market in the first half of this year. Despite being announced by Apple a year and a half ago, the handy charger for AirPods, iPhone and Apple Watch still has not appeared. We can also expect an update to the beloved wireless AirPods to come soon. – dpa
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