iPad-like design coming to the next iPhone, smaller HomePod in the works
By
iPad-like design coming to the next iPhone, smaller HomePod in the works
Bloomberg has learnt new information about Apple's upcoming hardware plans including the iPhone and HomePod.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the top-tier iPhone models will borrow design cues from the latest iPad Pro models. The top-tier iPhone models are said to have flat stainless steel edges and flat screens. This is in line with what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in September 2019 where he wrote that the 2020 iPhone models could adopt a redesigned metal frame similar to the iPhone 4.
The top-tier iPhone models will also come with the LiDAR Scanner. The successor to the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max will have a slightly bigger display. Apple is also working to reduce the size of the notch on this year's iPhone models with a future plan to remove the notch completely.
There are likely to be four new iPhone models this year; two replacing the iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max, and another two replacing the iPhone 11. Due to the supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, some of the new iPhone models could be released several weeks later than normal. Analyst Jeff Pu shared a similar report a few days ago. He estimated that the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch models will launch in September while the 6.7-inch iPhone model will be available in October.
The HomePod will also be refreshed with a new model that is said to be half its size. The new HomePod model has been in development for many months and faced delays. It could be launched in the second half of the year with a more affordable price tag. The Economic Daily News and Macotakara wrote about a more affordable HomePod speaker as early as March 2018.
Other new hardware products include the AirTags which will be bundled with an Apple-designed leather sleeve and a keychain to attach to objects, a new version of MacBook Pro, Apple TV, refreshed entry-level iPads and a new iMac.
