It was talked about that Intel put up a comparative advertisement for Mac and PC, but that was the way Apple used to go with “Get a Mac”. I hope that competition between rivals will lead to an increase in the capabilities of processors and devices.
Vertically folded iPhone after 2023? Is it possible that the iPhone 12 mini will be discontinued? We will deliver the latest Apple rumors together.
The iPhone 12 mini was welcoming the palm size, but there were also survey results showing that it “may have disappointed Apple” in global sales. As a follow-up, analysts predict that production may be discontinued by the second quarter of 2021.
According to analysts at major financial institution JP Morgan, the iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max is performing very well in the first half of January 2021, and production is expected to increase by 11 million units and 2 million units, respectively. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 mini is “weak demand”, so the idea is to adjust the inventory.
Even so, the 2021 flagship iPhone 13 (provisional) series will continue to have four models, that is, a 5.4-inch mini size, as in the previous year. The new iPhone model is usually under development for more than two years, and it is certain that the mini lineage will continue for at least another year.
However, Reuters reports that “iPhone 12 mini sales in the United States in the first half of January were only 5% of the total iPhone,” as if to catch up. Demand for small smartphones is declining rather than a single malfunction, and even data shows that screen sizes of 6 inches or less have a share of only about 10% of all smartphones (as of the end of 2020).
In addition, the iPhone 12 mini is $ 300 more expensive than the second-generation iPhone SE, and it has been pointed out that pricing is difficult. The new iPhone SE released amid the spread of the new corona infection invites switching from Android devices, and it is said that the iPhone 12 series as a whole is “the largest replacement demand ever”, but only the iPhone 12 mini is “(relatively)” It may have been stuck in the air pocket of “high price and small screen”.
The first Apple silicon M1 chip-equipped Mac (MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini) has remained in the conventional design, but the theory that the next model will be a “new design” is predominant.A well-known analyst predicted that the new MacBook Pro will have a flat edge (straight and angular design) following the iPhone 12.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, who is familiar with Apple’s insider information, the convex part will be cut from the top and bottom of the existing model to make it a linear design. In recent years, the flagship iPhone and iPad Pro have a narrow bezel and the screen occupancy rate is increasing, but the 16-inch MacBook Pro also has a smaller body size and a larger screen, almost the same size as the old 15-inch. It is speculated that flattening will further push that direction.
On the other hand, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman (also known for his own source of unreleased Apple products) said he expected it to be a minor design change. Both have the same outlook that the Touch Bar will be abolished in the next model and the physical function keys and MagSafe charging connector will be revived.
In addition, Mr. Kuo also expects a 14-inch MacBook Pro as a new model, but this should probably be “the body size of the old 13-inch model is unchanged, only the display is larger”. The 16-inch is too big, so good news is likely to come to those who want a compact body and a wide screen.
I’ve told you before that Apple is considering two models of folding iPhone, vertical folding and horizontal folding, but it is famous leaker information that the final decision will be made to flip (vertical folding) type.
Familiar Jon Prosser released a predicted rendered image called “iPhone Flip”, saying “Apple seems to have decided which way to go”. It folds vertically like the Galaxy Z Flip instead of Samsung’s horizontal fold device Galaxy Fold, and it is a style reminiscent of Japanese feature phones (or Game Boy Advance). When folded horizontally, it becomes closer to a square, and when opened, it becomes a vertically long screen.
In addition, Prosser tells the story of an anonymous source that the iPhone Flip also has multiple bright colors. The expressions “we intend to target the more mainstream market” and “not necessarily professional devices” seem to suggest a popular price. It is speculated that the leading Galaxy Z Flip also focused on women, and it may be that it is also aiming for the image of vertical folding = cosmetics (especially foundation).
Although the release date is unknown, it is unlikely that it will be released from 2021 to 2022. It seems reasonable to expect that foldable displays will wait after 2023, when prices are likely to drop, in order to make them affordable.
Analyst analysis of what other car makers are candidates for partnership with Apple, as negotiations on an autonomous EV manufacturing contract between Apple and Hyundai may have ended in a farewell.
To summarize the views of multiple analysts, Apple has no intention of sharing its autonomous driving technology know-how, and partner manufacturers simply benefit from the number of units ordered. Where is the car maker like Taiwan Foxconn that has a low profit margin (rumors that the relationship with Apple is getting worse because it is too small) that can be dealt with even in the assembly industry?
It is believed that this lack of umami is the reason why opinions were divided (rumored) within Hyundai. Not only was it possible to earn only a small profit, but Apple was also in control, and there was concern that the brand image would only be temporarily enhanced.
On the flip side, small manufacturers who can’t afford to invest in self-driving technology are willing to deal with Apple.
In addition to Hyundai, Honda and Strantis are also listed as candidates, and while BMW is presumed to be positive, Nissan President Uchida said, “Abundant through partnerships and collaborations, while avoiding specific answers to questions about the partnership with Apple. There are plenty of options, such as cooperating with a company that has a great deal of experience and knowledge, “he said.
The full-scale launch of Apple cars may accelerate the restructuring of the Japanese automobile industry.
VR / AR / MR (Mixed Reality) screens for wearable devices are required to have contradictory elements of “small and light” and “high resolution that makes you feel reality” at the same time. According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Apple is collaborating with TSMC on research and development to overcome the difficulties.
The white facility in Hsinchu Science Park Ryutan Garden District (Silicon Valley, Taiwan) does not have the company logo, and the apple logo can be seen in the lobby, which is reminiscent of the secret. The close proximity of TSMC’s chip package test plant in the same park also suggests close cooperation between the two companies.
The micro OLED being developed here is a technology that is completely different from the liquid crystal and organic EL made on the conventional glass substrate, which is built directly on the wafer (the substrate on which the semiconductor is manufactured). As a result, the panel can be made smaller, thinner and lighter, and it seems that it will be possible to display high-definition AR glasses with less than 1 inch, which is the exact opposite of the “bigger and bigger” promoted by panel manufacturers.
It’s no longer an open secret that Apple is focusing on developing next-generation displays that will follow OLED. First, for relatively large devices such as MacBook Pro and iPad, mini LED (replaces the backlight of the liquid crystal screen with a fine LED), and for Apple Watch, micro LED (a super fine LED is spread on the screen to make it self-luminous). , It is cool that micro OLED is newly added there.
It is interesting to note that both technological developments are speculated to be “to reduce reliance on Samsung, which supplies organic EL panels.”
As long as it depends on Samsung, it is inevitable that the latest technology display will be “First Galaxy series, adopted for flagship iPhone in about a year” (LTPO organic rumored to be installed in iPhone 13 Pro (provisional) The EL screen has already been adopted in the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.) It seems that the development of an original display may be urgent due to the smartphone competition, which is the main battlefield.