Apple iPhone 6 may include side-mounted power button, high-end model with sapphire display

KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has released an extensive research note outlining Apple’s product roadmap for 2014. Besides new information on the 12-inch Mac Air and the iMac, Kuo also details the rumored iPhone 6, as reported by MacRumors. According to Kuo, Apple’s larger-screened iPhone 6 will include Apple’s new A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, and Touch ID. A narrower bezel, slimmed down by 10 to 20 percent, and a thinner form factor will set the iPhone 6 apart from Apple’s earlier iPhone models. Because of its size, Apple may choose to move the power button to the side of the phone in order to make it easier to tap with one hand. Apple also may finally introduce NFC into its smartphone lineup, claims Kuo, though its present functionality is not clear. Kuo believes the 4.7-inch iPhone model will be sized appropriately for one hand usage, with a smaller bezel making up for the larger screen. The device will be popular with consumers as its larger screen will provide a better visual experience. Apple could hip up to 60 million units by the end of the years, predicts Kuo. The 5.5-inch model, on the other, will be too big to operate with one hand, but it could be big enough to lure users away from the iPad mini. The users are the ones that prioritize the visual experience and don’t mind handling a larger device that requires two hands to operate. Because of its larger size, the 5.5-inch model will feature a larger battery with up to 70% more watt-hours than the iPhone 5s. Kuo predicts the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will launch first, with the 5.5-inch model following later in the holiday quarter. Consequently, Apple will only ship 9 million units of the 5.5-inch model. Other improvements in the iPhone include an improved camera that focuses on optical image stabilization and other technologies to improve camera performance without increasing megapixel count. The next generation iPhone 6 will remain at 8-megapixels with an f2.2 aperture. Apple also will bring sapphire to the higher-ned iPhone models, such as the 64GB 5.5-inch iPhone 6, as an optional upgrade. Supply constraints of the material will limit its rollout in this upcoming iPhone model. The inclusion of sapphire will make it possible to incorporate the Touch ID sensor into the screen in future iPhone models. As for other iPhone models, Kuo predicts Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c as its low-cost options. The company will phase out the iPhone 4s and the iPhone 4, ending its support of the 30-pin connector in its smartphone lineup. Continue reading →

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