iPhone 2019

According to Counterpoint, a leading market research firm, the iPhone XR was the highest selling iPhone in Apple’s November 2018 releases. The report also suggests an increase in sales of older iPhone models in the coming years, such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8.

New iPhone sales show a decline in 2018, while the iPhone XR captures the highest share amongst Apple’s 2019 releases.

New iPhone sales in millions (2017 VS. 2018) . Source. 

Although total sales declined in 2018, the iPhone remains a premium product that is sold by a premium brand, and it remains loved by consumers who seem to be just fine with the high prices and high data consumption which typically requires custom iPhone plans. But what can we assume from the fact that the XR had the most sales? This likely means that consumers are moving towards more economical smartphones even though they’re still attracted to the premium nature of Apple’s iPhones.

Acknowledging the need for economical versions, Apple offer the iPhone in various sizes and at multiple price points each year. The company’s strategy will continue with a new 2019 lineup. Market spectators suggest that Apple will launch the iPhone 11 (or so-called iPhone XI lineup, nobody’s really sure about the name as of yet) this September of 2019. This new device lineup is rumoured to feature a 5.8 and 6.5-inch OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display version, and a 6.1-inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) version.

5G is on the verge of a full rollout and, understandably so, it’s the talk of the mobile industry. This next-generation network technology promises ultra-fast speeds up to 100 times that of 4g, as well as low to zero latency. These features mean a world of difference if it lives up to expectations, and consumers and smartphone manufacturers alike are excited about it all. So far, Samsung leads the phone manufacturer pack in the 5G race. The company has launched the Samsung S10 5G, now available exclusively through Telstra in Australia. Samsung also plans on re-launching the Galaxy Fold after it’s initial launch was scrapped, and a 5G version may be in the cards. Other manufacturers include Huawei which have already revealed their plans to roll out their first 5G phones by the mid or end of this year.

Despite the 5G craze, however, Apple seems to be taking a wait-and-see approach on the technology.  Signs suggest the iPhone won’t join the 5G race until 2020.

5G aside, rumours suggest the 2019 iPhone XI lineup will feature a much more advanced device than many other smartphones on the market. The handset may feature laser-guided, Augmented Reality-capable, 3D cameras, paired with Face ID. But so far, industry insiders aren’t really impressed with the iPhone 11 (or XI or whatever the name turns out to be). It seems the most significant difference between it and 2018 versions are is in its camera and design (which, apparently, may end up not being that big of a deal), which most are actually frowning at. Apparently, it’s not going to be much of an upgrade from Apple’s 2018 lineup, and so you might be wise to wait until its 2020 releases. After all, Apple’s 2020 lineup is expected to pack the most punches, 5G technology being one of them. Why upgrade now to a version of the iPhone that’s probably hardly any different from your current handset? That doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade at all.

Apple has not announced any fixed date for the release of its brand new device lineup. However, if the company sticks to its usual iPhone release schedule, you can expect the iPhone XI to be released on or around the 10^th of September. The iPhone 5 was released in September 2012, followed by the iPhone 5S in the same month in 2013. The iPhone 6 and 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone X/iPhone 8, and iPhone XS were also released in the month of September.

Apple has recently filed patents for foldable phone technologies. According to AppleInsider, the latest patent filed by the company features plans for foldable screens, fueling speculations on whether the XI lineup may feature such technology. However, this is unlikely to be the case. All leaks so far show prototypes of an iPhone that’s clearly not foldable. Further, Apple seems to prefer a wait-and-see approach on things like these, and the delicate nature of foldable technology is certainly something worth taking such an approach on.

According to Ice Universe, Apple iPhone 2019 will feature the similar iPhone XS notch, but with a hole in the display in a 2020 release. Therefore, you can assume that the 2019 iPhone will be a revised version of the XS and you will see more major design changes in 2020.

The following concept image designed by Ben Geskin, based on Apple iPhone 2019 leaks, suggests that the iPhone XI may feature a larger design change in the back.

Camera on 2019 iPhones

Apple iPhone 2019 concept image based on leaks. From left to right, iPhone 11 Max, iPhone 11, and compared to iPhone XR2. Source.

The enormous camera on the back of the 2019 iPhone have been rumoured by a number of leaks from credible sources, including OnLeaks and Digit, who claim that they are Engineering Validation Test (EVT) stage renders produced by the smartphone maker. Serial leaker OnLeaks, in January, reported that the iPhone 11 will feature a three-camera setup, and the bump appears markedly bigger than those on competing Android phones.

The iPhone is likely to feature an advanced A13 CPU, which is a healthy boost over the A12 of the current iPhone XS. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Analyst, the iPhone will pack 4GB of RAM (Random Access Memory).

Design and display of iPhone XI

The notched display on the iPhone X proved to be highly influential. According to the alleged USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office) filing located by LetsGoDigital, the next generation iPhone will have a more elegant display. It claims that Apple is proposing apparatus that’ll integrate the camera into cover glass to provide a camera window. This means Apple will inlay a shaped lens into the standard display glass of the phone, allowing the camera to exist under the display panel. The screen technology may feature the 5.8- and 6.5-inch screen sizes used by the XS and XS Max.

Battery life and USB-C (Universal Serial Bus Type-C)

According to Kuo, the iPhone 11 will feature a battery with a 25% capacity boost. It will feature two-way Qi wireless charging, allowing you to charge other Apple devices, such as your AirPods 2, off the back of your smartphone.

Apple’s iPhone 11 will likely lack any 5G capabilities. The company revealed its plan to launch a 5G phone in 2020, and so don’t expect any 5G connectivity this year. Apple recently announced that it is working on 5G modems, using options from Intel, MediaTek, and Samsung. Several reports reveal that Apple was working with Intel to test a 5G modem, but the feat suffered setbacks due to connectivity problems, forcing Apple to eliminate it from 2019 iPhones.

Apple has recently stated that it would consider working with another chipmaker, MediaTek. However, MediaTek will not be able to provide 2019 iPhones with 5G modems.

Also, due to its long-term dispute with Qualcomm over allegations that the company had been charging exorbitant licensing fees on its processors, Apple could not choose the chip maker. Qualcomm argued that Apple owed the company billions of dollars for using their technology in iPhones, leading to a legal battle. Thus it’s likely that no 2019 iPhone release will feature 5G connectivity.

However, the iPhone 11 is forecasted to pack a super-fast Wi-Fi connection. According to Barclays analyst Blaine Curtis, the new iPhone will use the latest Wi-Fi 802.11 ax standard for four times improved performance in crowded areas, delivering 40% higher data upload and download speeds.

Apple sold its iPhones in 2018 at exorbitant prices, as has come to be expected. The company has recently revised its earnings forecast due to underperformance and consumers’ negative reviews about the rising prices of the iPhone.

As a result, Apple may price the iPhone 2019 starting at $999 and charge extra for additional storage (perhaps 256GB and 512GB) or larger screen sizes.

Other possible features

• Apple pencil support:
  According to The Investor, Apple is considering an Apple Pencil-style stylus with the 2019 iPhone models. Kuo stated that Apple Pencil support is a possibility for the upcoming iPhones.
• Bilateral wireless charging:
  Two-way wireless charging, also known as bilateral charging, may b featured on the 2019 iPhones. Two-way wireless charging will allow Qi-based iPhones to charge other iPhones or, as stated, the new AirPods using the Wireless Charging Case. Users will be able to charge any Qi-based device using their iPhone, as it will serve as a wireless charger itself.
• Ultra-Wide Band support:
  If the 2019 iPhone lineup comes with support for Ultra-Wide Band, it will improve the indoor positioning and navigation.
• 4×4 MIMO:
  The 2019 iPhone may come with a 4×4 MIMO antenna design, which would allow faster LTE speeds. The iPhone XR only supports 2×2 MIMO. With the change, all future iPhones could feature the same LTE equipment.

If you are looking for powerful cameras, possible Apple Pencil support, better Wi-Fi and LTE speeds, improved performance, and the best version of iOS 13, you should definitely buy 2019 iPhone when it comes out, if the rumours are accurate. This, of course, depends on whether the high priced device suits your budget comfortably.

Japanese blog Mac Otakara claims the 2019 iPhone will come in six colors, including purple, lavender, green, yellow, red, and black.

However, don’t wait for the 2019 iPhone if you are expecting major design improvements and don’t want a camera bump on your smartphone. Also consider the likelihood that this year’s iPhone will lack 5G support and offer no increases in screen size. Like many Android phones dropping this year, the 2019 iPhone may not feature an in-display fingerprint sensor and a foldable display. In other words, if you’re looking for significant upgrades, the iPhone 11 isn’t a good idea. The better idea would be to hold on to your money and wait for a 2020 release.

According to a report issued by DigiTimes in April, Apple is planning to release three iPhones featuring OLED screens in 2020. Currently, the iPhone XS and XS Max pack OLED screens, while iPhone XR features lower-quality LCD panels. The report suggests that Apple may look back down the screen size chart after committing to larger iPhones.

All in all, purchasing a 2019 iPhone has a lot to do with your budget and whether or not your current device is outdated. In fact, even if these factors don’t matter to you, it’s hard to imagine the lure of an upgrade where the 2019 release doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade at all. Trending technologies in the smartphone market are 5G connectivity and foldable technology – the iPhone 11 will lack in both departments and give you what you already had in the 2018 iPhone lineup. In fact, most seem to think the rumoured design isn’t attractive at all. We’re actually being kind – in reality, most have referred to the rumoured design as “ugly“. It may be wise to wait for a 2020 version, which will likely feature the latest technology, including 5G.

Apple’s year so far 

While most of the anticipation so far surrounds the 2019 iPhone, Apple is busy with a number of other devices. So far this year, Apple have already

• Released a redesigned iPod,
• Released new AirPods, and
• Launched a credit card.

What’s else is next besides the upcoming 2019 iPhone lineup? Here’s a quick look.

Even more Airpods

As stated, Apple already released new AirPods this year, but more seem to be on the way. Rumour has it that the next few months will see two additional AirPods.

According to 9to5Mac, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has cited the fourth quarter of this year or first quarter of 2020 as the release date for the expected additional AirPods.

Ming-Chi Kuo has credibility in this aspect, as his Apple product predictions are usually spot on. The analyst describes one of the AirPod releases as an upgrade, while the other will feature significant changes to its design.

The Mac Pro

Apple’s Mac Pro was a long, successful series that ended in 2013. Since then, the company haven’t announced any new models — until now.

In June, Apple unveiled the new Mac Pro. The computer comes with the traditional Mac Pro idea of an actual separate tower. It also carries on with the Mac Pro tradition of being highly upgradeable — a feature that Mac Pro fans loved dearly in those older models that they still own til date.

The 2019 Apple Mac Pro. Source.

The Mac Pro will start at $6,000. As if that price tag isn’t shocking enough, the display will cost $5,000, while a $1,000 stand will also be available. There’s no actual release date for the Mac Pro, but Apple has it slated for this Fall.

Apple TV Plus 

Earlier in the year, Apple announced Apple TV Plus as a streaming service that can be accessed through their TV app. Apple TV will also be accessible through their mobile devices, Apple TV, and some Samsung devices as well.

Apple TV Plus boasts of premium program lineups from big name celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Jennifer Aniston. The company has been mum on pricing details so far, but the service will be released this fall exclusively on the Apple TV app. 

The Apple Watch Series 5 

Not much has been said about a 2019 Apple Watch so far. However, it’s almost customary for Apple to release an Apple Watch alongside their iPhone, as they’ve been doing so consistently since 2016.

Current predictions label this anticipated device as the Apple Watch Series 5, considering the 2018 version is the Apple Watch Series 4.

Apple Arcade 

For such an innovation giant, it’s hard to believe that Apple haven’t delved into the gaming arena yet. That’s set to change, this year, as the company announces its new gaming platform: Apple Arcade.

The Apple Arcade is a subscription gaming service. It’ll feature 100 games that will be exclusive to the service for a monthly fee. Apple Arcade will run on iOS, Mac and Apple TV devices.

A release date hasn’t been set yet, but an internal early access program to test the service is currently running.

Testing the upcoming Apple Arcade. Source.

With these upcoming devices and services, Apple is set to have a busy Fall. It isn’t all about the iPhone this year — Apple has other areas to focus on. Next year may be just as active, and certainly so where the iPhone is concerned. As we’ve pointed out, the upcoming iPhone 11 (or XI) won’t be much of an upgrade from the 2018 lineup, when compared to what the 2020 lineup may hold. Specifically, with 5G being the news of the day, a new iPhone lineup just doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade when it isn’t even 5G-capable.

With the other devices and services coming from Apple this Fall, perhaps the giant manufacture is giving you more innovative alternatives to spend your money on besides the 2019 iPhone.