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Apple reportedly planning massive Q3 rollout for iWatch, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV updates

 

Screen Shot 2014-04-09 at 7.07.19 PM

KGI Research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a timeline indicating that Apple is planning a massive rollout for multiple new products in Q3 2014. According to the Kuo, the only thing we can expect to see in the first half of the year is a small iMac update. Starting at the end of the third quarter and continuing into the beginning of the fourth, however, Apple will update most of its product lineup: iPad Air and mini, the Apple TV, and the MacBook family.

Two new products reportedly planned for this timeframe are the iWatch, which Kuo says will be available in two different sizes, and the long-rumored 4.7-inch iPhone. The 5.5-inch iPhone that was reportedly delayed due to manufacturing issues with the display is said to be coming near the end of Q4, making it the last release for this year.

An interesting note on the iPhone 6 design also appears in the KGI report:

Power button location changed for first time. Our understanding is that iPhone 6’s power button might be moved from the top to the side. We think this change is meant to facilitate one-hand operation and might indicate new application that require more frequent use of the power button.

Moving the power button from the top of the phone to the side would certainly make sense if the new phone is going to be much taller than the iPhone 5.

The note also predicts that the iWatch will be available in several different styles (in two sizes, as mentioned above), with an emphasis on design and fashion:

Fashion is the name of the game; most expensive model likely priced at several thousand US dollars. Referring to the rules of the fashion market, we predict the iWatch casing and band will come in various materials. The most expensive model of the iWatch line will carry a price tag of several thousand US dollars. Assuming the iWatch proves to be a success, we expect Apple’s key competitors in 5-10 years will be the current fashion brands, not the existing tech companies.

Interestingly, Kuo suggests that the iPhone 6 will sport an NFC chip—an idea that was quite popular several years ago but in recent update cycles has fallen by the wayside in favor of Touch ID and other enhacements.

Apple to offer all-new design 4.7” and 5.5” iPhone 6. Although the 5.5” model will have higher resolution (1,920×1,080/401PPI) than the 4.7” (1,334×750/326PPI), due to same proportion in terms of length and width, it is good for APP compatibility. Specifications common to both models will include A8 processor, LPDDR3 1GB, LTPS panel, in-cell touch, Touch ID (fingerprint identification), 10-20% narrower bezel, 6.5-7.0mm thickness, NFC chip with security element and metal casing. [Italics emphasis added]

Other iPhone 6 predictions state that only the 64 GB version of the 5.5-inch model will include a sapphire Touch ID cover due to supply issues.

The larger iPhone will be positioned as a “phablet” device rather than a “smartphone” and will include a much larger battery. According to the KGI prediction, the larger iPhone’s battery capacity could be as much as 50-70% higher than the 4.7-inch model, though the battery life would be similar due to the extra power required for the larger display.

The camera in the iPhone 6 is also said to remain at 8 MP but will get a longer exposure time to improve quality:

iPhone 6 rear camera still 8MP and f2.2 aperture same as iPhone 5S, but OIS will increase exposure time. iPhone 6’s rear camera won’t have pixel and aperture upgrade, but the adoption of OIS will increase exposure time, which can improve image quality. We think this change will indeed produce better photos than just increasing pixel number.

The report notes that Apple is believed to be working on a 12.9-inch iPad to fill out the rest of the lineup. This device won’t be announced this year, but is said to be something Apple is considering. A new user interface is also rumored to accomdate easier input on the larger screen:

We believe Apple is working on a 12.9” iPad to generate new growth momentum. Apple will want to boost shipments and profits by offering a better entertainment and productivity experience with a 12.9” iPad. But we think this product is unlikely to come out this year. With the 12.9” iPad, we think Apple will come up with a new user interface that’s more innovative and intuitive, so that input will be as efficient as a device with keyboard.

KGI is usually pretty reliable on the product details in reports like this, though the timing is sometimes less accurate.

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Comments

  1. bobbell69 - 10 years ago

    Reblogged this on BobLovesTech and commented:
    This would be a huge release.

  2. Robert M. (@robjomo) - 10 years ago

    As much as I like to see Apple succeed, this is too little, too late. Hopefully I’m wrong and the new advertising push I read about will re-kindle the interest in these “possible” new Apple products

    • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

      Shut up and go away, you useless, pathetic FUDmonger.

      • originaldub - 10 years ago

        Tallest, what happened to you man? You were never this angry before. I get it that people piss you off but I think you need chill a little. And one other thing what is the obsession with “FUD”?

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        I think trolls need to be banned when they post things like this. As they’re not, they don’t deserve much in the way of recourse.

      • sally (@FedGoat) - 10 years ago

        Shut up and go away, you pathetic forum troll.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        You don’t seem to have the first clue what a troll is. Please don’t post about them until you do.

      • sally (@FedGoat) - 10 years ago

        stfu troll. You are the biggest troll I have ever seen. Now, shut up and go away.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Great argument. Really well thought out. Now prove that any future venture is 1: “too little too late”, 1.1: explain the scope outlined in “little”, 1.2: explain the timing of “late”, 2: why an advertising push is needed, 3: that interest has waned, and 4: that Apple is only “possibly” releasing new products

        Or just shut your useless trap.

    • Robert Nixon - 10 years ago

      Obvious troll is obvious.

  3. Justin Latham - 10 years ago

    If MacRumor’s post is right on the price of the iWatch, they have completely missed the mark on that. Mike, any idea on if that was speculation on their part? I don’t see anything about “upwards of $1,000” in the original post. Seems pretty crazy to me.

    • Justin Latham - 10 years ago

      Never mind, just saw the whole post pop up. For some reason it only showed the graphic until I replied. This is probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. Thing better print money or something.

      • taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

        It doesn’t mean they won’t make a $250 to $350 model of the iWatch. Maybe they will latter with watch design companies for bands that raise the price up to few k. I still see Apple releasing 2 versions. One that has less sensors smaller screen and less health features and a more sensor Kaiden model with larger display and larger price tag, probably $299 or $349 for the bigger model.

    • I believe that makes a lot of sense on their part. Watches, more than a fashion, are a way to show wealth and power.

      There are people that pay several thousands of dollars for something that will just tell you the time, even though their phones – or their personal assistant – could do that job (http://www.thewatchquote.com/Rolex-116034-PdN.htm). The watch market is not about functionality, but about fashion and luxury. Actually, there are iPhones that already cost several thousands of dollars (http://www.bbluxury.com/product-category/bb-luxury/iphone-5-lux/), but Apple is not profiting that money. Anyway, just imagine Apple margins on a X thousand dollar watch.

      Like Kuo said, perhaps they will be competing with current watches rather than tech companies. Knowing the little bit I know about Apple, it really makes sense that will compete on aesthetics rather than making some giant useless piece of shit on your arm to warn you you that you received a new message.

      • Exactly. There are already watches that cost thousands of dollars that don’t do anything special. It just has to look classy and not geeky. I don’t see that being a problem for them though.

  4. Harry Lepoisson - 10 years ago

    Where is Mac mini update ? ;(

  5. All I know is there better be a retina or at least 4K iMac in the pipeline. I’ve held off for 2 years buying a new computer waiting to not get screwed on screen resolution, but Apple is (as usual) slow to the mark.

    • Mark Choi - 10 years ago

      Slow to the mark?!? WTH are you talking about? Name a single other manufacturer with a 4k All-in-one.

  6. He’s predicting, still, only 1GB of RAM in the iPhone 6. That’s a no go. Anandtech’s extensive review of both, the iPhone 5s and iPad Air, show they are RAM stressed / starved at times. 2GB should be the minimum now that there is low-power RAM on the market.

    • David Hope - 10 years ago

      I agree completely!! 1GB of RAM is waaay too little in today’s world; so why would Apple be stupid enough to offer that when ALL their competitors serious offerings offer at least 2GB now?!!!

      I’m a HUGE Apple fan, and as much as I love my iPhone 5, I have used the new HTC M8 and the Samsung, and LG phones, and they do seem to be faster than my iPhone 5. No doubt that part of that has to be the amount of RAM.

  7. I can has 128GB iPhone 6?

  8. Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

    Here’s a prediction:

    This chart will be as accurate as last year’s: NOT AT ALL.

  9. why do people listen to analysts who predict that apple will release two iphones, one shortly after the other? in what world of business and consumer marketing would that make even the slightest bit of sense?

  10. Joel Pederson (@jrp95) - 10 years ago

    I think the 5.5 inch model has to come out at the same time as the 4.7. Additionally, with competitors cramming more pixels, the general public will want to have a phone with more. No matter if pixel count truly matters, to the general public more pixels=better picture. I think 12mp shooter on the back is reasonable. Finally, 4k video? Is it nessicary on this phone? I don’t think so but I don’t know, I didn’t think NFC was nessicary.

  11. Bryan (@iBRY83) - 10 years ago

    “Several Thousand US Dollars” for the iWatch?! Look I know it’s not going to be a $99 watch, but several thousand seems way out to lunch. I would estimate somewhere between the $250-$500 range as a reasonable price point. Unless the iWatch plans on replacing the iPhone.

  12. jmbenesh - 10 years ago

    “Several thousand U.S. dollars” for an iWatch? I have a hard time believing a wrist-centric wearable would cost significantly more than a desktop/notebook computer.

  13. Lucas Macedo - 10 years ago

    NO WAY Apple is going to move the power button. This is complete bs.

  14. zubeirg87 - 10 years ago

    I hate the side power button idea. It sounds like android and samsung. Yuck!

  15. madman8 - 10 years ago

    This is the biggest load of Sh*t I’ve ever read.

    Come on. Innovation and “magic” is not jumbo sizing everything.
    Apple is responsible to shareholders, not techies and not fanboys.
    The market is demanding innovation, it would be red icloud for apple to pump out the same products with slightly better internals, but bigger, and another model even bigger, and the original size. Can you imagine the apple store? They’d need to triple the tables to account for the iPad mini, air, iPad air 2, iPad pro/XL, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iphone 6 large, iPhone 6 XL. Iwatch, Iwatch mega speed, iwatch fashion, Apple TV, Apple TV jumbo.
    It’s stupid to think any of this is viable, let alone probable.

    Apple learned a lesson from the iPhone C. Trying to corner a premium & low income market with simultaneous products doesn’t work.

    Besides, they have never overshadowed their flagship 2-3 months after it’s release. We are NOT going to see an iPhone 6 September and an iPhone 6 biggie sized in December.

    There’s nothing of any value here. Especially the iwatch nonesense… Thousands of dollars? Get the hell out of here. Designer brands don’t cost thousands of dollars. Burberry watch- $450-$999 Michael kors $99-$600

    The watches this nincompoop is talking about are custom or jewelry designer watches. No one believes apple will start diamond encrusting their tech for fashion. Come on. This is frustratingly stupid. I love Apple . I am a marketing and Ad exec in Atlanta and I can not stand when rumors hurt the market.

    • Miłosz Michałowski - 10 years ago

      I fully agree. The iWatch rumor is one of the most stupid ones I’ve heard. It’s a product no one basically needs… And I doubt even Apple could make people need it. Folks have seen the Samsung watches, there’ve been Sony Ericsson watches before.
      Maybe, maybe they’ll introduce 2 size of iPhones, but I also doubt that. I bet it’ll be 1 size and maybe a 5C successor (I mean the 5C wasn’t a failure, just that the 5S was a big success).

      • Uncle Free - 10 years ago

        1) Being “responsible” to the shareholders doesn’t mean doing whatever the “market” wants them to. You don’t “demand innovation”. That is stupid. Apple isn’t even bend schedule innovation-wise.

        2) The “thousands of dollars” would only be for a high-end model, not the base model, so why are you even focused on that bit? “Diamond encrusted”? You must be kidding me. Why do yo think they hired Paul Deneve? Yves Sant Laurent sold the many watches in the thousands of dollars range. But Apple will not advertise a “thousand dollar” smartwatch. They will advertise a $399 smartwatch that is customizable just like any Mac.

        3) They didn’t “try to corner a premium and low-end market at the same time” , the 5c was only marginally cheaper than the 5s. The 5c had NOTHING to do w/ low-income. If that were the case, they would have actually made the 5c affordable. (Also, the 5c outsold every other smartphone except the 5s, so on what metric did they “learn a lesson” from releasing two simultaneous products at the same time?)

        4) Anyone who thinks iWatch is a “rumor” is delusional. It is happening.

        5) Yes, Apple will become a fashion company.

    • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

      >>Apple is responsible to shareholders,

      About whom they couldn’t care less. Apple is responsible to themselves, and they aren’t fans of making things larger, as you’ve said.

      >>Apple learned a lesson from the iPhone C. Trying to corner a premium & low income market with simultaneous products doesn’t work.

      That’s not what the iPhone 5C was about in any capacity.

      • madman8 - 10 years ago

        @unclefree you are aggressive and hostile. Like any angry troll.
        I am willing to bet my life that there will not be any such thing as this jumbo XL bullspit nor will there be a watch for Thousands of dollars. The st Laurent watches have real gold, platinum or precious stone. They don’t operate on a battery or make sounds when you get a text. It won’t be Fashion and it won’t cost thousands. You’re 100% wrong.

        5C WAS an attempt to capture the android buyers who bought because of price. It was a “less than premium” version of the iPhone. No one in the history of the world has made a lower priced version of a successful product in hopes that it’s current customers will convert to the “slightly cheaper model”

        That’s throwing away revenue.

        Their 5s customers were probably always going to be 5S customers but the 5C customers may not have even considered an iPhone before.

        This blog alone has illuminated half a dozen times the absolute misstep of the 5C. You believe it was a monumental win, fine, but that’s based on 5C vs competitions numbers, not apples projections or expectations. Your neighbor can think your goodlooking, if your wife thinks you’re ugly, you’re ugly. In other words it doesn’t matter how it stacks against android, apple will have that advantage most (not always) of the time. What matters is what Apple wanted for it and from it. That determines it’s “success”

        Apple won’t let their stock dive so that a few people get an additional option when searching for the right size tablet. They won’t roll out 50 products… So it’s far more likely that they will do what’s best for the company (innovate new products and bring them to market either before anyone else or better than everyone else) than to give galaxy S customers an extra half inch to switch.

        But hey, maybe I’m an idiot. Maybe I’m absolutely wrong. I’m either cocky or confident though, that I am 100% spot on. :) thank you!

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        >>This blog alone has illuminated half a dozen times the absolute misstep of the 5C.

        No, you don’t seem to understand what you’re talking about, thanks.

  16. scumbolt2014 - 10 years ago

    That would shut the iWhiners up. For about a fucking week.

  17. Pierre Calixte - 10 years ago

    Doesn’t seem smart to release so many products in such a small window. Apple is asking alot of their customers to buy all that stuff at once.