Last week, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made some interesting predictions about Apple’s iPhone 6S and 6S Plus that are expected to come out in September. Now Citi Research analyst Jim Suva has issued a new report predicting the features of the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7. Surprisingly, Suva confirms most of the features predicted by Kuo.
A faster chip, stronger body, and higher RAM
Citi Research said that the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will retain the screen size of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch respectively. The devices will feature an upgraded A9 processor produced by Samsung. He said the processor will be based on the Korean company’s 14nm FinFET technology. Suva says TSMC may also supply some A9 processor based on 16nm technology.
The analyst believes the iPhone 6S will be powered by 2GB RAM to allow for better user experiences. Citi Research is confident that Apple will include the Force Touch technology in its upcoming smartphone. First introduced with Apple Watch, Force Touch can distinguish between a hard press and a gentle tap. It allows users to interact with the interface in new ways.
The iPhone 6S will have a higher-grade aluminum casing. The Cupertino company will use the same series 7000 aluminum in its next iPhone that it used in Apple Watch Sport. Series 7000 is 60% stronger than the standard aluminum alloys, but weighs only a third of stainless steel. Citi Research expects Apple to upgrade the iPhone 6S camera to 12-megapixel.
iPhone 6S to feature Gorilla Glass 4
Suva said Apple has moved past sapphire display following the GT Advanced Technologies debacle. The company will use a tougher Corning Gorilla Glass 4 in the iPhone 6S. Contrary to past rumors, Suva does not expect Apple to launch a low-end 4-inch iPhone 6C. However, he said that the Cupertino company may come up with a refreshed version of iPhone 5S.
As for the iPhone 7, Citi Research said that the device would have a higher-capacity NAND memory (256GB). Expected to be launched in 2016, the iPhone 7 may be waterproof. Suva said that it will have a slimmer camera module, unlike the protruding camera module in the current iPhone 6. It will also have fast-charging capabilities.
