Apple’s Upcoming iPhones Spotted In European Regulator’s Database

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Apple Upcoming iPhones
Image Source: KGI Securities / Ming-Chi Kuo (screenshot)

Apple hasn’t official revealed anything about its upcoming iPhones. With their launch only a couple of months away, the devices have started appearing in regulatory databases. As many as 11 iPhone model identifiers were recently spotted on the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)’s website. Also included in the database were unannounced MacBooks and iPads that are expected to arrive later this year.

The upcoming iPhones found in the EEC’s database (via Consomac) have model identifiers A1920, A1921, A1984, A2097, A2098, A2099, A2101, A2103, A2104, A2105, and A2106. All of them were running iOS 11 except A2106, which was running the iOS 12 software. The EEC database has traditionally been a reliable source of information about Apple’s unannounced products. The iPhone 7, AirPods, and Apple Watch Series 2 were also discovered in the EEC’s database about a month before their launch.

The iPhone model identifiers have three distinct runs of numbers beginning with A19…, A20…, and A21. It indicates that Apple will launch three iPhone models this year, corroborating with at earlier report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst said recently that Apple would launch a 6.5-inch OLED iPhone X Plus, a 5.8-inch second-gen iPhone X, and a cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone with LCD screen.

The database also lists seven iPad models, five of which were also spotted earlier this month. All the seven iPad identifiers were running iOS 11. Apple is rumored to launch a new 11-inch iPad Pro and a larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro this year. Both of them will have a bezel-less design and Face ID technology. The EEC also listed five new MacBook models running macOS 10.13. Apple has just launched new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Touch Bar. We could see a revamped MacBook Air, a 12-inch MacBook, and a new non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro this fall.

Here’s how Apple will differentiate between the upcoming iPhones

Coming back to the upcoming iPhones, the EEC listings don’t reveal their technical specifications. But we have seen tons of leaks in the last few weeks. Ben Geskin and SlashLeaks recently shared display panels of all three upcoming iPhones. The leak suggested that all three models will have an iPhone X-like bezel-less design with a top cutout. However, bezels on the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone appear to be slighter thicker than its OLED siblings.

2018 iPhones LCD iPhone
Image Source: SlashLeaks.com (screenshot)

All the upcoming iPhones are said to feature the Face ID technology. The LCD variant is going to cost in the same range as the iPhone 8 while offering iPhone X-like design and Face ID to lure buyers. But Apple will remove a few features such as 3D Touch functionality to keep its manufacturing costs down. Also, the LCD iPhone is said to have only 3GB RAM and a single camera on the back. The OLED variants would feature dual cameras and a higher 4GB RAM. Apple is said to offer up to 512GB of internal storage on new models.

All the three upcoming iPhones will be powered by Apple’s custom A12 chipset that is being manufactured by TSMC using the cutting-edge 7nm manufacturing technology. Earlier this month, one of the 2018 iPhones with 4GB RAM, iOS 12 software, and a hexa-core processor appeared on Geekbench. It scored an impressive 4,673 points in single-core and 10,912 points in multi-core tests, representing 10% and 7% performance gains compared to the iPhone X, respectively.

iPhone XI Geekbench
Image Source: Geekbench.com (screenshot)

According to industry experts, Apple will further differentiate the LCD iPhone from the OLED models by launching it in vibrant colors similar to iPhone 5C. The bright colors of the LCD variant will make it instantly clear that you have bought the affordable version rather than the more expensive iPhone X2 or iPhone X Plus. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus will be available in classy black, ‘new gold,’ and an eye-catching white color. The LCD model is expected to launch in blue, red, orange, white, and gray colors.

Will Apple discontinue the iPhone X and iPhone SE?

Following the launch of 2018 iPhones, Apple could discontinue production of the iPhone X and iPhone SE, claims BlueFin Research. The research firm said Apple would focus on the new models, for which there is immense “pent-up” demand. BlueFin Research analysts predict Apple will produce a record 91 million iPhone X2, iPhone X Plus, and LCD iPhone units in the second half of this year. The output will further increase to 92 million units in the first half of 2019. The analysts did not explain what would trigger such a massive upgrade cycle.

BlueFin Research noted that the 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus would appeal to consumers who found the iPhone X too small for their taste. The 6.1-inch LCD iPhone is aimed to price-conscious users. The tech giant is expected to retain the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus as lower priced options.

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