The launch of Apple’s next-gen iPhone is right around the corner. And iPhone suppliers are watching the headlines to see what the future holds for this flagship device. They’re also gearing up for an influx of used devices as consumers say goodbye to their iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X handsets.
As with most device launches. There’s been a slow drip of information about the coming iPhone 11 (also referred to as the iPhone XI). Here’s what iPhone suppliers can expect when it comes to the iPhone 11:
A September 10th or 12th Release Date
Some news outlets have reported that the lineup will be announced on September 10th with orders kicking off on September 14th. While others have reported that the XI devices will debut. Some time in early fall and that pre-orders will open up the Friday after the announcement. Because IFA 2019, Europe’s biggest tech show, starts on September 6th this year, some reporters are even predicting that Apple will delay the launch until the following week.
So why are September 10th or 12th still the most likely dates being discussed among iPhone suppliers? Since 2012, Apple has been unveiling their new iPhone models during the first two weeks of September — usually on the second Wednesday. This year, though, the second Wednesday is 9/11, so chances are that Apple will pick Tuesday or Thursday for the announcement if it doesn’t opt to wait a week.
Three Camera Lenses
Camera specs are always at the forefront of the news leading up to iPhone reveals. Until now, the cameras on iPhones have been good but not great. And there have always been Android flagships with better specs. Now it seems Apple has decided to opt for a rear triple camera array — featuring a standard lens supported by wide-angle and zoom lenses — in one or possibly all the iPhone XI models. Each camera would have 3D sensing and stereoscopic vision for better AR capabilities.
Assuming this rumor is true, it means users will be able to take ultra-wide-angle snapshots. And possibly also that the iPhone will automatically capture images outside of the frame selected by the user in case they accidentally cut someone or something out.
A New A13 Processor
All rumors point to the iPhone 11 coming equipped with upgraded A13 chips from Taiwanese manufacturer TSMC. Which will most likely be Apple’s exclusive A13 chip supplier for the iPhone. As a result, this handset will probably be faster and more efficient than its predecessors.
No 5G Capability
Multiple news outlets have reported that Apple won’t release its first 5G phone until 2020 or even later. The technology is still relatively new, but that’s not why the iPhone 11 won’t have 5G capabilities. While the company has tested Qualcomm 5G chips in the past. It only recently re-established ties with the company after a year long split. And Intel (which supplies modem chips for the XS, XS Max, and XR) announced it was going to exit the 5G space this past April.
It Will Look Like the XS
The iPhone 11 is expected to look a lot like the iPhone XS, with an almost identical design right down to the notches, bezels, buttons, and connectors. The two biggest differences, according to rumors, will be the redesigned three-lens rear camera and the fact that a small circular mute button will replace the sliding button on the current iPhone. Supposedly, the 11 will come in six colors: lavender, green, white, black, yellow, and red.
No More 3D Touch
Reports suggest that Apple’s popular 3D Touch technology will no longer be part of the iPhone’s design when the 11 hits the market. This will likely disappoint iPhone power users who leveraged the pressure-sensitive technology to perform time-saving shortcuts like bringing up Quick Actions in app menus and showing previews of emails and websites without actually having to open them – and they may opt for the X instead.
An OLED Screen
Of the three iPhones released last year, only the XR had an LCD display. And it’s expected that at least two of the 2019 iPhones will feature OLED panels, if not all three. Rumors have circulated that the cheapest 2019 model will still use an LCD panel, however. And that there won’t be a full OLED lineup until 2020.
USB-C Charging Support
In the past few years at each new flagship launch, tech journalists have speculated that Apple would make the jump to USB-C. This year those speculations may finally prove true. Apple has already replaced the proprietary Lightning connector with USB-C in the newest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad Pro devices, and there have been rumors that some iPhone 11 prototypes have sported USB-C.
It Will Be Capable of Charging Other Devices
The iPhone 11 will likely have a bigger battery with a longer battery life than its predecessors (including the XR, which lasted 19 hours in one video playback battery drain test). That’s good, considering it is rumored that the XI will support bilateral charging. What that means is that users can share some of the device’s power with other iPhones or with peripherals like AirPods.
Apple Pencil Support
There has been speculation that Apple will offer an Apple Pencil type stylus with the newest iPhone models, though like all of the rumors above, that remains to be seen.
Smart iPhone suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors will be on the lookout for a wave of used iPhones hitting the market. And if you plan ahead you can get all of the inventory you need. Consumers who already have relatively new flagship phones probably won’t rush out to buy the iPhone 11. But there will always be early adopters who will trade in and upgrade along with people who are inspired by the launch to check out older iPhone models.
Ready to start stocking up now? Whether you are a retailer, distributor, or refurbisher. LogicalWireless can help you find the devices you need, when you need them.
