For higher production costs due to the inclusion of 5G hardware in this year ‘iPhone 12’ series, Apple is trying to use less expensive components in other areas, according to analyst Ming-chi Kuo (via MacRumors en AppleInsider). One of the biggest cost reductions is believed to come from battery technology; Kuo says Apple is reducing the number of layers in the battery board and placing cell components in a smaller area.
This will result in a battery board that is 40 to 50 percent cheaper than the equivalent part of the iPhone 11, according to Kuo, and next year’s iPhone batteries will receive a further price drop of 30 to 40 percent due to additional design changes. Apple also says it will trim battery costs for a third-generation AirPods release next year by switching to a “system-in-package” design similar to what is used on the AirPods Pro.
These changes not only compensate for the 5G hardware. Kuo estimates that including millimeter-wave technology on the iPhone Apple costs between $ 125 to $ 135 per unit, plus $ 75 to $ 85 for sub-6GHz. But between this and the reported decision not to include power stones as earphones in the box, it seems that Apple is doing what it can to reduce costs over the whole.
This year’s iPhones are expected to be available in October, a few weeks later than usual – although it’s unclear whether Apple will stick to its traditional September announcement.
