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Apple Inc. is preparing a redesign of its top-tier iPhones, borrowing cues from the latest iPads, as part of a major fall update that will see 5G added to up to four new phone models and the launch of two new key accessories, according to people familiar with the plans.
This year’s successors to the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will join two low-end models to replace the iPhone 11. At least the two high-end devices will have flat stainless steel edges instead of the current curved design. As rounder corners like the iPad Pro were introduced in 2018. Reminiscent of the design of the iPhone 5, the new phones will have flat-panel displays instead of slanted edges on current models, people who asked not to be identified said the plans are not public.
Apple has also been developing a smaller, cheaper version of its HomePod speaker, which will launch earlier this year, and so-called Apple Tags that will allow users to track real-world objects like keys and wallets, according to people who have prototypes seen.
Due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, at least some of the new iPhones could be released several weeks later than normal, although still within the typical crash window, people familiar with the launch plans said. Apple has not informed suppliers of significant delays, other people said, and its engineers are expected to travel to China and finalize product designs in May.
An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Upcoming iPhone Pro models will include three cameras on the back, while lower-end phones will continue to have two cameras, as with the current lineup. Apple will add the 3-D LIDAR system that debuted with the iPad Pro in March to its top-tier devices, setting the stage for advancements in augmented reality applications.
The new higher-end iPhone is set to have a slightly larger screen than the 6.5-inch panel on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple is investigating removing the crop at the top of the screen for the selfie camera and Face ID sensors in future designs, and it is likely to reduce the size of the notch with this year’s models.
All phones are planned to include a significant processor upgrade with an emphasis on speeding up artificial intelligence and AR tasks, people familiar with the devices said.
Also read: New details found about the upcoming iPhone 9 in iOS 14 code
Since 2012, Apple released new major iPhones every September, except for the iPhone X launch in 2017 that occurred in November due to supply constraints.
This year, the company is navigating a global pandemic that temporarily slowed down its China-based supply chain and has affected demand for smartphones due to a stagnant global economy. Travel restrictions against viruses have also pushed Apple engineers to work primarily from home.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the new coronavirus and the changing economy, Apple’s launch plans and iPhone specifications may still change.
Apple’s new HomePod speaker will be about half the size of the original and will maintain a similar design, people familiar with its development said. The device has been in development for several months and faced delays, with Apple now aiming for a launch in the second half of this year, they added. Offering it at a lower price will help Apple better compete with cheap smart speakers from Amazon.com Inc. and Google from Alphabet Inc., which currently dominate the U.S. market. The HomePod has largely been viewed as a failure in terms of sales, although its superior sound quality remains a competitive advantage.
Beyond the price, the HomePod’s lack of comparative success has also been fueled by its closer compatibility with music streaming services and smart home products, as well as the limited functionality of Apple’s voice assistant Siri. The company has been acquiring artificial intelligence startups to help boost Siri, is hiring a team to streamline its smart home efforts, and plans to add additional music services to the HomePod, Bloomberg News reported.
The Apple Tags wireless accessory will offer functionality very similar to devices already on the market, such as Tile trackers, people familiar with the product said. They will be included with an Apple-designed leather case and a keychain to attach it to objects, they said. The thin, small, disk-shaped labels have been in development for over a year and are planned for release as soon as this year.
Apple is also working on a new version of MacBook Pro, Apple TV, budget iPads and a new iMac, people familiar with its product roadmap said.
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