According to people familiar with the matter, AppleThe company has asked suppliers to produce as many as 90 million new-generation iPhone this year, a significant increase from shipments in 2020.
In recent years, the tech giant has maintained a steady level of about 75 million units from the launch of one device to the end of the year. The upward revision of the 2021 forecast indicates that the company expects the first iPhone release since promoting COVID-19 vaccination to release additional demand. The next iPhone will be Apple's second 5G phone, which is a key incentive for users to upgrade.
This year's new version of iPhone will be more incremental than last year's iPhone 12, emphasizing improvements in processors, cameras and monitors, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the plan. Apple plans to update all current models, including the regular 5.4in and 6.1in versions and the 6.1in and 6.7in Pro models. The new phones are expected to be released in September, slightly earlier than last October.
At least one new version will be equipped with a LTPO (low temperature polycrystalline oxide) display that can change its refresh rate according to what is displayed. Apple has used this technology in its Apple Watch for years, allowing the screen to slow down in some cases-such as the Always On message screen display mode-to extend battery life. OPPO, one plus and Samsung ElectronicsTheir flagship models are already equipped with LTPO screens. The new iPhone with LTPO display will also use IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology to improve power efficiency and response speed.
While the design of the new iPhone will remain largely the same, the company plans to reduce the size of the front camera and facial unlock sensor incisions to better compete with competitors. The company hopes to eventually completely remove the notch in future versions of the iPhone and may further reduce its size next year.
An Apple spokesman declined to comment.