Amidst all the rumors, there’s got to be a nugget of truth in here somewhere.
Apple’s next-gen iPhone is said to feature an “enhanced receiver” with “further improvements” to stereo sound and waterproofing, according to new research shared this week by JPMorgan analysts, who track the company’s supply chain in the Asia-Pacific region.
As of now, the receiver is embedded in the slim, meshed earpiece cutout above the screen that the user holds against their ear during a phone call. Since the iPhone 7, it has doubled as a full-out speaker. With two speakers, Apple says the iPhone 7 delivers two times the audio output of an iPhone 6s with increased dynamic range.
JPMorgan analysts have yet to identify what acoustical improvements will be included in the next-gen iPhone’s speaker, but it’s thought that the device will feature higher peak volume. It’s also rumored that the unit will be more waterproof and feature an even better IP68-rated water resistance.
JPMorgan’s research note also included a prediction that Apple may include a pair of AirPods as a free accessory with the next-gen iPhone.
This seems unlikely, as AirPods currently retailed for $159 in the United States, as opposed to EarPods, which sell for $29 and cost Apple barely anything to make, according to estimates by market research firm IHS Markit. It’s unclear how much it costs Apple to manufacture a pair of AirPods.
Other iPhone 8 features expected by JPMorgan have all been rumored previously, including a stainless steel and glass design, faster processor, larger battery, wireless charging, and 3D sensing module for facial recognition. JPMorgan estimates the device will be $75 to $80 more expensive to manufacture.
The research note hails from JPMorgan’s Asia-Pacific region analysts, which include Gokul Hariharan. Analyst Rod Hall, who typically covers Apple for JPMorgan in the United States, is not listed in the research note.
This research note comes from a group of JPMorgan analysts in the Asia-Pacific region, including Gokul Hariharan. Not listed is Rod Hall, who covers Apple for JPMorgan in the United States. Hall is the analyst who believes there’s a highly likely chance Apple will preview the iPhone 8 at WWDC in June.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors