Rumors

DigiTimes: iPhone 8 to feature enhanced Siri capabilities

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

Apple's next-generation iPhone is expected to feature enhanced Siri capabilities, according to unnamed industry sources who spoke with Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes. The report states that other vendors aside from Apple are likely to launch new smartphones featuring artificial intelligence features as a means to ramp up market shares in 2017, including Samsung (their version of Siri is called Bixby), Huawei, LG Electronics and Xiaomi Technology.

Apple and iPhone manufacturer Foxconn may build highly automated $7B display plant in U.S.

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 23, 2017

According to Japanese outlet Nikkei Asian Review, iPhone manufacturer Foxconn's Chairman Terry Gou told journalists who attended his company's end-of-year corporate party that Foxconn is considering a joint investment with Apple topping $7 billion for a highly automated display facility in the United States.

It would eventually create 30,000-50,000 jobs.

KGI: iPhone 8’s 3D Touch may provide higher sensitivity and wider range of pressure levels

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 21, 2017

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted in today's research note that Apple may adopt a combination of fingerprint and face detection sensors to supplant Touch ID.

In another note to clients obtained by MacRumors, Kuo claims that iPhone 8 will debut an enhanced form of 3D Touch technology with higher sensitivity and a wider range of pressure levels.

KGI: iPhone 8 may supplant Touch ID with optical fingerprint & facial recognition sensors

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 21, 2017

iPhone 8 is widely expected to become Apple's first full-face handset as the company is rumored to have devised ways of integrating Touch ID into the display assembly. A research note by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a copy of which was obtained by MacRumors, claims iPhone 8 may sport a new biometric identification technology that would supplant the good ol' Touch ID system and make possible iPhone 8's rumored zero-bezel design.

iPhone 7 flash memory maker Toshiba could sell its NAND flash unit to Western Digital

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 20, 2017

DigiTimes estimated this week that flash memory chips for smartphones will remain in high demand throughout 2017 because supply shortages are reportedly “worse than expected” as chip makers are currently transitioning from older 2D NAND to newer 3D NAND technology.

According to a report Friday in The Korea Herald newspaper, citing Mirae Asset Daewoo Securities analysts, Toshiba may spin off of its lucrative NAND flash unit and sell the stake to Western Digital, narrowing the technology and market share gap with its bigger rival Samsung Electronics.

Galaxy S8’s assistant to be called Bixby, offer camera-based visual search & text recognition

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 19, 2017

Galaxy S8 is widely expected to include a new Siri-like personal assistant, called Bixby, which may let users search for objects identified in a photograph and recognize text on images. These features should be integrated directly into Samsung's standard Camera app via a dedicated Bixby button, SamMobile learned Thursday.

Aside from these rumored visual search features, Bixby is thought to let the user control all stock apps and conduct payments, similar to Apple's Siri, and more.

Google bogged down with shipping Pixels, demand at Best Buy not a tenth of that for iPhone 7

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 19, 2017

Since launching its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in early-October 2016, Google's learned that real artists ship—the firm's done a poor job at shipping its latest and greatest phones which received glowing reviews due to their excellent cameras, built-in Google Assistant and other nice features. The company may have grossly underestimated demand for the larger 5.5-inch Pixel XL models.

One visit to its online store is enough to realize Google is struggling to meet consumer demand for its iPhone 7 rival. Regardless of the color option, both 32GB and 128GB models of Pixel XL are currently out of stock at the Google online store, said The Verge.

Pixels are only offered in 32 and 128 gigabytes and the 128GB one hasn't been in stock since November 30. Separately, AppleInsider learned from a source at Best Buy, which only sells 32GB Pixel models, that demand for Pixel isn't a tenth of that for iPhone 7.

Lite-On Semi rumored to supply fast wireless charging components for iPhone 8

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 19, 2017

According to a recent Chinese-language Commercial Times report cited by trade publication DigiTimes, Apple signed a component contract with supplier Lite-On Semi which should provide several parts that the iPhone maker needs in order to realize fast wireless charging on iPhone 8.

The Taiwan-based supplier has been tasked with building GPP bridge rectifiers that help reduce thermal issue and increase efficiency of wireless power transmission.

New iPads may not arrive until later half of 2017

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 14, 2017

A trio of new iPads that KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted for this year may not launch until the second half of 2017, according to supply chain reports cited by trade publication DigiTimes. The new 9.7, 10.5 and 12.9-inch iPads won't launch before summer because they're still in the planning stage.

The refreshed 9.7-inch model is expected to enter mass production in the first quarter while volume production of the other two models should kick off in the second quarter of this year. For what it's worth, DigiTimes said in December 2016 that lower-than-expected yield rates for TSMC’s 10-nanometer process technology could disrupt planned March 2017 debut of new iPads.

Apple Pencil 2 rumored to feature iPad-attaching magnetic system & pocket clip

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 18, 2017

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple will refresh its tablet lineup this year, adding a new model with a screen measuring between ten and 10.5 inches diagonally. A new rumor published Wednesday by Dutch blog Letem svetem Applem alleges that Apple Pencil 2 is due soon.

Foxconn setting up Shenzhen facility to help Apple create gadget prototypes

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 18, 2017

iPhone manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group is building a new research and development facility in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to help Apple build prototypes of new products, Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday. According to two people familiar with the matter, plans call for the new facility to be located next to Apple's upcoming research and development center in Shenzhen.

iPhone 8 said to use fixed flex 5.8″ screen with embedded sensors

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 18, 2017

Apple's next iPhone is expected to adopt a 5.8-inch wraparound AMOLED display that utilizes a fixed flex screen like Samsung's ill-fated Galaxy Note 7.

That's according to a note Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri issued to investors on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by AppleInsider. Arcuri refers to the so-called tenth anniversary iPhone as “iPhone X”.

The analyst claims the 4.7-inch iPhone 7s and 5.5-inch iPhone 7s Plus models may switch from LCDs to AMOLEDs, too, if Samsung Display is able to supply enough panels to Apple.