Apple will reportedly offer Apple Pencil support and a 512GB flash storage option to at least some versions of the upcoming iPhones.
According to a new press release from Trendforce, Apple intends to both increase the appeal and the price of the next iPhone by adding new features and support. Part of that support will include compatibility with Apple Pencil, but only on OLED models.
Apple might be gearing up and advancing in terms of functionality with the 2018 iPhone models, and TrendForce believes that the Cupertino company will add support for the Apple Pencil on the 2018 iPhone models with OLED panels. While the utility derived from the Apple Pencil might be limited taking into account the smaller display, it can still prove to be quite useful in taking notes, making annotations and more.
“All three models would continue to feature Face ID, and two of them would be premium versions with an OLED screen,” says Trendforce “Apple Pencil would be offered as an option as well. With the production volume estimated by TrendForce at around 83~88 million units, the new iPhones to be released may take a larger share of the company’s annual sales volume compared with the three models last year.”
TrendForce also predicts that the 6.1-inch iPhone model will start at $699 USD or $749. That pricing would be in line with the $699 USD 4.7-inch iPhone 8, which would be a pleasant surprise given the big expected jump in screen size. Apparently, Apple is looking to stay competitive with cheaper Android phones with flagship specs. The OnePlus 6, for example, packs a 6.3-inch display, Snapdragon 845 processor and 6GB of RAM for only $529 USD.
“Regarding the prices, TrendForce believes that Apple is bound to adjust its pricing strategies, influenced by Chinese brands that have successfully expanded their market shares with products that offer high performances at affordable prices,” reads the press release. “Moreover, Apple will need to improve its cost structure to cope with the threats brought by Android brands.”
Apart from the Apple Pencil support, TrendForce also suggests that the OLED models of the 2018 iPhone will also include a new storage tier, adding to the 64GB and 256GB. With that said, Apple is also expected to offer a 512GB option.
