There were multiple reports of details about on the iPhones launching in 2020 such as 120Hz switchable refresh rate display, OLED display panel and more. In similar lines, according to a new report, all iPhone models launching in 2020 will come with support for 5G to better compete with Android smartphones that will support 5G.
According to a note from Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, all three new 2020 iPhone models will support 5G, and he states reasons for it. Firstly, he says that the company has more resource for developing 5G post acquiring Intel’s 5G modem business. Secondly, he says that boosting 5G developments could benefit Apple’s AR ecosystem.
In 5G networks, mmWave technology delivers faster speeds compared to sub-6GHz and is deployed in denser urban areas and the sub-6GHz is deployed in rural and suburban areas. 2020 iPhone models are said to support both mmWave and Sub-6GHz spectrum to meet the requirements of the US market. But it is still not clear if Apple could launch a 5G powered iPhone that supports sub-6GHz alone as it could also lower the price.
Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple analyst said:
We now believe that all three new 2H20 iPhone models will support 5G for the following reasons.
(1) Apple has more resource for developing the 5G iPhoneafter the acquisition of Intel baseband business.
(2) We expect that the prices of 5G Android smartphones will decline to $249-349 USD in 2H20. We believe that 5G Android smartphones, which will be sold at $249-349 USD, will only support Sub-6GHz. But the key is that consumers will think that 5G is the necessary function in 2H20. Therefore, iPhone models which will be sold at higher prices have to support 5G for winning more subsidies from mobile operators and consumers’ purchase intention.
(3) Boosting 5G developments could benefit Apple’s AR ecosystem.
Apple may have the intention to launch the 5G iPhone, which only supports Sub-6GHz, to gain market share by lowering the cost/price for markets which only support Sub-6GHz (e.g., Chinese market). However, 5G iPhone, which only supports Sub-6GHz and the version which supports mmWave & Sub-6GHz are regarded as different projects even though they share the same form factor design.
In other news, various renders of 2019 iPhone models surfaced earlier and is expected to be officially unveiled in September this year. We should know more information in the coming months.