iPhone Models in Future to Include Upgraded 3D Sensing, AR Features: KGI's Ming-Chi Kuo

Just days after revealing higher-capacity battery packs across all the three iPhone models rumoured for 2018, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now reportedly predicted that future iPhone versions will sport "upgraded 3D-sensing and AR-related functions". The latest prediction emerges following Apple's confirmation regarding the slowdown of older iPhone models to prevent unexpected shutdowns. The Cupertino giant earlier this week responded to the claim made by Geekbench-maker Primate Labs that was highlighting some tweaks to reduce the performance of phones with older batteries.

Kuo, without detailing their scope, stated that the upcoming features will "consume more power, further increasing demand for large-capacity batteries", reports 9to5Mac. However, the analyst reportedly forecast that Apple will adopt rigid-flex PCB over flex PCB for the iPhone batteries next year. This is not in line with what has so far been expected in the smartphone market. Moreover, the KGI expert stated that the iPhone maker is in plans to accommodate larger battery packs on the new models by minimising other components such as the processor package.

If we believe Kuo's ongoing predictions, Apple is planning to launch as many as three new iPhone models next year, including a new iPhone X upgrade with a 5.8-inch OLED display as well as a new 6.5-inch OLED model and the cheapest among the three - a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone. There is also a speculation that Apple will bring dual-SIM support on one 2018 iPhone model. Further,the Tim Cook-led army is rumoured to retain its TrueDepth technology with minimal upgrades for the next iPhone range, though fingerprint-scanning Touch ID would ultimately leave the entire family.

Earlier this month, Kuo predicted that Apple is in development to upgrade the battery of the 5.8-inch iPhone (2018) with a range between 2900mAh and 3000mAh. This is more than the existing 2716mAh battery capacity available on the iPhone X. Likewise, the 6.5-inch OLED iPhone model was also reported to have a large battery.

While KGI's Kuo is busy in predicting new features of the next-generation iPhone models, Apple has been facing criticism over silently slowing down handsets with older batteries. The company confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that it reduced the processor performance on the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, and the iPhone 7 to prevent the previously reported issues of unexpected shutdowns. That admission notably came after Geekbench's Primate Labs published supporting data online to show the impact.