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June 12, 2019

Possible Changes to iPhone on the Table in the Next Year



Since the launch of the first iPhone (News - Alert) in 2007, Apple has created a strong reputation and presence in the mobile device market. Now, with a total of 18 iPhone models released up until now, many loyal customers along with technology analysts and experts are wondering what’s next for one of the most popular brands.



In recent months, speculation has circled around what’s on the agenda for the company with its late 2019 release and upgrades and updates for 2020. While no one can be completely confident that much will change for iPhone’s look, feel, or functionality, there is plenty to be excited about for the next-gen wave of the mobile device. First, it may help to look back on where the smartphone market has come from, as well as where it stands today.

A Look at the Current Smart Phone (News - Alert) Market

According to a finance expert with Money Pug, a website used to compare cheap mobile phones for everyday consumers, the business of the smartphone has never been stronger. From Apple, Samsung, Google (News - Alert), and others, mobile device makers are continually innovating. Many smartphones from leading companies other than Apple have focused their attention on updates to designs and the look of the latest version of devices. Apple (News - Alert), on the other hand, has remained relatively steady with the last several rounds of iPhone launches.

Instead of shifting the way the smartphone looks or feels, the company put its money toward enhancing features – some more popular than others. However, one thing has remained fairly consistent over the years: Apple has almost always had the most expensive devices, creating somewhat of a frenzy around new releases and a nearly unbreakable bond between customer and company. Other smartphone manufacturers have tried to leap into the higher-end device market, but without much success. To avoid failure, these providers spend their resources on keeping up with the most up to date technology, from camera upgrades to new security features.

What’s on the Docket for Apple

Although change is imminent in any technology market, smartphones are often leading the way in innovation. This is driven by consumer demand, and Apple is well-known for delivering. However, the last two releases of iPhones haven’t directly hit their mark with customers. The design stayed nearly identical to years past, but there were distinct shifts in certain aspects of the phones. Adding facial recognition capabilities was a significant move toward enhanced security features with iPhones, and it allowed for a full-surface screen. This gave Apple a stronger placement among consumers who prefer a larger screen to work with while on their device.

Moving to facial recognition, though, took away one of Apple’s more notable upgrades in the past decade. Touch ID became a popular feature which wasn’t offered by competitors when it first launched. Some Apple fans will be happy to hear that a version of Touch ID may be returning to iPhones, based on new information uncovered about a patent filing.

In 2016, Apple filed a patent application for enhanced Touch ID technology. Instead of having to press one’s finger on a certain part of the device, users may have the opportunity to utilise the fingerprint identification feature anywhere on the screen. This allows Apple to continue to have its larger screen surface while giving users another way to secure their phone and their data.

When to Expect Rumoured Changes

In addition to the return of Touch ID, just in a different form, analysts anticipate other upgrades to Apple’s iPhones throughout 2019 and into 2020. Consumers could see an even larger screen surface, maximising space for use, with both facial recognition and Touch ID as security options. Some suggest the charging port now found at the bottom of the device will disappear altogether, making way for wireless charging across the board. With this change may come standard iPhone purchase accessories, like AirPods or a wireless charging station. These, likely, will increase the cost of the device as well.

The most likely changes to Apple’s lineup will be including 5G mobile network capabilities in its next-generation of devices. Several enhancements come with 5G, including the ability to charge over WiFi (News - Alert), stronger and faster connection speeds, and greater reach for mobile networks. These upgrades, as well as the potential for the return of Touch ID, are slated to be seen in the next two version release from Apple.



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