Well-connected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has offered his predictions for Apple’s upcoming “iPhone 5S,” and he sees a 128GB storage options, a faster processor, and yes, for all you bling fans – a gold color option.
Kuo points out in his note to investors that the so-called “iPhone 5S,” will carry over many of the features already established with the current iPhone 5, including the 4-inch screen form factor.
Kuo sees Apple making a bump in the processor’s capabilities, equipping the new device with a A7 system-on-chip design with 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM. The chip is expected to be Apple’s own design, based on the ARMv8 architecture, with a possible efficiency bump of 20%.
As for the back-facing camera, it will receive small tweaks. The sensor will remain the same as the iPhone 5, but will have a larger f2.0 aperture lens assembly with dual LED flashes.
Kuo sticks with his prediction that the iPhone 5S’s much-rumored fingerprint sensor will be present, embedded in a sapphire glass home button.
There should be the same type of bump in available storage options we saw in the iPad back in February, with a 128GB storage option added to the lineup.
Kuo says no to Apple including near-field communications (NFC) in the iPhone 5S.
The main standout in Kuo’s latest predictions: He says yes, there WILL BE a gold color option added to the usual white and black color choices for this years flagship handset. So finally, there will be a proper accessory for that gold tooth you’re so proud of.
It has been all but confirmed that Apple is planning a September 10th event, where they will announce the new flagship “iPhone 5S.” In addition, they are expected to also introduce a budget “iPhone 5C” handset.
Recently, other well-sourced analysts, such as iMore editor in chief Rene Ritchie, 9to5Mac reporter Mark Gurman, and MG Seigler of TechCrunch have added additional weight to the idea of a gold iPhone, which is practically confirmed at this point.
The device is also expected to feature up to 128GB of storage, significant under-the-hood upgrades (including a new custom Apple A7 chip with 64-bit processing), dual-LED Flash, a larger battery, a vastly improved camera, and more. The device is expected to launch sometime this fall, with the most recent reports suggesting it will be unveiled at a September 10 media event.
