Well-connected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s next-generation iPhone will not boast an ultra-durable sapphire screen cover, however both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions will gain a larger storage option of 128GB. The new handsets will also include a barometric pressure sensor, and a programmable power button.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities revealed in a new research note on Thursday, a copy of which was obtained by AppleInsider, that he expects both sizes of the new iPhone to be unveiled at Apple’s Sept. 9 media event. However, he doesn’t expect shipments of the jumbo-sized 5.5-inch model to ramp up until later this year.
Kuo thinks the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 my not hit the shelves until sometime following the smaller 4.7-inch model, and he believes Apple may have a problem keeping up with demand for the 5.5-inch model through the end of 2014.
The KGI Securities analyst does expect both sizes of the new device will offer 128GB of storage, which is double the current maximum storage available for the current iPhone 5s.
Kuo also said on Thursday that the new handset will boast a barometric pressure sensor, which he expects will open the door to more indoor navigation applications, along with new health-related functions related to spirometry.
Kuo also sees the next iPhone having a programmable power button that could be integrated with specific applications.
The one much-anticipated feature Kuo doesn’t see making this model year is the widely-rumored sapphire screen cover. Apple signed a $578 million deal with GT Advanced Technology for a steady supply of the ultra-hard material, but currently uses it only on the Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 5s, as well as the rear camera lens on the iPhone 5s and 5c.
Apple will hold an event on Tuesday, September 9, where it is expected to debut it’s latest flagship iPhone(s), as well as debut its “iWatch” wearable technology. Kuo says Apple may also debut a new iPad Air at the shindig, which will boast a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and a new gold color option.
The event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, CA, will kick off at 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern Time. As usual, MacTrast will be covering the event as it happens. Be there, or be square.
