When Apple announced that it was going to halt orders for the iPhone X from suppliers after just 10 months of production, tech journalists and Android fan boys had a field day saying that the landmark device was somewhat a flop. However, it seems that the movie Money Ball’s John Henry was right in saying that the first one through the wall always gets bloody. Sure, the iPhone X probably cannot outsell the much loved iPhone 6 but the revolutionary product with its industry shaking new price point has been instrumental in bringing the whole smartphone industry to new heights. It also helps that the profit margin for each and every iPhone X sold was pretty much had an early-adopter’s premium slapped on to it.
The truth is, the iPhone X sold well and helped Apple reach the trillion-dollar benchmark as a company. But another fact is that the premium handset wasn’t enough to make all Apple fans buy into the future that Apple envisions. This is exactly what this year’s rumored new midrange iPhone aims to do.
$1,000 Phone Features in a $700 Package
By now, you probably know that leaks have revealed that Apple has a 5.8-inch and a 6.5-inch iPhone aimed directly at the high-end segment, and a 6.1-inch midrange segment offering. Considering that the $1,000 smartphone market has existed and marginally thrived fairly well as a niche product, it is probably safe to assume that if all those new features are introduced in a less expensive package for some small compromises. This is exactly where the 6.1-inch variant is positioned.
With Apple being notoriously secretive, the naming for the new iPhones have been strictly up to speculation up to this late hour. Rumors and leaks state that it can be called the iPhone 9 – the missing link between the 8 and the X. Others however, call it the iPhone Xr. While some call it the iPhone SE 2. Whatever it’s going to be called, it’s the one to look out for.
Screen
The screen is perhaps the most obvious feature carried over from the expensive $1,000 iPhone X. The X’s all-screen display has been its crowning glory and bringing that feature to a much more affordable handset can be a huge draw for consumers who couldn’t yet fathom the $1,000 price point for a smartphone.
The notch, whether you like it or not, will probably still be there. But the main thing is, for most people, who are happy with the screens on their iPhone 8, 7, or even the 6, are likely going to be very pleased with the screen quality on the iPhone 9. The 6.1-inch LCD panel is still going to take some people’s breaths away even if it’s last year’s tech. The sheer size of it is unheard of in iPhones.
Camera
iPhones have always been strong in the camera department. Despite having just one rumored main shooter, this one shouldn’t be a slouch in that area either. The iPhone 8, after all, performed well with almost the same camera setup. With the 9, the new sensors and improved processing power can make that even better.
It has all the software goodies minus the portrait mode. This means HDR, OIS, and other beloved iPhone camera features should all be present in this affordable handset.
Build Quality and Wireless Charging
Borrowing from the last generation’s iPhone seems to be a big theme for the iPhone 9 but that’s been the case for every iPhone from recent history. What Apple does better than other manufacturers is that they’re excellent at smoothening out the rough edges.
This is exactly what the iPhone 9 is expected to do with the iPhone 8 build. It’s going to refine the already excellently finished glass back and metal edges in a bigger chassis. This would allow for wireless charging capabilities and improved signal strength.
Face Recognition
For better or for worse, Face Recognition technology is the new first line of security for the iPhone. It worked relatively well for the iPhone X and there’s no reason that it wouldn’t work just as well with the iPhone 9.
It’s Not Without Its Compromises
To keep prices down, Apple couldn’t include some more expensive materials in the iPhone 9 package. The compromises are quite prominent but ultimately, the pros should benefit the cons.
LCD Panels
OLED has been used in Samsung phones for years and they’ve earned the spot for best screens on in the smartphone business because of it. The Galaxy S line’s curved screen design for most people are more of an aesthetic feature but the OLED’s crisp images are what truly brings the bacon home for their handsets. So, when Apple adopted the technology on their iPhone X, Apple aficionados who were envious of Galaxy phone screens were extremely happy.
For those same people, the iPhone 9 having an LCD panel is a step in the wrong direction. Screen quality, after all, is an important feature if you’re going to be looking at it the whole day. But, for the bulk of the people who are still on last year’s models, the LCD shouldn’t be much of a bother.
3D Touch
One of the least used features in recent iPhones is the 3D Touch. While it did add a layer of functionality, it just wasn’t useful enough to be used by mainstream users. This is probably why Apple decided to do away with this feature in the iPhone 9.
Touch ID
When you’ve been unlocking your phone a certain since 2013, it could be difficult to transition to a new way of doing things. But Apple is quite adamant that Face ID is the future of smartphone security. So for those of us who are trapped by the nostalgia of Touch ID, you have our condolences.
Verdict
There’s current of change that’s slowly shifting all Apple devices into an all-screen display. And the company is willing to do all that it takes to bring its consumers into the new era. The iPhone 9 is a slight nudge for people who couldn’t find a reason to cough up the dough for a modern iPhone.
The truth is, the iPhone X sold well and helped Apple reach the trillion-dollar benchmark as a company. But another fact is that the premium handset wasn’t enough to make all Apple fans buy into the future that Apple envisions. This is exactly what this year’s rumored new midrange iPhone aims to do.
$1,000 Phone Features in a $700 Package
By now, you probably know that leaks have revealed that Apple has a 5.8-inch and a 6.5-inch iPhone aimed directly at the high-end segment, and a 6.1-inch midrange segment offering. Considering that the $1,000 smartphone market has existed and marginally thrived fairly well as a niche product, it is probably safe to assume that if all those new features are introduced in a less expensive package for some small compromises. This is exactly where the 6.1-inch variant is positioned.
With Apple being notoriously secretive, the naming for the new iPhones have been strictly up to speculation up to this late hour. Rumors and leaks state that it can be called the iPhone 9 – the missing link between the 8 and the X. Others however, call it the iPhone Xr. While some call it the iPhone SE 2. Whatever it’s going to be called, it’s the one to look out for.
Screen
The screen is perhaps the most obvious feature carried over from the expensive $1,000 iPhone X. The X’s all-screen display has been its crowning glory and bringing that feature to a much more affordable handset can be a huge draw for consumers who couldn’t yet fathom the $1,000 price point for a smartphone.
The notch, whether you like it or not, will probably still be there. But the main thing is, for most people, who are happy with the screens on their iPhone 8, 7, or even the 6, are likely going to be very pleased with the screen quality on the iPhone 9. The 6.1-inch LCD panel is still going to take some people’s breaths away even if it’s last year’s tech. The sheer size of it is unheard of in iPhones.
Camera
iPhones have always been strong in the camera department. Despite having just one rumored main shooter, this one shouldn’t be a slouch in that area either. The iPhone 8, after all, performed well with almost the same camera setup. With the 9, the new sensors and improved processing power can make that even better.
It has all the software goodies minus the portrait mode. This means HDR, OIS, and other beloved iPhone camera features should all be present in this affordable handset.
Build Quality and Wireless Charging
Borrowing from the last generation’s iPhone seems to be a big theme for the iPhone 9 but that’s been the case for every iPhone from recent history. What Apple does better than other manufacturers is that they’re excellent at smoothening out the rough edges.
This is exactly what the iPhone 9 is expected to do with the iPhone 8 build. It’s going to refine the already excellently finished glass back and metal edges in a bigger chassis. This would allow for wireless charging capabilities and improved signal strength.
Face Recognition
For better or for worse, Face Recognition technology is the new first line of security for the iPhone. It worked relatively well for the iPhone X and there’s no reason that it wouldn’t work just as well with the iPhone 9.
It’s Not Without Its Compromises
To keep prices down, Apple couldn’t include some more expensive materials in the iPhone 9 package. The compromises are quite prominent but ultimately, the pros should benefit the cons.
LCD Panels
OLED has been used in Samsung phones for years and they’ve earned the spot for best screens on in the smartphone business because of it. The Galaxy S line’s curved screen design for most people are more of an aesthetic feature but the OLED’s crisp images are what truly brings the bacon home for their handsets. So, when Apple adopted the technology on their iPhone X, Apple aficionados who were envious of Galaxy phone screens were extremely happy.
For those same people, the iPhone 9 having an LCD panel is a step in the wrong direction. Screen quality, after all, is an important feature if you’re going to be looking at it the whole day. But, for the bulk of the people who are still on last year’s models, the LCD shouldn’t be much of a bother.
3D Touch
One of the least used features in recent iPhones is the 3D Touch. While it did add a layer of functionality, it just wasn’t useful enough to be used by mainstream users. This is probably why Apple decided to do away with this feature in the iPhone 9.
Touch ID
When you’ve been unlocking your phone a certain since 2013, it could be difficult to transition to a new way of doing things. But Apple is quite adamant that Face ID is the future of smartphone security. So for those of us who are trapped by the nostalgia of Touch ID, you have our condolences.
Verdict
There’s current of change that’s slowly shifting all Apple devices into an all-screen display. And the company is willing to do all that it takes to bring its consumers into the new era. The iPhone 9 is a slight nudge for people who couldn’t find a reason to cough up the dough for a modern iPhone.