Hey, all! Would love your thoughts on these predictions!
In thinking over Apple's design directions with iPhone and the new iPad Pro, and in light of no new parts leaks just yet, I have some thoughts/predictions for the 2019 iPhone design (the current iPhone XS and Xs Max are the design references, unless otherwise stated):
1. Case Redesign:
• Same Thickness (thinness?) as iPhone XS: I think Apple is setting the stage for iPhone thickness that will last a while, partially for hardware reasons, and partially for usability. The current iPhone seems to be a great compromise for both, and saying at this thickness will leave room for future hardware (see below).
• Slightly Bigger L x H Dimensions: Due to my forecast on the screen (see below), I think Apple will slightly increase the length and height of iPhone, for both models. Yes, I also think they'll keep the iPhone XS and XS Max siblings for years to come.
• Flat, Minimally-Filleted Edges: I think Apple will adopt a design for the edges that is an update from the sides of the outgoing iPad (the curved sides). I think these edges will have a small-radius fillet only at the transition from the sides to the rear, creating relatively-flat sides (similar to the current iPad Pro, but with a slightly-larger fillet radius). Also, I think the aluminum will meet the glass with no chamfer; there will be only the hard rubber seal between the aluminum and the screen at this juncture.
• Removal of the Mute Switch: We haven't had this on iPad for a while now, and I think removing it is inline with Apple's minimalistic design philosophy. In turn, Mute will become an option on Control Center (similar to Do Not Disturb or Orientation Lock).
Unchanged Elements:
• Identical Corner Radius: I think Apple leave the radius of the corners identical.
• Glass Back: I also think Apple will leave the back of the 2019 iPhone glass for a variety of reasons.
• Standby/Volume Button Locations: these will remain in their current positions.
• NanoSIM Location: This location will also remain unchanged.
• Speaker Grills: These will most-likely remain unchanged, though they have the possibility of being slightly altered depending on the antennae lines.
2. Hardware:
• Thinner FaceID Components: I think Apple has been able to make FaceID components that are half the size of the current components, which will allow them to be 'hidden' by a slightly-thicker black bezel around the screen, thus removing the notch. To do visually-hide these components, but keep the screen sizes identical to the current iPhone XS and XS Max (which I think they will do), Apple will need to combine a slightly-larger iPhone frame (as stated above) with a slightly-thicker black bezel. Overall, the design changes will be barely noticeable, but the removal of the notch will be stunning, and further match Jony Ive's dream of creating the illusion of interacting with a single pane of glass.
• USB-C: The inclusion of USB-C on the new iPad Pro was a fantastic, future-oriented decision, and I think Apple will do the same with the 2019 iPhone. Aside from the charging capabilities, it opens up the device to future features Apple may wish to adopt. The current thickness of iPhone XS and XS Max is sufficient for the adoption of USB-C, though Apple will most-likely adopt a flat bottom edge (as stated above).
• The "Usual": The internal components (e.g., processor, chips, cameras, etc.) will be updated.
Possible Hardware Changes
• Speakers: The internal speakers may be revised, and updated.
Unchanged Elements:
• Screen Sizes: I think Apple set a foreseeable-future precedent with the sizes of the current iPhone XS and XS Max, and thus these sizes will remain for the 2019 iPhone.
Anywho, I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts or ideas on these predictions for the 2019 iPhone! If anyone wants to collaborate on a render, I'm down. I have 0 rendering experience, so I cannot help in that department, but I'm available for feedback/revisions.
In thinking over Apple's design directions with iPhone and the new iPad Pro, and in light of no new parts leaks just yet, I have some thoughts/predictions for the 2019 iPhone design (the current iPhone XS and Xs Max are the design references, unless otherwise stated):
1. Case Redesign:
• Same Thickness (thinness?) as iPhone XS: I think Apple is setting the stage for iPhone thickness that will last a while, partially for hardware reasons, and partially for usability. The current iPhone seems to be a great compromise for both, and saying at this thickness will leave room for future hardware (see below).
• Slightly Bigger L x H Dimensions: Due to my forecast on the screen (see below), I think Apple will slightly increase the length and height of iPhone, for both models. Yes, I also think they'll keep the iPhone XS and XS Max siblings for years to come.
• Flat, Minimally-Filleted Edges: I think Apple will adopt a design for the edges that is an update from the sides of the outgoing iPad (the curved sides). I think these edges will have a small-radius fillet only at the transition from the sides to the rear, creating relatively-flat sides (similar to the current iPad Pro, but with a slightly-larger fillet radius). Also, I think the aluminum will meet the glass with no chamfer; there will be only the hard rubber seal between the aluminum and the screen at this juncture.
• Removal of the Mute Switch: We haven't had this on iPad for a while now, and I think removing it is inline with Apple's minimalistic design philosophy. In turn, Mute will become an option on Control Center (similar to Do Not Disturb or Orientation Lock).
Unchanged Elements:
• Identical Corner Radius: I think Apple leave the radius of the corners identical.
• Glass Back: I also think Apple will leave the back of the 2019 iPhone glass for a variety of reasons.
• Standby/Volume Button Locations: these will remain in their current positions.
• NanoSIM Location: This location will also remain unchanged.
• Speaker Grills: These will most-likely remain unchanged, though they have the possibility of being slightly altered depending on the antennae lines.
2. Hardware:
• Thinner FaceID Components: I think Apple has been able to make FaceID components that are half the size of the current components, which will allow them to be 'hidden' by a slightly-thicker black bezel around the screen, thus removing the notch. To do visually-hide these components, but keep the screen sizes identical to the current iPhone XS and XS Max (which I think they will do), Apple will need to combine a slightly-larger iPhone frame (as stated above) with a slightly-thicker black bezel. Overall, the design changes will be barely noticeable, but the removal of the notch will be stunning, and further match Jony Ive's dream of creating the illusion of interacting with a single pane of glass.
• USB-C: The inclusion of USB-C on the new iPad Pro was a fantastic, future-oriented decision, and I think Apple will do the same with the 2019 iPhone. Aside from the charging capabilities, it opens up the device to future features Apple may wish to adopt. The current thickness of iPhone XS and XS Max is sufficient for the adoption of USB-C, though Apple will most-likely adopt a flat bottom edge (as stated above).
• The "Usual": The internal components (e.g., processor, chips, cameras, etc.) will be updated.
Possible Hardware Changes
• Speakers: The internal speakers may be revised, and updated.
Unchanged Elements:
• Screen Sizes: I think Apple set a foreseeable-future precedent with the sizes of the current iPhone XS and XS Max, and thus these sizes will remain for the 2019 iPhone.
Anywho, I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts or ideas on these predictions for the 2019 iPhone! If anyone wants to collaborate on a render, I'm down. I have 0 rendering experience, so I cannot help in that department, but I'm available for feedback/revisions.
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