Apple's AirPods Pro Tech Could Lead to Larger Capacity Batteries in 5G iPhones

[MacRumors]

Future 5G iPhone models could feature larger capacity batteries or more compact battery modules than those found in existing handsets, thanks to Apple's adoption of key integrative technologies first seen in the company's AirPods Pro wireless headphones.

DigiTimes today reports that Apple is looking to move towards the combined use of system-in-package (SiP) and flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) in forthcoming 5G iPhone handset battery modules, replacing the existing rigid-flex PCB solution it has relied on for years.

Apple has incorporated the SiP+FPCB solution into its new AirPods series, and may apply the solution to battery modules for 5G iPhones partly because SiP can integrate multiple functions and allow more space for more components, the sources said, adding that SiP+FPCB can now rival well the rigid-flex board solution in terms of price-performance ratios due to successful cost control by Apple.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has long predicted that Apple will become increasingly capable of designing new systems for larger capacity batteries as it packs more features into handsets that consume more power. These features obviously increase Apple's costs, so for the "iPhone 12s" lineup in 2021, the company has been looking to adopt cost-cutting hybrid battery boards that can be either smaller without compromising on battery life, or the same size but with higher capacitance. A combination of SiP+FPCB is another potential solution that Apple is reportedly pursuing.

Kuo has previously said that Apple plans to launch new entry-level ‌AirPods‌ with a form factor design similar to ‌AirPods Pro‌ in the first half of 2021. Introduced in 2019, ‌AirPods Pro‌ feature a different in-ear design to ‌AirPods‌, with shorter stems below the ear.

The third-generation ‌AirPods‌ are expected to adopt the more compact SiP technology that's similar to the internals of the ‌AirPods Pro‌, which will allow the audio features of the ‌AirPods‌ to be integrated into a casing more similar in design to the ‌AirPods Pro‌.

Sources who spoke to DigiTimes said that current suppliers of rigid-flex boards for iPhone battery modules could be significantly impacted if Apple decides to incorporate a similar SiP+FPCB solution for new iPhones in 2021.

Article Link: Apple's AirPods Pro Tech Could Lead to Larger Capacity Batteries in 5G iPhones

 

[farewelwilliams]

move along. it's digitimes.

 

[smilyfox]

+ $80

 

[PickUrPoison]

Cost cutting is good for customers.

 

[33man]

Fast charger not included. Extra 80$ plus 20$ cable... don’t forget price phone bump 200$ as this is brand new tech

 

[tridley68]

It's about time battery life has sucked for the last few years of released phones

 

[AppleFan78]

It's about time battery life has sucked for the last few years of released phones

It's obvious you don't have the 11 Pro Max.

 

[AppleFan78]

I'm not sure why they reference the 2021 iPhone as the "12s," when we currently have the 11. It would make more sense if the one released this fall is the "11s," and next year is the 12. Unless, Apple finally, FINALLY abandons this silly naming scheme, and just starts referring to them by the year introduced, like most of the Apple lineup.

 

[SuperCachetes]

It's about time battery life has sucked for the last few years of released phones

What a silly, unsubstantiated generalization.

You should’ve commented on something subjective like the notch or bezels instead... 🙄

 

[tridley68]

It's obvious you don't have the 11 Pro Max.

Yes I do and my battery life is not so great

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

So jon P was lieing

 

[iamgalt]

It's about time battery life has sucked for the last few years of released phones

If your phone's battery is always about to die, then maybe the problem isn't with the phone or battery.

 

[chucker23n1]

DigiTimes today reports that Apple is looking to move towards the combined use of system-in-package (SiP) and flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) in forthcoming 5G iPhone handset battery modules, replacing the existing rigid-flex PCB solution it has relied on for years.

Will the A14 be an SiP? I doubt it.

Will the new logic board be flexible? That doesn't sound right to me either.

Both make sense for the AirPods Pro: you really just need a single, highly integrated chip package, and you also have so little room that the board itself should be flexible, to give more room for the battery.

On an iPhone, though, you probably still have multiple chips, and as a result want a rigid board.

My guess is DigiTimes isn't very informed on this.

It's about time battery life has sucked for the last few years of released phones

Seems to be pretty decent on the iPhone 11 generation.

 

[SuperCachetes]

Will the A14 be an SiP? I doubt it.

Will the new logic board be flexible? That doesn't sound right to me either.

Both make sense for the AirPods Pro: you really just need a single, highly integrated chip package, and you also have so little room that the board itself should be flexible, to give more room for the battery.

On an iPhone, though, you probably still have multiple chips, and as a result want a rigid board.

My guess is DigiTimes isn't very informed on this.

This rumor this article is about only involves the battery module - not the entire logic board.

 

[pratikindia]

The iPhone SE must have 3000 and others should have 4000. Currently, the iPhone does not last even a working day.

 

[tridley68]

If your phone's battery is always about to die, then maybe the problem isn't with the phone or battery.

Ha ha Smarty Apple store employee just called me said they tested the battery and it was not working properly and are going to replace it 😜😜

 

[Musix_Magick]

Fast charger not included. Extra 80$ plus 20$ cable... don’t forget price phone bump 200$ as this is brand new tech

Actually, the 18w charger is $29 and they're shipping with a new, braided cable in the box. The 12 Pro is predicted to start at $999 for 128GB, with the Pro Max starting at $1099.

 

[kyykesko]

If your phone's battery is always about to die, then maybe the problem isn't with the phone or battery.

Obviously. He should learn that iPhones are expensive toys you buy just for showing them off, not for actually using them. Right?

 

[kyykesko]

Actually, the 18w charger is $29 and they're shipping with a new, braided cable in the box. The 12 Pro is predicted to start at $999 for 128GB, with the Pro Max starting at $1099.

Why do you compare 12 Pro price to 11 Pro Max? Or are we getting a 12 Pro Max for $999? There's a 100e difference between the Pro and pro max here. I'd assume it translates to at least $100 in Trumptakistan, too.

 

[kyykesko]

The iPhone SE must have 3000 and others should have 4000. Currently, the iPhone does not last even a working day.

iPhone 11 Pro Max lasts a full work day for me in most situations. The first iPhone ever to get even close. True, it's still pretty drained when I get home at 7pm but more often than not I can put it on the charger then.

Would be great to have a phone with actual full day battery, but I'm not holding my breath as long as Apple is so fixated on making phones thinner ad more expensive. SE is the only one with a reasonable price, but I'd have to charge that silly thing 3-4 times a day so thanks but no thanks.