Apple's Upgraded TrueDepth Camera System in Future iPhones Will Necessitate Larger Batteries

[MacRumors]

iPhone models released in 2019 and later will likely feature an upgraded TrueDepth camera system that will consume more power, resulting in a need for larger-capacity batteries, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a research note obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Apple has technologies at its disposal to develop larger-capacity batteries.

Apple capable of designing new system for large-capacity batteries: We believe the adoption of TrueDepth camera for 3D sensing in 2017-18 will create demand for larger-capacity batteries. From 2019, we predict iPhone may adopt upgraded 3D-sensing and AR-related functions, and it will consume more power, further increasing demand for large-capacity batteries. We believe Apple's key technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing processes, system-in-package (SIP), and substrate-like PCB (SLP), will create the required space for larger batteries.

Kuo unsurprisingly expects Apple will use these technologies to continue increasing iPhone battery capacities in 2019 and 2020, as it routinely does, which should result in even longer battery life for future models.

Kuo reiterated that TrueDepth will be expanded to a trio of iPhone models next year, including a new 5.8-inch iPhone X, a larger 6.5-inch model we're calling iPhone X Plus, and a new 6.1-inch mid-range model with an LCD display, but it sounds like the facial system will remain unchanged in 2018.

As far as next year is concerned, Kuo previously said the second-generation iPhone X could have a one-cell L-shaped battery that would provide up to 10 percent additional capacity compared to the two-cell battery in the current iPhone X, which of course could result in slightly longer battery life.

He added that next year's so-called "iPhone X Plus" is likely to retain a two-cell battery design, but the larger size of the 6.5-inch device will still allow it to have a higher capacity in the range of 3,300 to 3,400 mAh.

Apple is expected to release the new iPhone X and iPhone X Plus in its usual timeframe of September to October next year.

Article Link: Apple's Upgraded TrueDepth Camera System in Future iPhones Will Necessitate Larger Batteries

 

[jsmith189]

Upgraded hardware will need upgraded batteries??

 

[jmh600cbr]

with jony back at the helm i'd expect smaller batteries, not bigger

 

[otternonsense]

It's not the only thing that will necessitate larger batteries, given the iPhone CPU throttling "for battery reasons" nonsense.

 

[itsmilo]

I would like a cheaper XS Plus without a OLED screen. Dont really care about it since i barely notice a difference (yes i said it) but i dont want to spent what is going to be like 1.349€ on a entry model PHONE

 

[PastaPrimav]

TL;DR in 2 years, iPhone X may have slightly longer battery life.

Thanks Ming.

 

[cmaier]

It's not the only thing that will necessitate larger batteries, given the iPhone CPU throttling nonsense.

Larger battery wouldn’t solve that issue.

 

[justperry]

We need newer/better battery technology.

 

[otternonsense]

Larger battery wouldn’t solve that issue.

Let's try and find out. Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit might solve some Apple C-suite management issues as well.

 

[cmaier]

Let's try and find out. Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit might solve some Apple C-suite management issues as well.

Don’t need to try and find out. That’s what’s so great about science and engineering: we already know the answer.

 

[justperry]

Let's try and find out. Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit might solve some Apple C-suite management issues as well.

Higher capacity does not always mean it can deliver more Amps, it does last longer though.

 

[macsrcool1234]

they'll still throttle themselves after a short time

 

[HacKage]

If they already need to throttle 1 year old devices to keep battery life at a reasonable level, I don't hold much confidence for future models. Until they changes their way of thinking that a slow phone is better than one with poor battery life, I won't be spending £1000+ on something that in a year may only have 30-50% of the performance it has new.

 

[69Mustang]

I would like a cheaper XS Plus without a OLED screen. Dont really care about it since i barely notice a difference (yes i said it) but i dont want to spent what is going to be like 1.349€ on a entry model PHONE

I would like for my wife to acknowledge that I am Lord and Master of all that I survey. Going out on a limb to say that neither your nor I will be getting what we want.

On topic: Whatever impetus, "moar batry" is always welcome.

"Always? Yeah... about that." - someone at Samsung prolly

 

[Secondempire]

We need newer/better battery technology.

We need a fatter iPhone.

 

[Rainshadow]

More battery = good. The “throttling” issue I think is overblown. I don’t see it as forcible obscellesence. Personally, I would feel more pressed to upgrade my devices if their batteries were noticeably decreasing in capacity. If I lose some power to maintain the generally acceptable battery life... I’m ok with it. Doesn’t mean everybody is though. I realize that.

 

[barkomatic]

It's crazy that there are rumors of the 2019 iPhone X that I will likely purchase that year to replace my iPhone X that is not even two months old.

Since it's confirmed Apple slows down old iPhone due to battery wear -- and since you can't pay them to replace a degraded battery unless they consider defective I guess I'll be paying in 2019 unless I try another Android phone.

 

[Stan__]

Bigger battery means more CPU throttling whatever Apple.

 

[SoApple]

Please no $1500 iphone X+ This is getting insane

 

[calzon65]

Larger batteries for more features, how about larger batteries for more talk time.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

If a larger battery is required to compensate for power hungry parts I hope they figure out a way to keep weight at bay. For a phone the X is fairly heavy already. It was fairy striking holding my X in one hand and my 7 in the other.

I would like a cheaper XS Plus without a OLED screen. Dont really care about it since i barely notice a difference (yes i said it) but i dont want to spent what is going to be like 1.349€ on a entry model PHONE

Entry model? The X is the flagship. Flagship products are typically the most expensive in a product's line up. If you want a plus sized phone w/ the "regular" LED screen then you want whatever replaces the 8, not the X.

 

[michael31986]

I doubt they will do an x plus tbh.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

It's crazy that there are rumors of the 2019 iPhone X that I will likely purchase that year to replace my iPhone X that is not even two months old.

It would be more alarming if there were no rumors about a product set to launch in less than 10 months. Apple surely started designing it years ago alongside the current X. Next gen rumors typically start to flow out this time of year as the final iPhone design starts to take production form. I'm not sure why it's so crazy. A product like the iPhone takes time to develop.

 

[barkomatic]

Please no $1500 iphone X+ This is getting insane

Sadly I don't think a $1500 (or more) iPhone is out of the question in the next few years. My prediction is that smartphones that also function as full PC's when you plug them into a dock will become more common. Samsung and a few others already have something *like* this though they aren't full featured enough.

 

[barkomatic]

It would be more alarming if there were no rumors about a product set to launch in less than 10 months. Apple surely started designing it years ago alongside the current X. Next gen rumors typically start to flow out this time of year as the final iPhone design starts to take production form. I'm not sure why it's so crazy. A product like the iPhone takes time to develop.

This is a rumor about the *2019* iPhone though. I fully realize that rumors about the 2018 model that will likely release next fall are pretty normal.