Bloomberg: 5G iPhones to Feature Flat Edges and Slimmer Notch, Smaller HomePod and AirTags Also Coming This Year

[MacRumors]

Apple's refreshed iPhone lineup will add 5G to as many as four new models, at least two of which will have flat stainless steel edges and a flat screen, similar in design to its latest iPads, reports Bloomberg this morning.

This year's successors to the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be joined by two lower-end models to replace the iPhone 11. At least the two high-end devices will have flat stainless steel edges instead of the current curved design as well as more sharply rounded corners like the iPad Pro introduced in 2018. Reminiscent of the iPhone 5 design, the new handsets will have flat screens rather than the sloping edges on current models, said the people asking not to be identified because the plans aren't public.

The report adds further weight to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's expectation that some of Apple's 2020 iPhones will include a square-edged stainless steel frame. Notably, Apple adopted a similar design for the 2018 iPad Pro, which features a more industrial band around the sides compared to previous models.

Today's report also corroborates rumors that Apple will add a 3D camera to the iPhone and is aiming to reduce the size of the notch at the top of the screen that houses the TrueDepth camera. Recently leaked images said to depict the iPhone 12 picture a notch that is approximately 1/3 smaller than the current notch, in addition to a redesigned rear camera array.

Rumors suggest some of the new iPhone models coming in 2020 will feature the LiDAR Scanner feature that Apple added in the 2020 iPad Pro models, which will serve to enhance future augmented reality experiences.

At least some of the new iPhones could be released several weeks later than normal, though still within the typical fall window, according to Bloomberg's sources. Apple reportedly hasn't informed suppliers of any significant delays, and the company's engineers are expected to travel to China and finalize product designs in May.

Bloomberg's report also reiterates rumors that Apple is developing a smaller, less expensive version of its HomePod smart speaker for release as early as this year, as well as Tile-like so-called "Apple Tags" that will let users track real-life objects. Based on assets found in iOS 13.2 and trademarking details dug up by MacRumors, Apple seems to be planning to call its tracking accessory the "AirTag."

Apple is additionally working on a new version of the MacBook Pro, Apple TV, refreshed budget iPads and a new iMac, people familiar with its product roadmap informed the media outlet.

Article Link: Bloomberg: 5G iPhones to Feature Flat Edges and Slimmer Notch, Smaller HomePod and AirTags Also Coming This Year

 

[bobob]

Must be Monday - - same old rumors as every week. 😴

 

[The Game 161]

Wonder how they plan to price the HomePod mini...

 

[Populus]

Honestly, I’m aiming for the 5,4” iPhone, and I can accept the aluminum body, but I’d really like a flat edge design just like the iPad Pro.

 

[zombierunner]

Wonder how they plan to price the HomePod mini...

249

 

[elkrebso]

This must be the third year in a row, where someone „predicts“ the release of the AirTags.

 

[davester]

The HomePod needs bigger sound, not smaller footprint. It’s already diminutive. Why not a bigger HomePod, with bigger drivers, maybe some medium range too, for same price as now?

 

[TantalizedMind]

Apple Tags are the next Air Power Mat, Change My Mind.

 

[Seanm87]

The HomePod needs bigger sound, not smaller footprint. It’s already diminutive. Why not a bigger HomePod, with bigger drivers, maybe some medium range too, for same price as now?

The HomePod already has excellent sound.

It needs to be smaller and cheaper to appeal to more people.

 

[Romeo_Nightfall]

Apple Tags are the next Air Power Mat, Change My Mind.

a hint could be the missing U1 chip in new iPad.
But I don’t care about that mostly useless product for me - well many seem to need a help to track their stuff ...

 

[User 6502]

The HomePod already has excellent sound.

It needs to be smaller and cheaper to appeal to more people.

You clearly hadn’t listened to any decent speaker is you think the HomePod has ‘excellent’ sound. For the same price you can buy a decent pair of speakers with much better sound quality. They definitely need to improve sound quality if they want to sell a speaker at that premium price.
But I do agree with you, to appeal the masses (who don’t care about hifi sound), they also need to release a MUCH cheaper alternative.

 

[123]

I hope those edges won't cut through pant pockets like butter.

 

[fokmik]

i love the ipad design..but stainless steel flat frame will be even a better looking device

 

[BornAgainApple]

Will it be reminiscent of the 4 or 5? Let’s get the rumor right

If the 5, how will they handle wireless charging?

 

[fokmik]

I hope those edges won't cut through pant pockets like butter.

its polish stainless steel so its impossible to cut your pockets

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[Hiddecollee]

The HomePod needs bigger sound, not smaller footprint. It’s already diminutive. Why not a bigger HomePod, with bigger drivers, maybe some medium range too, for same price as now?

There should definitely be a smaller version for rooms like the bedroom, bathroom, etc but I would also like a HomePod Max for rooms like the living room.

 

[dilbert99]

Tile-like so-called "Apple Tags" that will let users track real-life objects

Real life as in people or animals or inanimate objects? What are the non real-life objects that can be tracked?

 

[fokmik]

the current homebod is already small for bedrooms

 

[macgician]

Having hard time with face (respirator) masks + FaceID. Apple, please bring a iPhone 8 Plus sequel with latest internals, SoC, 5G and TouchID.

 

[dilbert99]

Apple Tags are the next Air Power Mat, Change My Mind.

What as in they won't work as well as advertised?
We could do with them on the remote control, when one of those buggers gets mislaid it can take some time to track down. Not sure why a remote should be so hard to find...

 

[Seanm87]

So what exactly will the non pro models have to entice users to upgrade? I have no interest in the pros they are overkill IMO.

 

[Analog Kid]

A smaller HomePod is fine, but I hope they keep and update the current one as well. I’m quite pleased with the size and the sound.

 

[smoking monkey]

as suspected, it'll have a notch. I can wait for next year. I won't pay for another notch, even though it's not a deal breaker, I'd still rather not pay 1000 plus bucks for another notch phone that often gets in the way of movies.

 

[Porco]

I far prefer the flat-edged design in some previous iPhones to the rounded soap bars before and after, I think the iPad Pro looks beautiful. If they refuse to make another small iPhone to replace my SE, this might at least soften the blow for me a little when I’m forced to replace it at some point. Would prefer no notch though.

Good luck to anyone who would be excited about it, but I have no interest in HomePod, so it’s very ironic to me if that’s the device they are rumoured to want to make a smaller version of (rather than the small iPhone I‘d actually want) are you actually serious Apple?! Feels like trolling, a little bit Lol. Gotta laugh. None of this is really important.