No Touch ID for iPhone 8 and 9 More Predictions From Top Analyst

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is out with ten predictions for the iPhone 8. Kuo has a very good track record and is widely viewed as the most accurate Apple analyst.

Here's a look at the predictions via StreetInsider...

1. Apple will roll out three iPhone models this year including a 4.7-inch, 5.5-inch, and OLED 5.8-inch model.


2. The OLED iPhone will have a full screen design with the highest screen-to-body ratio of any smartphone. It will use a virtual Home button and will not have fingerprint recognition.

"We predict the OLED model won’t support fingerprint recognition, reasons being: (1) the full-screen design doesn’t work with existing capacitive fingerprint recognition, and (2) the scan-through ability of the under-display fingerprint solution still has technical challenges, including: (i) requirement for a more complex panel pixel design; (ii) disappointing scan-through of OLED panel despite it being thinner than LCD panel; and (iii) weakened scan-through performance due to overlayered panel module. As the new OLED iPhone won’t support under-display fingerprint recognition, we now do not expect production ramp-up will be delayed again (we previously projected the ramp-up would be postponed to late October or later)."

3. The OLED iPhone will support 3D sensing for facial recognition and improved selfies.

4. The OLED iPhone and 5.5-inch LCD iPhone will have 3GB of RAM. The 4.7-inch will have 2GB of RAM.


5. Every model will come with 64GB and 256GB storage options.

6. All three models will use a Lightning connector but will support USB-C power delivery for higher charging efficiency.

7. The output power of the receive and speaker of the OLED iPhone will be more consistent for better stereo.

8. The OLED iPhone will be offer in fewer color configurations.

9. Production of OLED iPhone expected to ramp in October-November, later than the August-September ramp for LCD iPhones.

"For optimized promotional effect, we think Apple may unveil the three models simultaneously in September, though the launch date of the OLED version may trail that of LCD models, and supply tightness may not improve before 1H18."

10. Shipments of the three iPhones is forecasted to reach 80-85 million in 2017 with an equal split between OLED and LCD.

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