Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz has predicted that Apple is likely to skip the “s” cycle in the iPhones that are due next year.
Apple is set to release the iPhone 7 this October, which means that it should ideally be releasing an iPhone 7s in 2017 (in keeping with the tradition we’ve seen over the last few years). However, according to Mr. Moskowitz, Apple will skip the 7s and go directly to iPhone 8 in 2017.
How does it matter what they name it? It’s still a new iPhone, right?
It will be a new iPhone, yes. However, what they name it tells us a lot about what it’s going to be.
The “s” cycle iPhones usually feature several updates, like for instance the 6s that had 3D touch. But the design remains the same as its ‘numbered’ predecessors. In this case, the 6s looked pretty much like the 6.
Meanwhile, the numbered updates (like the iPhone 4, iPhone 5, and iPhone 6) usually receive a complete (or at least a major) overhaul.
What are these “overhauls” that the 7s is expected to have?
We’d written a post compiling all the rumors surrounding the probable iPhone 7s. We said it was likely to see the following new changes:
- AMOLED display
- Curved display
- Wireless charging; and
- Full glass unibody
Even in that post we’d said:
“[…] the design changes are way too many for an “s” cycle of the phone. Convention dictates that the “s” models usually receive minor upgrades. The emphasis [for an “s” phone] is on improving internal hardware and fixing bugs from the previous models.”
Based on that observation, we’d said that we were skeptical about the authenticity of the rumors. Now, however, it makes more sense! Given all the upgrades the phone is supposed to have, calling it iPhone 8 instead of iPhone 7s would be a good thing to do!
Any other predictions?
The analyst has also predicted that Apple is likely to sell 1.8 percent less iPhones in 2016 as compared to 2015.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise really, given that Apple predicted a decline in sales for the next Quarter themselves.
It’s hard to say if the 2% drop is good or bad. On one hand, it is a decline – you’re selling less than you ought to. On the other hand, the iPhone is still set to see staggering sales figures. An estimate by Luke Dormehl at CultOfMac puts the number at 227 million! What’s 2% less anyway?
We’ll obviously have to wait a long time to get a confirmation on Moskowitz’s prediction. However, given the reputation of the firm he works for, we’re willing to offer him the benefit of the doubt.
So, are you going to blow up your savings on the iPhone 7? Or are you willing to wait just a year longer now that a more complete overhaul seems likely on the cards? Let us know in the comments below.