An analyst with Global Equities Research isn’t convinced that Apple’s reduced iPhone orders reported last week have anything to do with demand for the latest version of the handset.
Instead, Trip Chowdhry believes Apple is simply starting up a new manufacturing process adopting new technologies and, therefore, new types of hardware.
The analyst, who works with Global Equities Research, agrees that the Wall Street Journal was accurate about Apple reducing some of its component orders for the iPhone 5. The cited reason however was erroneous, he believes.
“The data is accurate, cancellations are happening — but what is the underlying reason?” said Chowdhry,
according to the New York Post. “There is a technology shift happening at Apple.”
The report mentions Apple’s interest in IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology which will pave the way for flexible displays. This will represent “the next leap in hand-held technology,” the analyst is cited as saying.
The technology enables lighter, more energy-efficient displays that are easier to cut for different form factors. Best of all, it’s not too expensive, Chowdhry said.
Apple launching a flexible iPhone 6 this year certainly sounds farfetched, but considering the mixed reviews coming in for the past two years, the company does seem to be in need of a technology shift. Whether or not that’s a bendable iPhone remains to be seen.
The iPhone 4S was simply an iPhone 4 with Siri, and the iPhone 5 is regarded by many as an elongated version of the same smartphone, albeit thinner and lighter.
While there’s certainly more sides to this story, the consensus among analysts seems to be that Apple needs to refuel its innovation engines – or at least to introduce a cheaper iPhone.
IGZO could also allow Apple to finally roll out its heavily-rumored full-fledged television set, according to Chowdhry.
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