Analyst provides insight into revised product lineup

Jul 12, 2018 05:12 GMT  ·  By

Apple’s 2018 hardware lineup will include not only a trio of iPhones going live in September, but also upgrades for the other devices and several new products.

Top-rated Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is back with another insight into Apple’s product plans for the remainder of the year, reiterating that the new-generation iPhone would include three models with 5.8-, 6.1-, and 6.5-inch displays. The 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch versions would use OLED screens, while the 6.1-inch version would stick with LCD.

But Kuo says Apple won’t be just about iPhones this year. Upgraded iPads are also projected to launch, and just like expected, the biggest change will be the removal of the home button. Apple will go for thinner bezels and use Face ID instead of Touch ID.

The analyst reveals that updates for the 12.9-inch version are expected as well, and more interestingly, Apple may be planning to unveil a new 11-inch configuration too.

MacBook and Apple Watch upgrades

The MacBook lineup will receive a chip upgrade this year, while the iMac will benefit from display improvements. Some changes are planned for the Mac mini too, though little specifics are available for now.

The more exciting news for Apple fans is the addition of a new low-price notebook to the company’s hardware lineup, and Kuo says there’s a chance it won’t be marketed as a replacement to the MacBook Air. Apple could use a completely different name for this device.

Apple Watch will receive its share of updates as well, and while the design may remain pretty much the same, the screen estate would be increased with smaller bezels and larger displays. Better heart rate monitoring would be provided, the analyst believes.

Specifics as to when all these devices could launch aren’t yet available, but expect them to see daylight after the iPhone unveiling in September. New MacBooks could be announced in October.