Apple gets set to launch ‘the most significant iPhone event in years’

Tuesday, October 13 is the day tech giant Apple (AAPL) has chosen to launch its next line of iPhone models. Analysts expect that this will be the “most significant” iPhone launch in years.

“We expect this fall’s launch to be the most significant iPhone event in years,” said Katy Huberty, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, in a note this week. She expects the tech giant to ship out approximately 220 million iPhones in its FY 2021, up 22% year-over-year based on the Morgan Stanley model.

Apple’s iPhone announcement for this year was delayed for October unlike its regular announcements in September every year. Due to certain manufacturing delays mostly caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Apple, instead, launched its new Apple Watch and iPad models last month.

This year’s iPhone launch will feature an external redesign of iPhones since 2017. This year’s models will possess edges with flatter sides similar to iPads, unlike the regular curving edges of the current models. In 2014, Apple completely remodeled and redesigned its iPhone models, starting with the iPhone 6. iPhones were redesigned to have bigger screens and sleeker looks. This shift gave rise to the next set of iPhone models which came in various sizes: 4.7”, 5.5” 6.1”, etc.

The 2014 move of redesigning iPhones caused a major shift called, the “super cycle.” Over the next four quarters, Apple sold 231 million which marked a new record in the company’s annual unit sales until it stopped reporting in 2018.

The new iPhone 12 models are also unique because they will reportedly support the fifth-generation (5G) networks which could boost internet speed for users. Although, network providers in the U.S. are still working towards making the 5G network available in all parts of the country.

What to expect at Tuesday’s launch?

The new iPhone 12 models will feature in 4 types:

“These 4 models will accompany the 2nd generation iPhone SE launched in spring 2020 to comprise Apple’s most complete lineup of new iPhones ever,” said Huberty in the note.

Earlier this year, Apple launched a second-generation iPhone SE, a 4.7-inch screen device that sold at $399. There are expectations that after the launch on Tuesday, this iPhone model will remain the least expensive iPhone.

The 5G wave

Apple titled its Tuesday’s iPhone launch “Hi Speed” which indicates the support of 5G in the new models. For years, investors have looked forward to the launch of 5G into the technology industry which would mean a major upgrade for companies.

The 5G anticipation isn’t limited to big phone makers like Apple and Samsung, but also for network providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, and chipmakers like Qualcomm. T-Mobile and AT&T, reportedly claim that they would have 5G available nationwide via the use of low-band networks. These low-band networks have speeds that are similar to the 4G LTE.

“Not all 5G is created equal, which has led to marketing noise from carriers regarding 5G performance and deployment,” says Gene Munster, founder Loup Ventures. “In the end, both consumers and businesses are left unsure as to the timing of the 5G transformation.”