 |
Image Credit: Apple
|
|
At a launch event on October 13 (US time), Apple unveiled four new 5G iPhone models (5.4" iPhone 12 mini, 6.1" iPhone 12, 6.1" iPhone 12 Pro and 6.7" iPhone 12 Pro Max). Other than the better than expected hardware & 5G capabilities + reasonable pricing (iPhone 12 mini is only US$699), the biggest positive surprise was the aggressive telecom carrier promotions, especially in the US market. We believe the new 5G iPhone should serve as a major catalyst for telecom carriers globally to roll out 5G networks.
|
|
The following are the key positive surprises:
|
  |
Aggressive US telecom carrier promotions: |
| |
While starting price points for the new Pro models are higher, telecom carriers are offering very affordable monthly plans that should drive meaningfully adoptions and upgrades. Verizon and AT&T are even giving away iPhone 12 models for free for certain customers with a qualifying trade-in device and an unlimited plan. Meanwhile, T-Mobile is offering two iPhone 12 Pros for US$100 each to new customers with trade-ins. |
|
|
More powerful processors & 5G capabilities: |
| |
All 4 new 5G iPhone models have both sub-6GHz and mmWave capabilities (for the models available in the US market). The market has previously only expected 1-2 out of the 4 models to feature mmWave technology which offers higher-speed wireless networking. We believe key RF component suppliers like Qorvo, Murata, Qualcomm, Broadcom, Win Semiconductor are key beneficiaries of the more sophisticated 5G RF technologies to support sub-6GHz and mmWave capabilities. |
| |
Apple A14 Bionic Processor: Apple’s iPhone 12 will feature the A14 Bionic, leveraging TSMC’s 5 nanometer processor technology. The chip also features a 4-core GPU, faster machine learning accelerators and a 6-core CPU. Incremental features and functionality are making the device more capable from a gaming standpoint, with Apple launching League of Legends on the iPhone. |
| |
Better 5G capabilities: Verizon also disclosed that its partnership with the National Football League is creating a super-stadium application for consumers to see up to seven simultaneous live views of NFL games. |
|
|
OLED technology adoption: |
| |
Apple highlighted the use of OLED over LCD which offers darker blacks and brighter pixels. This is the first time Apple is incorporating OLED beyond the top of the product line-up. The increase adoption of OLED technology benefits suppliers like Samsung and Universal Display. |
|
|
Pro models with advanced LiDAR: |
| |
The new iPhone Pros will feature the LiDAR system (which is included in the iPad Pros), enabling Night mode portraits and better augmented reality features. This should benefit key component suppliers like Lumentum and Win Semiconductor. |
|
|
The following are the four new iPhones introduced, all 5G enabled, and will support download speeds up to 3.5 Gbps.
|
|
iPhone 12 mini, 5.4” Super Retina XDR OLED display, starting at US$699. |
|
iPhone 12, 6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED display, starting at US$799. |
|
iPhone 12 Pro, 6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED Display, starting at US$999. |
|
iPhone 12 Pro Max, 6.7” Super Retina XDR Display , starting at US$1,099. |
|
|
|
We would like to hear from you any questions you may have on the 5G investment opportunities.
|
| >> Submit your question here |
|
We look forward to sharing more.
|
