Ming-Chi Kuo spills the beans on Apple's 2019 product plans
Apple is set to have a busy year of product launches in 2019, according to renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. At the top of the list are details about the iPhone “’11” which is said to continue with effectively the same design and size offerings. It will, however, pick up a new frosted finish possibly similar to the Pixel 3, while the range topping 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Max will score a triple-rear camera set up as previously rumored. Face ID will get another upgrade and Apple might even be kind enough to fit the devices with bigger batteries and even offer reciprocal wireless charging for the next-gen AirPods 2, which are coming soon.
Mac enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that Apple plans on bringing back a larger MacBook Pro to its range. It dropped the 17-inch model back in 2012, which was bemoaned by creative pros. The new model is tipped to be between 16-inches or 16.5-inches, although it is possible that it could still cram a 17-inch display into a smaller chassis. In other MacBook Pro upgrades, the 13-inch model will also get the option to raise the RAM ceiling to 32GB – this capability is only supported by the 15-inch models at this stage. No news on whether Apple plans on dumping the Touch Bar or swap out the controversial butterfly mechanism-based keyboards.
A new Mac Pro, as openly discussed by Apple execs, is inbound and will replace the non-upgradeable “Trash Can” Mac Pro with a modular, upgradeable design. It will be joined by a new Apple-branded 31.5-inch 6K monitor that will feature what has been described as “mini LED” technology for “outstanding picture quality.” You can expect it to support Thunderbolt 3 and cost a bomb.
Also set for a 2019 release is a new default iPad size of 10.2 inches, which will replace the current lower-cost 9.7-inch iPad. Overall form factor should be the same, but think iPad Pro-like narrower bezels and you will get the picture. This will be joined by a new iPad mini, which we already knew was coming, but there no specific news about whether it will also sport narrower bezels. There could also be a processor bump in line for the iPad Pro line – hopefully Apple takes the opportunity to strengthen its chassis, which we as we know is susceptible to warping and even bending out of shape.
Apple could also introduce a ceramic Watch Series 4, which has been curiously absent from the current lineup. The popular, and lifesaving ECG/EKG technology baked into the end of the Digital Crown is also expected to become more widely available in international markets after being restricted to the US market at launch due to varying jurisdictional requirements for certification.
