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djlythium

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 11, 2014
1,170
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Hey, all! Would love your thoughts on these predictions!

In thinking over Apple's design directions with iPhone and the new iPad Pro, and in light of no new parts leaks just yet, I have some thoughts/predictions for the 2019 iPhone design (the current iPhone XS and Xs Max are the design references, unless otherwise stated):

1. Case Redesign:
• Same Thickness (thinness?) as iPhone XS: I think Apple is setting the stage for iPhone thickness that will last a while, partially for hardware reasons, and partially for usability. The current iPhone seems to be a great compromise for both, and saying at this thickness will leave room for future hardware (see below).
• Slightly Bigger L x H Dimensions: Due to my forecast on the screen (see below), I think Apple will slightly increase the length and height of iPhone, for both models. Yes, I also think they'll keep the iPhone XS and XS Max siblings for years to come.
• Flat, Minimally-Filleted Edges: I think Apple will adopt a design for the edges that is an update from the sides of the outgoing iPad (the curved sides). I think these edges will have a small-radius fillet only at the transition from the sides to the rear, creating relatively-flat sides (similar to the current iPad Pro, but with a slightly-larger fillet radius). Also, I think the aluminum will meet the glass with no chamfer; there will be only the hard rubber seal between the aluminum and the screen at this juncture.
• Removal of the Mute Switch: We haven't had this on iPad for a while now, and I think removing it is inline with Apple's minimalistic design philosophy. In turn, Mute will become an option on Control Center (similar to Do Not Disturb or Orientation Lock).
Unchanged Elements:
• Identical Corner Radius: I think Apple leave the radius of the corners identical.
• Glass Back: I also think Apple will leave the back of the 2019 iPhone glass for a variety of reasons.
• Standby/Volume Button Locations: these will remain in their current positions.
• NanoSIM Location: This location will also remain unchanged.
• Speaker Grills: These will most-likely remain unchanged, though they have the possibility of being slightly altered depending on the antennae lines.

2. Hardware:
• Thinner FaceID Components: I think Apple has been able to make FaceID components that are half the size of the current components, which will allow them to be 'hidden' by a slightly-thicker black bezel around the screen, thus removing the notch. To do visually-hide these components, but keep the screen sizes identical to the current iPhone XS and XS Max (which I think they will do), Apple will need to combine a slightly-larger iPhone frame (as stated above) with a slightly-thicker black bezel. Overall, the design changes will be barely noticeable, but the removal of the notch will be stunning, and further match Jony Ive's dream of creating the illusion of interacting with a single pane of glass.
• USB-C: The inclusion of USB-C on the new iPad Pro was a fantastic, future-oriented decision, and I think Apple will do the same with the 2019 iPhone. Aside from the charging capabilities, it opens up the device to future features Apple may wish to adopt. The current thickness of iPhone XS and XS Max is sufficient for the adoption of USB-C, though Apple will most-likely adopt a flat bottom edge (as stated above).
• The "Usual": The internal components (e.g., processor, chips, cameras, etc.) will be updated.
Possible Hardware Changes
• Speakers: The internal speakers may be revised, and updated.
Unchanged Elements:
• Screen Sizes: I think Apple set a foreseeable-future precedent with the sizes of the current iPhone XS and XS Max, and thus these sizes will remain for the 2019 iPhone.

Anywho, I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts or ideas on these predictions for the 2019 iPhone! If anyone wants to collaborate on a render, I'm down. I have 0 rendering experience, so I cannot help in that department, but I'm available for feedback/revisions.
 

rmoliv

macrumors 68000
Dec 20, 2017
1,572
3,117
No ports. Either Lighting or USB-C.
People will have to buy AirPower (in case they release it) and AirPods or third-party wireless chargers and headphones.
Hopefully no notch.
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
No ports. Either Lighting or USB-C.
People will have to buy AirPower (in case they release it) and AirPods or third-party wireless chargers and headphones.

The port will exist (Rather it be lightning or USB-C), Apple hasn’t reached a point where it delete the port, and the AirPower is completely non-existent.

I guess it will cost £2,000

No, it won’t. The Most expensive iPhone XS model is the 512 GB for $1,450.00, there isn’t anything indicating almost a $600.00 price hike for the 2019 iPhone and nor is that logical for that kind of inflation, unless they make some drastic changes, which isn’t likely. The average consumer market can barely handle a $1,100.00 iPhone as it is.
 

djlythium

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 11, 2014
1,170
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No ports. Either Lighting or USB-C.
People will have to buy AirPower (in case they release it) and AirPods or third-party wireless chargers and headphones.
Hopefully no notch.
You think they’d go that far? I’m not so sure just yet. But, it is Apple, so, ‍:rolleyes:.
 
Last edited:

Garemlin

Suspended
Oct 13, 2018
163
241
You think they’d go that far? I’m not so sure just yet. But, it is Apple, so, ‍.

Going with no ports would be a bad move and I can't see that happening. The majority of the buying public is not going to want to invest in a bunch of extra (more than likely expensive) gadgets to charge their phone. Having the option to charge wireless or hardwired is the most practical thing for 99% of users. I'm sure we will see the change to usb-c in the next few years. But can't see them going 100% wireless.
 

djlythium

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 11, 2014
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They believe in a wireless future. When the time comes, I don't think they'll give the public the option to choose.
Yep, I can totally see that. I agree with them, in all honestly, I just don't think wireless chargers are sufficiently ubiquitous. However, I also completely understand that fact would never stop Apple.
 

CTHarrryH

macrumors 68030
Jul 4, 2012
2,965
1,480
I'd like smaller phone
Mute switch is a real need for me - use it all the time - much easier than going into control center, etc.

I expect USB-C but my problem is the other end - that plugs into charger etc. Since "every" place now has the USB-A port (airplanes, airports, cars, homes, gym equipment, Car Play) if they are going to USB-C at both ends then they should ship with 5 USB-C to USB-A dongles.
 
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now i see it

macrumors G4
Jan 2, 2002
11,239
24,221
There's definitely going to be another LCD model to replace the XR, and next year the screen will be 401 ppi (I really hope). If the XR this year had the same display as the 8 Plus, it would have been a home run. I would have bought one.
 
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djlythium

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 11, 2014
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i want that camera bump gone.....totally gone.....i don't care how they do it but i hate that bump more than the notch.
I totally see what you mean. I think this is a compromise between form and hardware requirements, but I also think Apple’s innovations with camera tech coupled with a slightly-thicker phone would also eliminate the bump. At this stage, it doesn’t bother me, and it’s kinda grown on me, but I could definitely see it gone.
[doublepost=1541803913][/doublepost]
There's definitely going to be another LCD model to replace the XR, and next year the screen will be 401 ppi (I really hope). If the XR this year had the same display as the 8 Plus, it would have been a home run. I would have bought one.
You think they didn’t make the XR the 8 size because it might’ve cannibalized XS sales?
 
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douglasf13

macrumors 68000
Jul 2, 2010
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The new iPad Pro gives me hope that we'll see phone designs more like the 4/5/SE again, rather than the current, slippery bars of soap, but I doubt we'll see much of a physical change next year.
 
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djlythium

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 11, 2014
1,170
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The new iPad Pro gives me hope that we'll see phone designs more like the 4/5/SE again, rather than the current, slippery bars of soap, but I doubt we'll see much of a physical change next year.
Yep, those designs were exceptional, for sure. The current XS/Max designs I find far less slippery with the glass rear.
[doublepost=1541861920][/doublepost]
Either of this happen or not. But the price is definitely be up by $100 - $150 on each new model.
I hope you’re not right.

You’re probably right. :(
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
I also suspect Apple _could_ implement another smaller iPhone under the XR, But with the discontinuation of the iPhone 8, maybe something similar to the SE, but obviously won’t resemble that form factor anymore, but it could be Apples new entry level iPhone with Face ID and perhaps Apples ‘liquid retina display’. It’s difficult to say if 2019 will be the year for another iPhone, but I do think Apple has something in plan.
 
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