New Apple iPhone Smartphone rumours
Update 11/09/2018 – Apple has released partially gold invitations, suggesting the release of a gold-coloured iPhone. The cheaper variant is rumoured to follow in the iPhone 5C’s footsteps and sport a variety of unconventional colours. The gesture controls and Face ID unlocking featured in the iPhone X are expected to appear in the new models, while 3D touch may be dropped. Final updates in Apple’s product launch include the suspected release of a new MacBook Air and Mac Mini.
Last September, Apple released the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, alongside the iPhone 10, using the roman numeral “X” to represent the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone release. This means it’s unclear whether the next flagship will be the iPhone 9 and 9 Plus, iPhone 11 or even the iPhone XI.
Rumours have speculated the following models:
- iPhone SE 2
- iPhone 9
- iPhone 9 Plus
- iPhone 11 (XI) – possibly expanding to 6.1in
- iPhone X Plus
The iPhone XI is rumoured to feature faster mobile data speeds, possibly with support ready for the launch of 5G technology, alongside a Dual-SIM card slot. A Dual-SIM Smartphone is capable of holding two SIM cards. This allows you to have two numbers and two identities at once, so you could make or receive calls and send or receive texts on either number and give each number only to people of your choosing. If you’re already on the line on one SIM, and another call comes through on the other SIM, you can choose to put your first call on hold while you take the second or the second call will go to voicemail, ensuring you don’t miss a call. Dual-SIM devices feature a SIM Manager, so you can decide various capabilities such as which is your main SIM and manage data usage separately. The SIM’s can also have different call and text rates.
What are the benefits?
- Separate business and pleasure– Dual-SIM devices allow you to keep work and play separate with the potential for one SIM card for business and one for personal use. And you’ll be able to differentiate between work and personal calls before answering the phone. Better yet, you can get properly reimbursed for work calls with a clear line between personal and business expenses.
- Cheaper rates abroad– Dual-SIM phones are highly useful for trips abroad as you’ll have the ability to put a local or travel SIM in one slot, that will match the country’s cheaper rates.
- More storage– Having two SIM cards means double the storage and the choice to store different content on each SIM, or to use one as a back-up.
In the past, the likes of Sony, Motorola, LG and Huawei have provided Dual-SIM models so this would be a nice update from Apple. Further speculations point to an included fast charger, removing the previous requirement to separately purchase a charger from Apple in order to take advantage of fast charging capabilities. Previously, the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were the first Apple devices to support quick charging – offering up to 50% of juice in just 30 minutes. Despite the new devices being capable of quick charging, the feature did not work with the included standard Lightning cable and iPhone charger. To take advantage, users had to purchase additional accessories that are compatible with USB Type-C charging, for a costly £74 (£25 for the adaptor cable and from £49 for the USB-C charger) so this will be welcomed news for those looking to purchase the next iPhone. Facial ID, a new chipset, possibly the A12 and a dual-lens rear camera are also expected to feature. For more rumours leading up the traditional September release, check back at the CMM blog.