According to the media source from TechNews, as rumored, Apple has made significant changes to its iPhone 15 series this year to comply with EU regulations. All four models in the lineup now feature USB-C charging ports. However, the Pro version’s USB-C port will provide USB 3-level transfer speeds.

TrendForce: iPhone 15 Production is Projected to Reach 80M in  2023, still at Downward Revision Risk

According to TrendForce analysis published before the Apple event, Apple’s latest product launch largely aligns with TrendForce’s predictions. Although the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was increased by US$100, it also received upgrades in NAND capacity (256GB) and a periscope-style lens. This pricing seems reasonable given the current weak economy. Unfortunately, the strong US dollar might affect consumer enthusiasm due to the differences in currency exchange in overseas sales regions.

Furthermore, based on TrendForce’s research, the Chinese market has always been one of the main focal points for Apple, accounting for 20~25% of the brand’s sales. With Huawei’s recent flagship series launch, combined with the Chinese government’s restrictions on iPhone usage, there might be a shift in consumer demand away from the iPhone. TrendForce estimates that production of this year’s new models will be around 80 million units, with the Pro series potentially accounting for up to 60% of that. As for the annual forecast, there’s a projected 5% YoY decline, and further downward revisions have not been ruled out.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The budget-friendly iPhone 15 has also ditched the notch and adopted a dynamic island design. The main camera has been upgraded to 48 million pixels, and it introduces a new 2x telephoto lens option, offering users a total of three levels of optical zoom. Both models also feature colored glass back panels with a stunning textured matte finish and a new curved-edge aluminum body.

Furthermore, the satellite rescue feature in the iPhone 15 series has received a minor upgrade, now offering “Satellite-Transmitted Roadside Assistance.” Leveraging Apple’s satellite infrastructure, this feature can help users contact the U.S. AAA roadside assistance unit in case of car breakdowns when there is no signal.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have upgraded to the A16 Bionic chip and come in display sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. The HDR peak brightness has been improved, now reaching up to 1,600 nits, making HDR photos and videos look better than ever before. On sunny days, the outdoor peak brightness can go up to 2,000 nits, which is double that of the previous generation.

Both models feature the second-generation ultra-wideband chip, extending the range for devices equipped with it up to three times the previous range. This allows users to locate each other using the “Precision Finding” feature, even in crowded places. “Precision Finding” maintains the same privacy protections as “Find” and has earned users’ trust.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The starting price for the iPhone 15 is 29,900 NT dollars, while the iPhone 15 Plus starts at 32,900 NT dollars. Pre-orders begin on September 15th at 8:00 PM, with deliveries starting on September 22nd.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

This year, the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro is the use of aerospace-grade titanium for its body, claiming to be the lightest Pro model ever while retaining high strength. The new design also includes curved edges and customizable “gesture” buttons, allowing users to personalize their iPhone experience.

The iPhone 15 Pro series has also switched to a USB-C charging port, but the Pro version offers USB 3-level super-fast speeds, up to 20 times faster than USB 2. Combined with a new video format, it enables powerful professional workflows previously unattainable.

As rumored, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a periscope lens with 5x optical zoom at 120mm. The Pro Max introduces an innovative four-element periscope prism design in its telephoto camera, along with optical image stabilization and an auto-focus 3D displacement sensor module. This creates Apple’s most advanced stabilization system to date, suitable for close-ups, wildlife photography, and capturing distant action perfectly.

Both models also introduce the “Satellite-Based Roadside Assistance” feature, allowing users to get assistance even without a signal when their vehicle encounters problems.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four stunning new finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. The products will be open for pre-order on September 15th, with deliveries starting on September 22nd. (Image credit: Apple)

(Source: https://technews.tw/2023/09/13/iphone-15-usb-c-iphone/)

The Chinese supply chain, led by Luxshare Precision, has secured Apple AirPods and iPhone assembly orders, while another ODM manufacturer Wingtec Technology, is gradually taking a slice of Taiwan-based orders. This development is poised to impact orders from Apple’s notebook computer between Taiwanese and Chinese factories, creating a ripple effect within the whole supply chain.

TrendForce’s Perspective:

• Taiwanese Manufacturers Face Reallocated Apple Notebook Orders as Chinese Suppliers Strengthen Their Position

Regarding Apple, MacBook assembly was primarily handled by Taiwanese manufacturers Quanta and Foxconn until 2022. With Chinese firm Wingtec progressing from small-scale trial production to mass production of M1 MacBook Air, according to reports in Chinese media, Wingtec’s Yunnan Kunming factory has also received 3C quality certification for M2 chips. This confirms that Wingtec Technology will take on a portion of the future MacBook Air orders. As Foxconn secures the production of larger MacBook Pro models, this shift will primarily affect Quanta’s share in producing Apple computers. Wingtec is set to become the first Chinese factory to manufacture complete Apple MacBook Air units. If Wingtec consistently meets Apple’s product quality requirements and secures additional orders, the fourth quarter of 2023 will become a battleground for Taiwanese manufacturers defending their orders for Apple notebook computers.

• The Taiwanese factories are accelerating the relocation of Apple notebook order production bases to Southeast Asia.

Given the slower recovery of the COVID-19 situation in China, rising labor costs, production capacity constraints, and restricted order volumes approved by customers, various electronic contract manufacturers have shifted their production focus to Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Configuring production capacities for new and existing models, operating new factories, and rapidly transitioning supply chains are challenges of Taiwanese factories.

As Apple’s revenue from notebook computer products gradually contracts, the company is actively pressuring contract manufacturers to lower their product quotes. Additionally, China faces difficulties in recruiting workers, with local manufacturing labor transitioning into service-oriented roles such as live streaming, food delivery, and ride-hailing. This labor shortage has prompted Apple to actively demand that Taiwanese contract manufacturers accelerate the adoption of automation equipment to streamline factory operations, increase production output, and reduce labor costs. In light of the pressure from Apple’s orders and the emergence of the Chinese notebook computer supply chain, Taiwanese factories need to undergo further transformation to maintain their alignment with Apple and offer greater productivity and price advantages.

(Photo credit: Apple)

In the realm of specifications competition, desktop computers continue to possess numerous irreplaceable advantages. These include ease of upgrading, superior heat dissipation capabilities, and robust and durable construction, resulting in extended usage lifespans. As a result, desktop computers maintain a steadfast market demand. Due to the ease of component replacement in desktops, expandability remains a significant advantage for PC gamers. For creators and business professionals, desktop computers satisfy extensive external connectivity needs while offering superior heat dissipation. Furthermore, owing to the size limitations of laptops, desktop computers continue to provide a more comfortable user experience during prolonged usage.

Windows 10 Exit and Hardware Updates Set to Drive 2024 Upgrade Trend

In the latter half of 2022, brands and retailers aggressively cleared their inventories, a trend that continued into 2023, resulting in a sustained challenging period for the PC market. In recent years, the PC market has approached saturation, making it difficult to drive market growth through sheer quantity. Consequently, brand manufacturers have focused on business, gaming, and creator products. However, PCs inherently belong to a cyclical terminal market. With the Windows 10 operating system set to retire in October 2025 and Windows 11’s heightened hardware specifications requirements, products released before 2017 will require replacements. Additionally, it is anticipated that companies like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA will gradually unveil new products in the latter half of 2023. This, coupled with the demands of the new operating system, is expected to trigger a noticeable upgrade trend among consumers, ultimately providing a glimmer of hope for the PC market. (Image credit: Unsplash_Alienwaregaming)

Apple is slated to unveil four new iPhone models in mid-September: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. TrendForce predicts a production figure of approximately 80 million units for the iPhone 15 series. This represents a 6% YoY growth, bouncing back from last year’s Foxconn-related production hiccups. The Pro series, armed with smoother production cycles and the Pro Max’s exclusive periscope lens, is poised to be a consumer magnet and potentially propel the Pro series to constitute over 60% of Apple’s new device production. However, with overall gloomy market sentiment and Huawei’s comeback in full swing, Apple’s total iPhone sales for the year may take a hit, expected to hover between 220 to 225 million units for a 5% YoY decline.

In regard to specifications for the iPhone 15 series, several noteworthy hardware upgrades have been made. Compliance with EU regulations has led Apple to jump on the USB Type-C bandwagon this year. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will come with significant camera upgrades, sporting a 48MP main sensor to align with the Pro series. Furthermore, they will also be featuring Apple’s Dynamic Island. On the other hand, the Pro series promises cutting-edge processor upgrades, increased Dram capacity, and introduces a titanium-aluminum alloy frame. The Pro Max also intends to elevate mobile photography to the next level with its exclusive periscope lens.

Advances in technology, while exciting, can also ratchet up the intricacies of mass production. Reports of component snags and assembly issues have surfaced as production of the new iPhone models revs up in the third quarter. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, in particular, have been grappling with lower-than-expected yield rates for their new 48MP cameras. Meanwhile, the Pro series is confronting challenges with panel and titanium alloy frame assembly. However, evidence suggests that the Pro series is likely to overcome its obstacles more swiftly than its non-Pro counterparts.

iPhone 15 Pro Max may see a price increase to reflect cost differences

In light of the global economic downturn, Apple is contemplating a cautious pricing strategy to preserve its sales volumes. While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus boast 48MP main cameras, they’ll inherit the A16 processor from the iPhone 14 Pro series, with no other significant upgrades. Hence, their starting prices are projected to be aggressively competitive. The iPhone 15 Pro may sport several enhancements that inflate costs, yet these are anticipated to be offset by cost reductions in other components.

Overall, TrendForce predicts a stable pricing landscape for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro, largely mirroring last year’s figures. The Pro Max, however, is a different story. Equipped with an exclusive high-cost periscope lens, it’s expected to command a premium—likely a bump of up to US$100—to reflect its increased production costs. Should this price adjustment materialize, it would mark the first such move since the era of the iPhone X.

Huawei’s official website unexpectedly unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, on August 29, 2023, followed by the release of the Mate 60 the next day. The Mate 60 Pro’s performance, powered by the Kirin 9000S SoC, has garnered significant attention in the market.

TrendForce’s Insights:

• Kirin 9000S Offers Comparable Computing Power to 2021 Flagships, But Energy Efficiency May Lag

According to benchmark test results from the Geekbench Browser, a product known as Huawei LNA-AL00, believed to be housing the Kirin 9000S, first appeared in test data on March 30, 2023, and has been continually updated since. The test results for Huawei LNA-AL00 during this period fall into two ranges. One range is roughly equivalent to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, while the other is on par with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. This suggests potential variations in Kirin 9000S versions.

Further analysis of the Kirin 9000S reveals that its CPU architecture maintains the 1+3+4 configuration of the Kirin 9000 but operates at slightly lower clock speeds, with a difference of approximately 10-20%. The GPU is Huawei’s in-house Maleoon 910. However, in comparison to the Kirin 9000, which employs TSMC’s 5nm process, the Kirin 9000S has a larger chip size, roughly 30% larger. Additionally, the presence of a large Vapor Chamber beneath the Mate 60 Pro’s screen indicates that the Kirin 9000S may have higher energy consumption, reflecting the use of a less advanced process than TSMC’s 7nm. Overall, Kirin 9000S is expected to offer computing performance similar to mainstream flagships from 2021-2022, but its energy efficiency might align with levels seen in 2019-2020.

• Maintaining Performance Gap with Other Flagship SoCs Will Be a Key Challenge for Huawei and SMIC

Based on available information, Kirin 9000S is likely produced by SMIC. Currently, SMIC’s advanced process nodes include 14nm, N+1, and N+2. Since SMIC has indicated that the N+1 process is not equivalent to 7nm, it is speculated to fall between 10-8nm. To produce Kirin 9000S, it would need to utilize an N+2 process closer to 7nm, which is currently the most suitable process node for domestic wafer foundries in China.

Kirin 9000S undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of China’s domestic IC design and manufacturing capabilities. In terms of computing performance, it lags only 2-3 years behind Qualcomm and MediaTek’s upcoming flagship SoCs set to be launched in the second half of 2023. However, without access to EUV equipment, SMIC faces significant challenges in developing processes below 7nm, and even achieving mass production at 5nm is not a short-term goal.

As Qualcomm and MediaTek advance their products to 4nm and below, the Kirin series will likely remain constrained by SMIC’s process technology, making it difficult to significantly increase clock speeds and reduce power consumption. This situation will lead to a gradual widening of the performance gap between the Kirin series and Snapdragon 8 Gen series, and the Dimensity series. As they grapple with the responsibility of technological advancement, maintaining a competitive performance gap for the Kirin series against other flagship SoCs will be a primary challenge for Huawei and SMIC moving forward.

(Photo credit: Huawei)