Future of Apple – iPhone 16 Series and 2nd Gen AR/MR
Apple enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the iPhone 15 series, which is set to launch in September this year. Reports suggest that the iPhone 15 lineup will feature four models, namely the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, it is the upcoming iPhone 16 series, forecasted to debut in 2024, that has garnered attention due to its significant changes. Additionally, Apple’s foray into augmented and mixed reality continues to evolve with the anticipated release of the 2nd generation AR/MR headset in 2025. Notable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided insights into these developments, shedding light on the future of Apple’s devices.
iPhone 16 Series: Advancements and Supply Chain Shifts
According to Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions, the iPhone 16 series will witness notable improvements over its predecessors. The larger iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to be the first iPhone to incorporate a periscope camera, offering enhanced zoom capabilities for an improved photography experience. While the periscope camera is exclusive to the Max model in the iPhone 15 series due to space constraints, Kuo suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro models will also feature this camera module, in addition to iPhone 16 Pro Max
To accommodate the periscope camera, the iPhone 16 Pro will have a slightly larger display size compared to the iPhone 14/15 Pro models’ 6.1-inch, providing additional internal space. These changes indicate Apple’s commitment to continuously enhancing camera technology and meeting the demands of avid photographers.
In terms of the supply chain, Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Sharp, a current supplier of camera module components (CCMs), may exit the iPhone 16 series CCM supply chain. This transition is expected to benefit existing CCM suppliers, namely LG Innotek, Foxconn, and Cowell. Among these suppliers, Cowell is likely to benefit the most due to its relatively small revenue and potential acquisition of Sharp’s CCM business by Luxshare-ICT. The potential acquisition could significantly increase Cowell’s orders, positioning them favorably in the CCM market.
Apple’s 2nd Generation AR/MR Headset: Advancements and Cowell’s Role
In addition to the iPhone 16 series, Apple’s venture into augmented and mixed reality technology continues with the highly anticipated 2nd generation AR/MR headset. Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that this headset will enter mass production in 2025 and will be available in two versions: a high-end model and a low-end variant. The shipments of the 2nd generation AR/MR headset are expected to be approximately ten times greater than those of its predecessor released in 2023.
Cowell, a prominent CCM supplier, is expected to play a crucial role in the production of the 2nd generation Apple AR/MR headset. Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that Cowell’s supply ratio for the headset will be at least 70-80%, further solidifying their position as a key beneficiary of Apple’s augmented and mixed reality ambitions. The increased demand for CCMs, particularly for the periscope camera, is expected to significantly boost Cowell’s revenue, as the periscope CCM’s average selling price (ASP) is approximately 6-8 times higher than that of the iPhone front autofocus (AF) CCM.
