Rumor says all iPhone 14 models getting 6GB RAM…but there’s a catch

The rumor: Apple is preparing to put the most RAM ever in all iPhone 14 models, but there’s a catch, according to Trendforce (84.5% accurate, source).

  • While all iPhone 14 models are said to have 6GB RAM, the type of RAM won’t be the same on all iPhone 14 models
  • While iPhone 14 and 14 Max will get 6GB LPDDR4X RAM, iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are getting 6GB of faster and more efficient LPDDR5 RAM

Sam’s take: This follows the through line of previous rumors of lower-end internals for iPhone 14 and higher-end stuff for iPhone 14 Pro. Historically, I’ve always been confused why Apple made the non-Pro and Pro model specs so similar…they were always just so close until recently history when we’ve started to see them diverge a bit. This year, there really won’t be many similarities at all…the Pros are getting the new display look, faster chip, better RAM and 48MP camera.

iPhone SE 3 rumored to launch in Q1 2022

The rumor: Apple’s third-generation budget iPhone is scheduled to hit the market early next year, according to Trendforce (77.4% accurate).

  • According to the new report, “Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22. The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones”
  • The iPhone SE 3 is expected to feature the same 4.7-inch design as the current version, but with a faster processor and 5G connectivity

Our take: I’ll be honest: I’m confused at how the iPhone SE 3 is going to work. Such a small and outdated design worked well 2 years ago in 2020, but I fail to see how Apple can put 5G in a smartphone that already has the worst battery life of the entire iPhone lineup. Some rumors suggested the new iPhone SE could have a 6.1-inch design, but apparently that isn’t happening until 2024…

iPhone 13 lineup may see similar pricing, expanded mmWave 5G support & bigger batteries

The rumor: Apple’s next iPhones are expected to bring a slew of minor improvements, according to TrendForce (75% accurate).

Here’s what the new report outlines…

  • mmWave 5G (the ultra-fast kind of 5G) currently limited to US iPhones is said to be expanding to new markets
  • Pricing for the iPhone 13 series is likely remaining similar to iPhone 12 due to the lack of major hardware upgrades
  • As for upgraded batteries, TrendForce says “The iPhone 13 will see a shift in its charging circuit board from the previous rigid-flex PCB design to a new design featuring SiP combined with flexible PCB. The space-saving feature of this new design will also likely result in increased battery capacity”

Our take: We’ve heard all of this before already, but good to see it corroborated just weeks before the new iPhones release. Biggest takeaway for me is same pricing expected this year.

New report says iPhone 13 won’t have 1TB storage, LiDAR only on Pro models

The rumor: Apple is planning a more muted upgrade for the 2021 iPhones, according to TrendForce (75% accurate).

Here are the takeaways from TrendForce’s latest report:

  • The 120Hz display is only coming to Pro models, and the LiDAR sensor will remain exclusive to the Pros
    • The ultra wide lens is gaining autofocus on these models, as well
  • A smaller notch is happening across the entire 2021 iPhone lineup
  • Even following poor sales on iPhone 12 mini, a successive 5.4-inch iPhone is still coming this year
  • 512GB will continue to be the max storage available on the iPhone…previous rumors suggested 1TB would be happening on Pro models this year

Our take: Overall, the new iPhones this year sound like they’ll be nice but small upgrades over the iPhone 12. Nothing new or shocking in the report, but it seems that 1TB won’t be happening after all.