Next top iPhone will support Apple Pencil, 512GB storage, analyst says

That sounds rather like the Galaxy Note 9.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

Aug. 14, 2018 7:11 a.m. PT

2 min read

trendforce-iphone-rumor — Trendforce's guesses as to the specs for the upcoming iPhones.
Trendforce

The latest speculation about the upcoming flagship iPhone for the fall adds a couple of twists: support for the Apple Pencil stylus and a 512GB storage option. That's what TrendForce's prognosticators predict in a press release issued by the analyst firm.

If that sounds familiar, it's probably because Samsung's recently announced Galaxy Note 9 offers similar perks: stylus support, a 512GB configuration, plus a 6.5-inch OLED screen (the iPhone may have a 6.4-inch AMOLED). Starting price: $999, whereas further speculation has the next iPhone's price at $1,100. TrendForce adds that it thinks there will be a dual-SIM version of the high-end model.

Watch this: Top 5 reasons to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 9

02:51

And if the company's correct, your pricey iPhone X will be discontinued, or begin its "end of life" phase. The report confirms that the two OLED models are already assembled, while the budget LCD model will begin assembly in mid-September, in line with expected September and October ship dates, respectively.

TrendForce's pricing predictions do buck the current trend somewhat. In general it thinks that the higher-end prices will come down, because the cost of components has fallen and to compete with Android. "Regarding the prices, TrendForce believes that Apple is bound to adjust its pricing strategies, influenced by Chinese brands that have successfully expanded their market shares with products that offer high performances at affordable prices."

That doesn't really jibe with Apple's pricing strategies in the past, however. Nor does it echo the trend we're seeing of increasing prices for high-end phones.

Watch this: Why phones are getting even more expensive

02:16

TrendForce thinks the budget 6.1-inch LCD model will start at about $700 or $750, higher than other estimates. The 5.8-inch iPhone X replacement will therefore come in cheaper than the current model, starting at $900-$950, while the top model will start at $990.

We reached out to Apple for comment, but didn't immediately hear back.

Follow everything we know thus far about the 2018 iPhones.