14 DAY TRIAL // iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launched earlier this year with 3D Touch, a new feature based on the pressure-sensitive screen exclusively available on these two models that shows specific options when the user taps harder on the display.
And while this is only the first iteration of the technology, Apple won’t upgrade it when the next-generation iPhone arrives in 2016, one analyst claims.
KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, who has already provided us with accurate information on unreleased Apple products, now says that iPhone 7 will most likely arrive with the exact same version of 3D Touch as the existing models, adding that existing inventories are living proof components won’t be changed, hence no upgrades are expected.
Buyers not impressed with 3D Touch
The analyst, who says that 3D Touch won’t contribute to any big change in terms of sales because not many buyers see it as a decisive factor to purchase a new iPhone, explains that Apple will stick to the existing version as more app developers continue to update their software with support for it.
“3D Touch to improve user experience of touch panel long term, but won’t contribute much to near-term shipments. We think only more apps supporting 3D Touch and continued improvement of 3D Touch UI design will support increased use of 3D Touch. 3D Touch one of the most severe production bottlenecks in iPhone 6s supply chain; current inventory higher than other general components,” the analyst points out.
Apple’s iPhone 7 is expected to arrive sooner than usual, with people close to the matter suggesting that the company is looking to release the device earlier in an attempt to get ready for bigger sales in the fall. Usually, Apple rolled out new iPhones in September, with sales starting in November, but according to insiders, the company might now go for an August unveiling that would allow shipments to begin in September.
Nothing is confirmed so far, but more information is expected to arrive in the coming weeks as the new iPhone is taking shape.