According to the reputed Apple’s analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new report directly from iPhone’s supply chain, the new 2019 iPhone-series will come with a new modified-PI antenna tech, which is largely different to the standard that has been used until now.
Currently, iPhones are using liquid crystal polymer (LCP) antennas that are somewhat limiting. There are some production issues around LCP since it causes problems for high-frequency cellular transmission whereas the modified-PI units will improve performance, while also brings the cost down. When it comes to the 4G LTE connectivity users won’t feel much difference.
Kuo: 2019 iPhones to feature redesigned antenna structure with focus on improved indoor navigation
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Despite these improvements, Kuo states that the production cost will be 10 to 20% up year-over-year due to the new ultra-wideband upgrades. This will also reflect on indoor navigation with the new 2019 iPhone-series. Worth noting that this isn’t the first time that the analyst throws these claims, however, this time, he’s backed up by information coming from the Apple’s supply chain.
A few months ago, Apple’s antenna supplier, Career, forced 200 employees to resign. Also, the company won’t be receiving any new orders for 2019, even for the new iPad and Apple Watch. That could pretty much be happening due to Apple’s switch of technologies. However, when the company gear up for the 5G connectivity, it will probably switch back to the LCP standard.