New iPhones will receive cheaper batteries so that their price does not rise due to support for 5G
Faced with higher manufacturing costs due to the implementation of 5G support in iPhone 12 smartphones this year, according to analyst Ming-chi Kuo, Apple is trying to use less expensive components in other areas. Battery costs are reported to be the biggest cut, with Mr. Kuo saying Apple is reducing the number of layers on the battery board and placing cells in a smaller area.
The analyst claims that these and other optimizations will lead to the fact that the battery part of new smartphones will be 40-50% cheaper than the iPhone 11. Next year, iPhone batteries will be cheaper by another 30% due to additional design changes. It is also reported that Apple is cutting battery costs for third-generation AirPods due next year. The company is doing this by moving to a system-in-a-box design similar to the AirPods Pro.
One battery does not fully offset the rise in smartphone costs driven by 5G support. According to Mr. Kuo, the inclusion of millimeter wave technology (5G mmWave) in the iPhone will cost Apple $ 125-135 in the final price of the device, plus $ 75-85 for 5G support at frequencies below 6 GHz.
But, obviously, the company is taking other steps in an effort not to increase the cost of the final device: it was previously reported that the power adapter and headphones will no longer be part of the iPhone package. Whether this is so, we will find out pretty soon. The iPhones are expected to ship in October this year, a few weeks later than usual, although it’s unclear if Apple will stick with its traditional September announcement.
