2018 iPhones To Come With Enhanced Antenna Design For Faster LTE Speeds

Apple is believed to be preparing new iPhone models with upgraded antenna design in order for the smartphones to have ultra-fast LTE transmission speeds. The news comes just days after it was reported that the next-generation iOS devices from the Cupertino giant could come with Intel XMM 7560 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 processors.

This Tuesday, KGI Securities analyst and famous Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed in a research note to investors a new prediction for the upcoming iPhone installments. According to Kuo, Apple could be using at least two liquid crystal polymer (LCP) antenna modules for its upcoming iPhone handsets. While this technology is similar to the one found on the iPhone X, Kuo says there will be improvements to the antenna design so that it could support 4x4 MIMO standards, as per MacRumors.

“Antenna design upgrade [is] a key factor in anticipated boost to LTE transmission speed in new 2H18F iPhone models. As a LTE antenna FPCB material, LCP is superior to PI in properties related to high-frequency, thermal performance and moisture resistance. We predict 2H18 new iPhones will be equipped with two LCP LTE antenna modules same as iPhone X or more, but with higher specs to support 4x4 MIMO standards,” Kuo stated in the note.

At present, only the iPhone X houses two LCP FCPBs. The iPhone 8 has a single LCP module, and the same can be said of the iPhone 8 Plus. With Kuo’s prediction, it’s expected that each next-generation iPhone scheduled for 2018 release will sport at least two LCP LTE antenna modules.

While the inclusion of two LCP antenna modules is a welcome upgrade to the upcoming iPhone models, it’s worth noting that rival smartphone makers are already planning to transition to 5G. On the contrary, Apple is just maximizing the potential of 4G LTE, as pointed out by Apple Insider.

Kuo’s new prediction comes less than a week after he divulged that the next-generation iOS devices for next year could be powered by Intel XMM 7560 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 modems. Both chips support 4x4 MIMO technology, so it’s really possible for the 2018 models to end up with upgraded antenna modules. The combination of the chips and the antenna modules would ensure faster LTE transmission speeds.

Early this month, Kuo said that just like this year, Apple will also release three new iPhone models in 2018. He shared at the time that there is going to be an up-sized version of the 10th anniversary iPhone, and it is going to feature a 6.5-inch OLED display. There’s also another OLED handset, but this one will sport a 5.8-inch display — the same one found on the current iPhone X.

Kuo also stated that Apple is not ditching LCD yet, for it is working on an LCD handset with a 6.1-inch screen. The analyst believes that this model will be aimed at the low-end and mid-range markets. Despite its lower price point, Kuo said the LCD model will feature an edge-to-edge design and have Face ID support.