Expectations are already high for Apple's (AAPL +2.08%) 2020 iPhone lineup, with the Mac maker widely expected to add 5G support to its handsets after securing 5G modem supply from Qualcomm pursuant to the companies' settlement earlier this year. Apple has been releasing three new iPhone models per year since 2017, when it launched the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X.
The tech company had been expected to keep up, but one Wall Street watcher thinks Apple might have one more thing.
iPhone 11 Pro. Image source: Apple.
Two high-end iPhones plus two more affordable iPhones
In a research note to investors this week, J.P. Morgan analysts led by Samik Chatterjee predict that Apple will launch four new iPhones next fall, all of which will support 5G connectivity and feature OLED displays. The analysts expect a 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and a 6.7-inch model. Compare that to the current lineup that includes a 6.1-inch model (iPhone 11), a 5.8-inch model (11 Pro), and 6.5-inch model (11 Pro Max).
Two flagship iPhones at larger sizes (6.1-inch and 6.7-inch) are expected to include mmWave support, while the two more affordable versions in smaller sizes (5.4-inch and 6.1-inch) may only support sub-6 GHz frequencies. 5G technology relies on both mmWave and sub-6 GHz frequencies, with mmWave enabling incredibly fast speeds over very short distances (ideal for dense urban areas) while sub-6 GHz will deliver greater coverage range.
The higher-end variants are also expected to include rear-facing 3D-sensing, which will dramatically boost the iPhones' augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Those 3D sensors are expected to use the time-of-flight (TOF) method, versus the structured light method that Apple currently uses in its TrueDepth camera for Face ID.
Smoothing out seasonality
Additionally, Chatterjee predicts that Apple will start launching new iPhones twice a year starting in 2021. "Based on our supply chain checks, we are expecting a strategic change in the launch cadence with the release of two new iPhone models in 1H21 followed by another two in 2H21, which will serve to smooth seasonality around the launch," the analyst wrote.
While Apple has released iPhones in the spring before, those models have largely been spec refreshes using existing designs, like the iPhone SE that was launched in March 2016. There is reportedly an iPhone SE 2 that resembles the iPhone 8 in the pipeline for spring 2020.
The iPhone segment has always experienced seasonality since Apple has historically released new models ahead of the holiday shopping season:
Data source: SEC filings. Chart by author. Calendar quarters shown.
In contrast, the growing services business marches steadily higher, always enjoying sequential growth. That segment's growing importance to Apple's overall financials is already helping to smooth out seasonality, but spreading out new iPhone launches could help reduce seasonality even further.
J.P. Morgan reiterated its overweight rating on the stock while modestly boosting its price target from $290 to $296.
