The development of new technologies for iPhones often takes years in advance, providing analysts with the opportunity to anticipate future iPhone changes through the dynamics of Apple's value chain. Recently, analyst Jeff Pu said that the iPhone 17 Pro Max model may come with an upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto lens.
In a recent research report, PU mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro Max's upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto lens will be optimized for use with the Vision Pro, and the headset is expected to be available in the US early next year. However, PU didn't provide more details about this lens.
Currently, Apple's current iPhone 15 Pro models already offer a 48-megapixel main lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. From iOS 17Version 2 onwards, with support for recording spaces with 3D depth** using Main Lens + Ultra Wide for use on Vision Pro devices**.
Previously, Jeff Pu had said that next year's iPhone 16 Pro models will come with an upgraded 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.
In addition, the latest research report also mentions that the iPhone 17 Pro models will be equipped with Apple's self-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, and **Apple will expand its self-developed Wi-Fi chip to the entire iPhone 18 series in 2026.
At present, Broadcom is the first supplier of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combination chips for Apple's iPhone. Like the previous iPhone 5G modem, the in-house development of Wi-Fi chips will allow Apple to reduce its reliance on external component vendors.
It should be noted that the analysts' report is only ** for future products, and the iPhone 17 Pro model is expected to be released in September 2025, so Apple may adjust its plans in the next two years.
Apple Watch Ultra, Apple's cutting-edge product in the smartwatch space, is expected to usher in a major update in a few years.
According to research firm Trendforce, the Apple Watch Ultra is expected to move from its current OLED display to a MicroLED display in 2026 and increase the screen size by 10% to 212 inches.
The current Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with 193-inch OLED screen. The new microLED screens are not only increased in size, but also more expensive. It is estimated that the cost of this new display will be two to three times that of the current OLED screen, which is around $120.
Apple's plans to equip the Apple Watch Ultra with a MicroLED display have been widely confirmed, starting with a report released by display analyst Ross Young in January of this year.
However, while Trendforce expects the new Apple Watch Ultra to be released in 2026, this timeframe is later than the 2025 of many others.
Apple's plan to adopt MicroLED displays is based on a number of considerations. First, the technology will significantly improve the brightness, color reproduction, dynamic range, viewing angles, and efficiency of the display, making the image look more like it's "drawn" on the display glass. Secondly, through the development of its own display technology, to reduce the dependence on Samsung and other leading companies.
It is reported that Apple has invested nearly a decade in the research and development of customized microLED display technology. In the long term, Apple intends to replace all existing LCD, OLED, and Mini-LED displays with MicroLEDs, expanding from the Apple Watch to iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro headsets.
However, the development and production of microLED displays face many challenges. First, the manufacturing of microLED displays requires a highly precise and complex engineering process, including the precise alignment and soldering of millions or even billions of tiny LED chips. Second, microLED displays are expensive to produce, which may be the main reason why Apple has kept OLED displays for some time. Finally, key technical indicators such as viewing angles and color consistency of microLED displays still need to be further improved. Despite this, Apple's research and development of microLED displays continues to advance. Apple has reportedly established MicroLED R&D teams in the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan, among others, and plans to apply the technology to more products in the coming years. In addition to the Apple Watch Ultra, future iPhones may also feature MicroLED technology in their displays. Overall, Apple's R&D and adoption plans for microLED displays demonstrate its ambitions in the field of display technology. As technology continues to advance and market needs continue to change, we look forward to seeing more innovative products from Apple in the future.