Oliver Haslam·

Barclays: No 3D Touch In 2019 iPhones, AirPods 2 And Cheaper HomePod Slated For Same Year

In an apparent attempt to get in on the iPhone prediction game, Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis has shared his ideas, and those of his team, relating to what the 2019 iPhone lineup could look like and which accessories could ship as well.

In a research note sent to investors and that also managed to fall into the hands of MacRumors, Curtis says that it is “widely understood” that 3D Touch will be removed from all iPhones with OLED displays during the 2019 release cycle, although in an apparent move to hedge their bets, the group did say that the plans have not been finalized. There have been rumors of 3D Touch’s demise of late, with the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone set for release next month also expected to be sans-3D Touch.

Barclays says it’s “widely understood” that 3D Touch will be removed from iPhones with OLED displays in 2019—aka the third-generation iPhone X and second-generation “iPhone X Plus.” However, they caution that the plans aren’t finalized yet, so they could change.

Moving on, Curtis also has AirPods 2 launching in the fourth quarter of 2019, although a wireless charging case for existing AirPods will be available next month. This comes alongside the expectation that the long-awaited AirPower charging pad will also arrive at the same time.

Finally, a “cheaper HomePod” is also said to be in the works for 2019 with “broader appeal” although there is no explanation as to what that means. Whether the simple fact of a lower price is what the analyst believes will make for an improved appeal is unknown, although it is indeed possible.

The new raft of reports by Barclays comes after Curtis and his team traveled across Asia last week, meeting with companies that are part of Apple’s supply chain.

(Source: MacRumors)

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