Apple may be working on a few wild prototypes, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek wrote in a research note to investors, including a 4-inch OLED iPhone that transforms into an iPad mini. Apparently, Misek got wind of various Apple prototypes from Asian suppliers, although MacRumors suggests the company might keep such prototypes close to the chest, producing them in-house or in very small quantities by certain partners.
Misek is a very well-respected Apple analyst, however, and he probably has a slightly better knowledge of Apple’s supply chain.
“In contrast to investors’ fears, the supply chain thinks Apple’s innovation may be accelerating,” Misek wrote. “With more than the usual number of prototypes floating around, here are some highlights (with the caveat that Apple might be purposely leaking to confuse competitors): 5.5″ OLED phone with 2k >660ppi display; iTV with full gesture control, voice control, and 4K; touchscreen MacBook Air running on A8; 4″ OLED iPhone that unfolds into an iPad mini; smartwatch prototypes including curved bangle-type and curved-screen; and wearables including health care appliances and payment authentication modules.”
Apple has been previously been rumored to launch its own TV set with gesture and voice control, while a recent report claimed ARM-based MacBooks and Macs are in the works as well.
Misek has further added that the iWatch is ready for mass production, and could be unveiled at any time. Previous reports said the iWatch will head to production in mid-July. He also said the 5.5-inch iPhone will be released later than the 4.7-inch model, and will launch in November at the earliest, sporting a new in-cell display coating technology.
The analyst does not always have a great track record when discussing unreleased Apple products, as MacRumors noted. Misek was one of the first analysts to mention a 4.8-inch iPhone 6, but he was wrong when predicting certain iPhone 5s elements, an iOS-OS X merger, and an Apple-made Netflix competitor. Misek has also “long-championed” an Apple iTV that’s yet to become a reality.
