A new report from China claims the next-generation of iPhones will pack a component that first debuted with the Apple Watch and might already be in production in the region.
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So far, reports said that the new Force Touch gesture, first introduced with the Apple Watch and select MacBook models, is coming to the new iPhones. Force Touch requires a new display component that’s actually capable of registering pressure touches, but it looks like another piece of key Apple Watch technology will also come to this year’s new iPhones.
According to China Times, System-in-Package (SiP) modules similar to what’s inside the Apple Watch will also be found in the iPhone 6s, with local suppliers supposed to start iPhone 6s SiP production this month.
The internal S1 System-in-Package (SiP), which contains most of the components needed to make the Watch tick, is one of the most interesting things about Apple’s wearable device. The S1 includes a custom ARM processor, RAM, storage, NFC radio controller, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, touchscreen controllers and other components.
Apple managed to shrink everything down by packing smartphone-grade chips inside the small Apple Watch.
“The design is an obvious variation from Apple’s smartphones, with many high-end functions / chips included that normally would not be found in a simple watch,” ABI Research vice president of engineering said about the S1 when tearing it down in late April.
Moreover, the package is completely encapsulated in resin that’s supposed to protect these components from accidental damage, including water.
Bringing SiP design to iPhones and iPad could further help Apple increase battery size on these devices, assuming the company is able to further miniaturize internal iPhone components. The company already surprised us earlier this year by revealing that the Retina MacBook’s motherboard is about the size of an iPhone, significantly smaller than expected.
Previous reports from the same Chinese online publication have also claimed that Apple might be looking into replacing iPhone PCB’s with SiP-like technology.
However, Apple is far from confirming whether it’ll be using Apple Watch-like SiPs in the iPhone 6s. The report further says the iPhone 6s should be launched either in September or early October.
