In news from the supply chain, demand for Apple’s next iPhone is seemingly uncertain. And a new patent contradicts earlier reports surrounding a new body temperature sensor for Apple Watch.
Uncertain iPhone 14 demand
As first reported by Macrumors, a report from Digitimes cites uncertainty in Apple’s iPhone supply chain. Suppliers have spoken to Digitimes to outline concerns surrounding forecasted demand for the rumoured iPhone 14 series.
While suppliers have been ramping up production capacity for key components in recent weeks, it seems that possible price hikes for the new models have caused concern. The iPhone 14 may start with 256GB of storage and use a variety of new components. When combined with worldwide inflation and other economic headwinds, price increases are likely.
The AppleTLDR take
Suppliers are spooked. I get it. Digitimes has currently published scarce details behind a paywalled page so it isn’t clear where the information has come from. Further details will likely emerge tomorrow. But the key message here is that suppliers think price increases will reduce consumer demand. If proven out, Apple might cut orders. Bad for the suppliers.
A new precision temperature sensor for Apple Watch
Apple has been granted a new patent for an electronic ‘temperature gradient’ sensor. The images below describe a sensor that in its simplest terms contains two major components. A thermometer of sorts in the form of a differential temperature probe and a temperature sensor.
The new sensor could be installed into the back crystal of the Apple Watch. It would work by measuring the difference between the temperature at two points. The point that the probe makes contact with the skin and the point at which the probe makes contact with the temperature sensor.
The patent goes further to explain that such a system can be used to measure “absolute temperature”, in other words, a precise temperature reading. This is far from the crude and rudimentary system that was rumoured by Mark Gurman, Kuo and others.
They claim that the next Apple Watch will indeed have a body temperature sensor but that the readings will be basic. Users would be advised if they might have a high temperature for example but without granular or “absolute data”. The patent filing would seem to be a total contradiction.
It’s worth noting that patent filings are not indicative of a shipping product. But it does give us some insight into Apple’s goals for a future Apple Watch, be that Series 8 or later.
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