LG is reportedly gearing up to unveil its next-generation flagship smartphone, the LG G6, in late February or early March, according to the latest rumors.
The LG G5 from 2016 was supposed to enable LG to better compete against rivals on the fierce smartphone market, but the handset was not as well-received as the company likely hoped. The LG G5 failed to stir much interest and its modular extensions called LG G5 Friends failed to impress, which may be why the LG G6 is rumored to come without modular options.
Consequently, LG is reportedly aiming to adjust its marketing strategy and trying to boost its smartphone sales for 2017 by releasing the LG G6 one month earlier than expected.
LG G6 Release Rumors
The company announced its LG G5 in late February and launched the device in April, prompting rumors that the 2017 LG G6 release would be in April as well.
Korean publication ETNews, however, now claims that LG will actually release the LG G6 one month earlier, aiming to take advantage of a window left open by Apple and Samsung.
"LG Electronics is planning to release its next strategic smartphone called 'G6 (tentative)' a month earlier than usual in order to increase its sales volume by releasing its smartphone earlier than its competitors," notes ETNews.
Releasing the LG G6 one month earlier could allow the company to get a better edge against rivals and the release window could boost sales, leading to better results throughout the year.
Its main Android rival, the Samsung Galaxy S8, is rumored to have a delayed release and hit the market in April, at a higher price than the current Galaxy S7 flagship.
LG G6 Rumored Specs
With the LG G5 Friends getting lukewarm reactions, LG will reportedly ditch the modular extensions with the G6 and instead opt for a more "stable" strategy. Abandoning the "Friends" would also allow LG to make the G6 waterproof.
Furthermore, LG reportedly plans to focus on features and services that are currently in high demand across the Android ecosystem, such as wireless charging and mobile payments, in addition to waterproof capabilities.
Previous rumors also indicated that the LG G6 would have an iris scanner for extra security, a non-removable battery and an all-glass design. On another note, the LG G6 will reportedly still feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, as opposed to the trend Apple started with its iPhone 7 that forces users to rely on wireless headphones only.
Should the latest rumor turn out to be accurate, LG could unveil the G6 flagship before the Mobile World Congress 2017 and bring it to market soon enough. Until official confirmation however, retain a dose of skepticism.
