Revealed: Here's what Apple's new 'iPhone 12' lineup looks like

AppleInsider

As the launch of the "iPhone 12" inches closer, AppleInsider got its hands on dummy units of Apple's upcoming phones which finally reveal how these new devices will look and feel.

The presumed 2020 iPhone lineup

While the most recent rumors point to the "iPhone 12" coming in four sizes, we got our hands on dummies of three. We have the "iPhone 12" which measures 5.4 inches, the "iPhone 12 Pro" at 6.1 inches, and the "iPhone 12 Pro Max" at 6.7 inches. Missing is the rumored 6.1-inch "iPhone 12 Max," which will be a new addition to the lineup.

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As those two phones are the same size, we still get a good look at all the sizes the "iPhone 12" line will offer.

"iPhone 12" model accuracy

These dummy models that we are showing are sourced similarly to the iPhone 11 dummies that AppleInsider showed ahead of the iPhone 11 launch.

They are based on leaked schematics that case manufacturers utilize to create cases ahead of the official announcement. We talked about these schematics previously in our "iPhone 12" rumor roundup.

The camera bump may look different

Schematics only give us so much information, however. Mainly, just the parts that case manufacturers care about. That means the layout and size of the notch may not be accurate. And, case companies only care about the dimensions of the bump, but not what is contained in the bump.

That's why even though we've heard rumors of LiDAR coming to "iPhone 12 Pro," these dummies only have the same three camera modules as the iPhone 11 line.

The 2020 iPhones are keeping Lightning

We can discern some information from the outside, though, such as the location of the SIM card tray, size of external buttons, and retention of the Lightning port.

"iPhone 12" versus iPhone 11

Recent rumors point to the new iPhone coming in those two sizes mentioned above. This gives users a choice for the entry-level handset to come in at 5.4 inches or 6.1 inches depending if they choose the regular "iPhone 12" or the "iPhone 12 Max".

"iPhone 12" versus iPhone 11

The 2019 iPhone 11 measured in at 6.1 inches, making the 5.4-inch entirely new.

"iPhone 12 Max" versus iPhone 11

Because the "iPhone 12 Max" and iPhone 11 are the same sizes, they don't look much different at all other than the new flat sides. Because of the sides, the "iPhone 12 Max" feels smaller in hand.

"iPhone 12 Pro" versus iPhone 11 Pro

"iPhone 12 Pro" and iPhone 11 Pro

For 2020, the "iPhone 12 Pro" is increasing from 5.8-inches to 6.1-inches. Physically, the phones have a near-identical footprint. As you will see in a moment, this theme follows for the Max phone as well.

Otherwise, these phones look very similar other than the new flat sides.

iPhone 11 Pro Max versus "iPhone 12 Pro Max"

The new "iPhone 12 Pro Max" against iPhone 11 Pro Max (right)

That leaves the largest in the bunch. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is near identical in size to the presumed "iPhone 12 Pro Max," except the screen is going from 6.5 inches to 6.7 inches thanks to the reduced bezels. When holding them both, the 2020 variant feels smaller.

Mystery port on "iPhone 12 Pro Max"

We also see a new mystery port on the right side of the new Max-sized phone. It is long and thin and looks similar to the "Magnetic Connector" on the side of the iPad Pro used to charge Apple Pencil.

We don't think Apple Pencil is coming to iPhone, but it could be some other form of charging or something else altogether.

"iPhone 12" versus the original iPhone SE

One of the more surprising compares for the iPhone lineup is the smallest 5.4-inch unit. This compares quite favorably with the beloved original iPhone SE that sported a 4-inch display.

"iPhone 12" and iPhone SE

Side-by-side, the footprint of the "iPhone 12" versus the original iPhone SE are not all that different. The newer unit is slightly wider and taller, but still very close.

It appears that Apple hasn't completely ignored users who wanted a smaller iPhone like that original iPhone SE. Still, it seems Apple has grander plans -- launching a similar size as part of the new "iPhone 12" lineup. This 5.4-inch "iPhone 12" will come with all the latest specs but much closer in size to the original iPhone SE.

Compared to the SE, users get a huge increase in screen size as well as the addition of Face ID. Compared to the 2020 iPhone SE, users still get Face ID over the Home button, and they get the ultra-wide camera module.

When will the "iPhone 12" release?

There have been countless rumors regarding the "iPhone 12" timeline. Some are saying a traditional September launch is possible while others point to significant delays.

iPhone 12 colors

Time will tell, which ends up being more accurate and how accurate these schematic dummy models end up being. Either way, it is intriguing to see months of rumors come together in these excellent physical representations.



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netrox

Apple should just keep the iPhone SE display the same size and eliminate the home button. That would make the device extremely portable. 
 

viclauyyc

The “iPhone SE and iPhone 12“ compare photo is bad. Can’t tell the difference of screen size of the IP 12 at all.

caladanian

No LIDAR?  

ireland

Would prefer if Apple made a 5”, 6” and 7”.

12 mini
12
12 Max

And pro versions in same three sizes.

harry wild

Apple should of made a 5.4” iPhone 12 Pro!

harry wild

viclauyyc said:

The “iPhone SE and iPhone 12“ compare photo is bad. Can’t tell the difference of screen size of the IP 12 at all.

The photo above show the 12 as having rounded edges too!

indieshack

...retention of the Lightning port

Yech....

sflocal

I would gladly sacrifice thinness if they would make the camera lenses flush with the rest of the back.  The thickness would be minimal, and besides making it flush and better on a flat surface, it would allow more room for a bigger battery.  Either way, I'll probably upgrade my iPx finally as I've always loved the design of the iPhone4 and I feel this one is an elegant evolution of that design.  I miss the angular edges.  

bsnjon

For years Apple’s famous secrecy has been an important strategic asset, as is the security of its products. 

It seems more vulnerabilities are being reported on a fairly regular basis these days, and Apple can’t make any announcements without major portions of the news already floating around. While these pictures are cool, and all, what they say about the company these days in concerning. 

frantisek

AppleInsider said:

 Missing is the rumored 6.1-inch "iPhone 12 Max," which will be a new addition to the lineup.

Guys. 5.4" version is new addition not one that has same size as iPhone 11!

It is same mistake as calling iPhone 12 50 USD cheaper even it is more expensive as same size iPhone 12 MAX will be 749 USD!

Compared to the SE, users get a huge increase in screen size as well as the addition of Face ID. Compared to the 2020 iPhone SE, users still get Face ID over the Home button, and they get the ultra-wide camera module.

And they get OLED screen. And maybe better antenna or wireless internals generally.

And by my calculation iPhone 12 will have about 140-145% of screen area compare original SE/5S and about 110% of SE 2020/8.

mike1

indieshack said:

...retention of the Lightning port

Yech....

Yay

tobian

it looks it's time for an upgrade 

wkneip

Could that new side section be a new form of touch id?

deanwall

So two things. 

Why is everyone calling this the iPhone 12? No one has elaborated on why it won’t be 11S. 

And am I the only one that really hates using the term ‘Max’. 

Both Mac and iPad Pro’s don’t use this moniker. So why does the iPhone? Just say iPhone Pro. Then the screen size. 

I thought Apple liked their universe to be same.
its just so loooooong. 

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPad Pro/MacBook Pro. 

canukstorm

deanwall said:

So two things. 

Why is everyone calling this the iPhone 12? No one has elaborated on why it won’t be 11S. 

And am I the only one that really hates using the term ‘Max’. 

Both Mac and iPad Pro’s don’t use this moniker. So why does the iPhone? Just say iPhone Pro. Then the screen size. 

I thought Apple liked their universe to be same.
its just so loooooong. 

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPad Pro/MacBook Pro. 

I agree.  Maybe it's time to get rid of the numbering system.  Just iPhone SE, iPhone, iPhone Pro

roake

wkneip said:

Could that new side section be a new form of touch id?

No.  I don't think so.  I believe it's a smart connecter.  I think Touch ID will come back as "under the screen" Touch ID.  Although, there are rumors that the Apple Watch eventually will get Touch ID in the tip of the crown.  If they can get the technology that small, AND the "under the screen" tech remains far from fruition, they may place a Touch ID under one of the buttons, probably the power button.

haywood

Completely disappointing that the flagship model won’t be USB-C. Was really looking forward to using the same charger for my MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. 

Beats

netrox said:

Apple should just keep the iPhone SE display the same size and eliminate the home button. That would make the device extremely portable. 
 

Apple didn't do it in 2020, Apple may never do it.

roake said:

wkneip said:

Could that new side section be a new form of touch id?

No.  I don't think so.  I believe it's a smart connecter.  I think Touch ID will come back as "under the screen" Touch ID.  Although, there are rumors that the Apple Watch eventually will get Touch ID in the tip of the crown.  If they can get the technology that small, AND the "under the screen" tech remains far from fruition, they may place a Touch ID under one of the buttons, probably the power button.

Why not both? Though I think under screen done right and innovative would be better. Maybe it will be the return of Force Touch also with a new name.

GeorgeBMac

caladanian said:

No LIDAR?  

He explained that in the video.

These models are for case manufacturers.   So, the camera bump is accurate but what is inside the camera bump (2 lens, 3 or a dozen -- plus lidar) is irrelevant and not necessarily accurate.

GeorgeBMac

roake said:

wkneip said:

Could that new side section be a new form of touch id?

No.  I don't think so.  I believe it's a smart connecter.  I think Touch ID will come back as "under the screen" Touch ID.  Although, there are rumors that the Apple Watch eventually will get Touch ID in the tip of the crown.  If they can get the technology that small, AND the "under the screen" tech remains far from fruition, they may place a Touch ID under one of the buttons, probably the power button.

That extra "mystery port" on the side look suspiciously like the diagnostic port on the Apple Watch.

It might be a leadup to Apple eliminating wired connections completely (like the watch).  That would not only save valuable internal space (like eliminating the headphone jack did) but one of the leading causes of failure as the lightening port often fills with pocket lint and the connectors wear or get chipped in the cleaning process.  It would also make the phone more water and dust resistant.