Everything known about the 'iPhone 12'
Despite the global conditions, Apple continues to push ahead as it readies its new "iPhone 12," "iPhone 12 Pro," and "iPhone 12 Pro Max." Here is what rumors say so far about Apple's upcoming flagship smartphone.
Concept based on CAD images from EverythingApplePro
"iPhone 12" rumors have been swirling for some time, and have picked up pace in recent months. All of this despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the new iPhone SE
The supply chain claims that Apple is shifting to a larger, rectangular battery rather than the "L" shaped model in the "iPhone 12". This may result in external changes as well -- such as the relocation of the SIM card.
Crucially, the "iPhone 12" will utilize Apple's A14 Bionic processor. Apple is shifting to a new, 5nm design for the new chip which will likely bring significant improvements for power and graphics.
Another new feature that may be shown off is 802.11ay Wi-Fi. This new version of wireless connectivity has a focus on peer-to-peer connections which can reduce the burden on your network and offer increased speeds.
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is just starting to pick up steam with consumers. As 802.11ay is set to finish certification this year, the backward-compatible technology may debut with Apple's iPhone in "iPhone 12," much the same as Wi-Fi 6 did.
The new "iPhone 12" is widely expected to support 5G cellular on sub-6Ghz frequencies, with the high-end models also incorporating mmWave. The majority of analysts have pointed to the lower-end "iPhone 12" just supporting sub-6GHz. But, Ming-Chi Kuo says that despite other analysts rumblings, the "iPhone 12" will include support for true mmWave.
LiDAR scanner is coming to the "iPhone 12 Pro"
The "iPhone 12" also will likely bring the iPad Pro's LiDAR scanner to the iPhone. Developers got to start testing the LiDAR scanner with iPad Pro but should have some very useful applications by the time the "iPhone 12" launches with it.
Rumors say that at least the "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max" will incorporate LiDAR, but there is nothing suggesting the non-pro "iPhone 12" model will support the feature.
EverythingApplePro has sources that claim that the "iPhone 12" will include speakers that are 10% to 15% louder, with an increased dynamic range.
Much of the new phone's exterior was leaked and detailed in a recent video based on supposed CAD files.
An oft-requested change for Apple to make is reducing -- or eliminating -- the notch. Rumors say Apple is experimenting between a shorter notch and one that is narrower. Multiple sources, including a recent report by Jon Prosser corroborate the smaller notch, versus what's been presented in the iPhone X through iPhone 11.
Specifically looking at the "iPhone 12 Pro Max," it will now have a 6.7-inch display versus a 6.5-inch as on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The phone will be slightly thinner but taller.
The edges of the phones will have increased antenna bands, likely to accommodate that new 5G network support. Apple seems to be >largely working on its own antenna technology this time around.
A new connector was shown off in leaked CAD files, likely just for the "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max." EverythingApplePro says that it is a Smart Connector, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
The Smart Connector, which can currently be found on several iPad models, is made up of three small circular contacts. The connector shown off in the CAD files is a long oval shape.
It appears to be similar to the "magnetic connector" found on iPad Pro which is used to charge the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil currently wouldn't fit on the side of an iPhone but perhaps Apple is using it to power some other accessory.
Apple appears to be sticking with Lightning on the "iPhone 12" line. Although long-rumored, Apple moving to USB-C on the iPhone appears to not be in the cards.
Midnight blue may replace midnight green (render from EverythingApplePro)
The "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max" are being tested with a couple of shades of midnight blue. These dark blue color options are likely to replace the midnight green that launched with the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The non-pro "iPhone 12" seems likely to maintain the rounded sides and will get two of three different colors in testing. Right now Apple is testing violet, light orange, and light blue.
This year though, Apple has a global pandemic to deal with putting it into uncharted territory. Many suppliers are waiting on Apple to decide whether or not to delay the "iPhone 12" launch.
We've seen countless rumors saying production may fall behind, then more saying suppliers are denying the delay, followed by more saying "iPhone 12" will be delayed by months, before Foxconn says it is staffed up and sees no delay for "iPhone 12". We likely won't know what Apple's production plans are for months.
One true sign of Apple's plans may lie within WWDC. Apple's annual developer's conference is where Apple shows off its new operating systems and development platforms. These software updates go thorugh a rigorous months-long public beta process before launching, typically alongside a new iPhone. New iPhones contain new hardware and software features that would likely be discovered in beta releases, well before a new iPhone shows them off.
The fact Apple is still scheduling its annual worldwide developer conference for June is a good sign it is anticipating launching its new phones in the fall at some point, even it if may be a hair later than desired, like the iPhone X was.
Concept based on CAD images from EverythingApplePro
"iPhone 12" rumors have been swirling for some time, and have picked up pace in recent months. All of this despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the new iPhone SE
"iPhone 12" at a glance
Based on all the rumors and leaks we've seen over the past year, here are the key points we think we know about the "iPhone 12," "iPhone 12 Pro," and "iPhone 12 Pro Max."- Will be redesign to look more like a smaller iPad Pro
- Shifting to 5nm for A14 Bionic processor
- Possibly smaller notch for TrueDepth camera system
- LiDAR added to rear camera
- Will support 5G
- Launch window is uncertain
- May include Wi-Fi 802.11ay
What processor and Wi-Fi version does the "iPhone 12" have?
Internally, we expect quite a few changes to this year's "iPhone 12" lineup. Almost everything -- including the internal layout -- looks to be reworked.The supply chain claims that Apple is shifting to a larger, rectangular battery rather than the "L" shaped model in the "iPhone 12". This may result in external changes as well -- such as the relocation of the SIM card.
Crucially, the "iPhone 12" will utilize Apple's A14 Bionic processor. Apple is shifting to a new, 5nm design for the new chip which will likely bring significant improvements for power and graphics.
Another new feature that may be shown off is 802.11ay Wi-Fi. This new version of wireless connectivity has a focus on peer-to-peer connections which can reduce the burden on your network and offer increased speeds.
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is just starting to pick up steam with consumers. As 802.11ay is set to finish certification this year, the backward-compatible technology may debut with Apple's iPhone in "iPhone 12," much the same as Wi-Fi 6 did.
Will the "iPhone 12 have 5G?
The latest wireless networking technology, 5G, has two discrete versions. The faster download speeds are attributed to the mmWave aspect, while other engineering improvements are also in the slower sub-6GHz implementations. Many 5G phones from other vendors only support the sub-6GHz spectrum -- but it appears Apple may be significantly investing in the development of that mmWave support.The new "iPhone 12" is widely expected to support 5G cellular on sub-6Ghz frequencies, with the high-end models also incorporating mmWave. The majority of analysts have pointed to the lower-end "iPhone 12" just supporting sub-6GHz. But, Ming-Chi Kuo says that despite other analysts rumblings, the "iPhone 12" will include support for true mmWave.
What other features will the "iPhone 12" have?
LiDAR scanner is coming to the "iPhone 12 Pro"
The "iPhone 12" also will likely bring the iPad Pro's LiDAR scanner to the iPhone. Developers got to start testing the LiDAR scanner with iPad Pro but should have some very useful applications by the time the "iPhone 12" launches with it.
Rumors say that at least the "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max" will incorporate LiDAR, but there is nothing suggesting the non-pro "iPhone 12" model will support the feature.
EverythingApplePro has sources that claim that the "iPhone 12" will include speakers that are 10% to 15% louder, with an increased dynamic range.
What will the "iPhone 12" look like?
The "iPhone 12" line appears to borrow its design from the iPad Pro. Design elements carried forward include flat sides, an updated camera bump, and smaller bezels. The bezels on the front of the phone will be reduced, alongside being slightly thinner and with flat sides.Much of the new phone's exterior was leaked and detailed in a recent video based on supposed CAD files.
An oft-requested change for Apple to make is reducing -- or eliminating -- the notch. Rumors say Apple is experimenting between a shorter notch and one that is narrower. Multiple sources, including a recent report by Jon Prosser corroborate the smaller notch, versus what's been presented in the iPhone X through iPhone 11.
Specifically looking at the "iPhone 12 Pro Max," it will now have a 6.7-inch display versus a 6.5-inch as on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The phone will be slightly thinner but taller.
The edges of the phones will have increased antenna bands, likely to accommodate that new 5G network support. Apple seems to be >largely working on its own antenna technology this time around.
A new connector was shown off in leaked CAD files, likely just for the "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max." EverythingApplePro says that it is a Smart Connector, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
The Smart Connector, which can currently be found on several iPad models, is made up of three small circular contacts. The connector shown off in the CAD files is a long oval shape.
It appears to be similar to the "magnetic connector" found on iPad Pro which is used to charge the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil currently wouldn't fit on the side of an iPhone but perhaps Apple is using it to power some other accessory.
Apple appears to be sticking with Lightning on the "iPhone 12" line. Although long-rumored, Apple moving to USB-C on the iPhone appears to not be in the cards.
Midnight blue may replace midnight green (render from EverythingApplePro)
The "iPhone 12 Pro" and "iPhone 12 Pro Max" are being tested with a couple of shades of midnight blue. These dark blue color options are likely to replace the midnight green that launched with the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The non-pro "iPhone 12" seems likely to maintain the rounded sides and will get two of three different colors in testing. Right now Apple is testing violet, light orange, and light blue.
When will the "iPhone 12" be announced and ship?
This year, more than any other year is Apple's fall iPhone launch is in question. If history holds true, there will be an iPhone release event in September.This year though, Apple has a global pandemic to deal with putting it into uncharted territory. Many suppliers are waiting on Apple to decide whether or not to delay the "iPhone 12" launch.
We've seen countless rumors saying production may fall behind, then more saying suppliers are denying the delay, followed by more saying "iPhone 12" will be delayed by months, before Foxconn says it is staffed up and sees no delay for "iPhone 12". We likely won't know what Apple's production plans are for months.
One true sign of Apple's plans may lie within WWDC. Apple's annual developer's conference is where Apple shows off its new operating systems and development platforms. These software updates go thorugh a rigorous months-long public beta process before launching, typically alongside a new iPhone. New iPhones contain new hardware and software features that would likely be discovered in beta releases, well before a new iPhone shows them off.
The fact Apple is still scheduling its annual worldwide developer conference for June is a good sign it is anticipating launching its new phones in the fall at some point, even it if may be a hair later than desired, like the iPhone X was.
Comments
I like the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S and especially the SE.
I remember Stevo admiringly describing the iPhone 4. Saying, "there is nothing comparable, maybe Leica cameras!" I agree. (My Dad had a Leica in the early 1960's. He also had very expensive Zeiss binoculars-great taste!)
Oh well. still rocking my aging original rose gold SE. May update to a newer iPhone soon!
Best regards.
I think a keyboard accessory sounds strange unless it is a portfolio with a second touch screen display that attaches magnetically. Physical buttons just don't work well that small. Unless the keyboard is large enough to touch-type, it doesn't make sense to me. If this were to exist, it would be cool if it could also serve as a battery to the phone. Taking the concept further, an iPod touch could be used as half of a portfolio keyboard through a smart connector with a portfolio case that has two magnetic attachments. Then if your kids want to use your phone, you could give them the iPod half
Well that would upset the many rumors that says TSMC is in production right now with 5nm processors. In any event I'm really pissed at Apple considering the last iPad update. It just seems like they have no desire anymore to be on the bleeding edge except possibly on the iphone. Frankly I consider the processor the most important piece of technology in each iPhone update as it enables everything about the platform.
Real people are really hurting and no matter what Apple does in the coming months the uptake of new products is going to be a sideshow. Apple and other vendors need to react to the reality of the current situation and make sure that they are focused on filling the voids that have been created rather than impressing us with their technological prowess.
This is a cycle where Apple needs to be making sure its foundation is strong and its current products totally deliver under stressful conditions. Regular people aren’t worried about 5G rollouts when they can’t put food on the table and make their mortgage payments. I know that we all get geeked out about cool new technologies and slick new features, but the current situation demands that we all take a step back and ask ourselves whether we really understand the reality of the situation that we now face and if we are doing everything we can possibly do to make things better.
I don’t really care if Apple releases anything new this year unless doing so stabilizes their core. No, they shouldn’t crawl into a cave and simply hunker down until the storm passes. But at the same time, if they ignore the current reality and carry on as if it’s business-as-usual when it clearly is not, they will be skewered and vilified for their insensitivity and cluelessness.