Apple Rumored to Release 5G-capable iPhone 12 in October
Apple accidentally leaked its September 10 event date in August via its official YouTube channel. However, the date of the online event was later confirmed as September 15. Apple’s event saw the company release details about the latest iPads and the Apple Watch Series 6. However, details regarding the iPhone 12, 12 Max, and the 12 Pro are yet to come out (While Apple hasn’t confirmed these names yet, we’ll be using them for now).
The reason behind this delay is that while new iPhones are usually launched during the September event, the coronavirus pandemic has caused Apple’s Chinese suppliers to restrict their operations. As a result, not only has Apple’s inventory for September been affected, its sales figures are likely to go down as well. Apple had to close its retail stores in the US, though some of them have reopened partially to the public. A combination of these events forced Apple to delay the launch of its iPhone 12 lineup. It is now speculated that their release date has been pushed back to mid-October.
In spite of Apple’s ironclad secrecy procedures and these disruptions, some information has indeed been leaked out to the public regarding the iPhone 12. Based on the public beta and other available reports, the new iPhone is expected to have features like app libraries, picture-in-picture, and widgets. Unofficial rumors also indicate that the phone may be launched in new screen sizes and 3D depth-sensing rear cameras. Implementing 5G connectivity features might also be on the cards, as Samsung – Apple’s prime opponent – has already launched numerous 5G phones. Delaying the launch of the iPhone 12 might have positive benefits as well, since it could give mobile carriers the time they need to build and develop their 5G infrastructure.
Keep checking back here to learn the latest compelling rumors regarding the iPhone 12. We’re constantly updating this article with details we receive from well-placed sources in the industry. Here are the top iPhone 12 rumors we’ve come across so far:
· Apple stated that the iPhone 12 would be unveiled ‘a few weeks later’ after the annual September event. The release date is most likely to be in mid-October.
· Apple might be releasing a total of 4 iPhone 12 models in 3 screen sizes – the 5.4” iPhone 12, the 6.1” 12 Max, the 6.1” 12 Pro, and the 6.7” 12 Pro Max.
· The iPhone 12 base model might be cheaper than the iPhone 11’s base model, which is priced at $699.
· The iPhone 12 might be available in dark blue
· The iPhone 12 might not have a power adapter or earbuds accompanying it
· The iPhone 12’s rear cameras might include 3D depth-sensing tech
· The iPhone 12 might have inbuilt 5G connectivity.
Announcement Date Set for October
A screenshot indicating an Apple livestream event set for September 10 was first circulated on Twitter. The time and date of the event were accidentally released on Apple’s official YouTube channel, which was taken down immediately.
However, the event was then confirmed to be scheduled on September 15. No iPhone details were released during the event.
Jon Prosser, the host of Front Page Tech and prominent smartphone leaker, reported that Apple would introduce the iPhone 12 on October 12, with orders ready to ship by October 19 or so.
iPhone 12 Release Date: Not Likely Until Late October
Although Apple’s biggest manufacturer Foxconn assured investors that its operations were back on track, the Wall Street Journal expressed doubts over its ability to deliver. The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented slump in consumer demand and manufacturing abilities. The latest reports estimate that the company might need to wait until mid-October to launch or announce the iPhone 12. iPhones have historically always been launched during the annual September event.
Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO, indirectly confirmed these reports during an earnings call meeting when he stated that they were projecting supply to be delayed by a few weeks.
Numerous other launch dates have been suggested by other sources as well. For instance, DigiTimes reported that Apple could be spreading out its 2020 iPhone lineup for multiple launches throughout the year.
The 6.1” iPhones are expected to be launched first, after which the 5.4” and 6.7” variants will be released.
Price: The iPhone 12 could be cheaper than the iPhone 11
The iPhone 11’s base model price was quite surprising to many people as it cost less than the previous year’s iPhone XR at $699. This trend is expected to continue this year as well. The iPhone 12 is rumored to cost $649, the iPhone 12 Pro might cost $999, and the iPhone 12 Prom Max might cost $1099, as per the latest reports from tech analysts.
iPhone 12 To Have 5G Connectivity
Another set of rumors predict that 5G-enabled iPhones will be released in 2020. Ming-chi Kuo, a reputed Apple analyst, is expecting 3 different 5G phones to be unveiled by Apple. Fast Company has reported that Apple might be using proprietary 5G antennas in its devices.
Apple refused to join the 5G bandwagon in 2019 for two reasons. Firstly, Apple is no longer the trend-setter, as it now prefers to perfect emerging technologies before including them in its devices. For instance, it took its time to bestow 3G & 4G LTE connectivity options on its iPhones when these networks were launched.
The second reason is that Apple had to stop working with Qualcomm, the world’s biggest 5G modem provider, due to a legal dispute over the latter’s licensing fees. Both companies chose the litigation route in April 2019, which resulted in a multi-year 5G chip deal. As a result, Apple’s previous 5G modem supplier, Intel, had to leave the 5G modem business (Apple acquired its modem business later for $1 billion). While Apple arrived at an agreement with Qualcomm, it was too late by then. Apple’s rivals had already launched 5G-enabled flagships like the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G, the Galaxy S10 5G, and the LG V50 5G.
Apple launching a 5G-enabled iPhone is significant for several factors. While it gives users access to 5G networks, this feature won’t be under Apple’s direct control. Since mobile carriers are responsible for building 5G networks, iPhone users all over the country are likely to have completely different experiences, depending on 5G coverage in their area.
Design: The iPhone 12’s Design Might Remain Mostly the Same
Apple makes certain cosmetic modifications to its iPhones every 2 years to refresh the look and design. However, Mac Otakara, a Japanese publication, recently cited an anonymous Chinese supplier, who stated that the iPhone 12 would have the same design as the iPhone 11. However, the edges of the iPhone 12 are likely to be slightly bowed.
However, other analysts have speculated that Apple might revamp the design entirely, making it look similar to its latest iPads. Dan Ives of Wedbush stated that it could trigger increased sales and drive in bumper profits for the company.
Accessories: The iPhone 12 might not come with a power adaptor or EarPods
In a highly unpopular rumor, analysts have reported that EarPod headphones might not be included in the box. This might be an attempt to encourage customers to purchase wireless AirPods. The EarPod headphones have been part of the box since the iPhone 5 was released in 2012. If this rumor turns out to be real, that’s a bold move by Apple. The AirPod and the AirPod Pro cost $159 and $249 respectively.
The iPhone 12 is also expected to be shipped without any power adapter, as per reports from 9to5Mac. Cost-cutting is likely to be the reason behind this move since it could help Apple subsidize its expenses on 5G components. Freight costs may also get lowered due to the smaller packaging size.
While controversial, Apple is not the only one making this move. Samsung’s Note 20 lineup is also shipped without headphones. However, customers can ask Samsung to send the headphones for free if they really want it. The Note 20 phones do come with chargers though.
Processor: The iPhone 12 lineup will run on the A14 Bionic Processor
Since the last iPhone lineup ran on the A13 Bionic processor, Apple is expected to update its proprietary chipset for the next lineup as well. The A14 Bionic is expected to be more efficient and faster compared to its predecessor. Komiya, a reputed Apple leaker, reported that A14 Bionic processors would enjoy 50% and 40% faster GPU and CPU speeds respectively.
Colors: The iPhone 12 Pro might be released in dark blue
Apple had released the iPhone 11 Pro and the 11 Pro Max in a midnight green color variant in 2019. The sales of this variant exceeded expectations, contrary to popular predictions. XDA Developer reported that Apple could be launching the iPhone 12 lineup in a navy blue variant.
Display and Specifications: 4 Possible iPhone 12 Models
Analysts are speculating that Apple might introduce the iPhone 12 in completely different screen sizes. One might have a 5.4” screen (right now, the 4.7” iPhone SE is the smallest iPhone). The iPhone 2020 Pro Max might be a 6.7” phone, bigger than the current 6.5” iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12’s screen might have a 120Hz refresh rate. The ProMotion display feature might be included with the iPhone 12 Pro (it’s currently only available on the Apple iPad Pro). While many phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 8 Pro and the Galaxy S20 have a 120Hz refresh rate, which allows for a smoother and faster experience while scrolling through apps and web pages.
There are several rumors about Apple’s plans to expand the iPhone lineup as well. Lexy Savvides of CNET wrote in Dec 2019 that Apple would be released a total of 4 iPhone models in late 2020: a 5.4” phone, two 6.1” phones, and a 6.7” phone, which are all expected to have OLED displays.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also backed these screen size predictions, who wrote that the 5.8” model might be made redundant. It’s likely that the 5.4” and 6.1” models might be lower-end iPhone 12 devices. Another 6.1” model and the 6.7” model are likely to be the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which will be priced on the higher side.
Source