iPhone 12: this is what we think will be unveiled at this Spring's events
Four mobile phones with OLED screens, 5G and new design
Text:
Daniel Haaf
After the launch of Watch Series 6 and Watch SE, many are waiting for Apple to unveil the new iPhone 12 series. Here we have gathered together some of the rumours that have been circulating on the internet prior to the launch.
1. Apple releases four models in the iPhone 12 series
For the past three years, Apple has released three models per year in the iPhone series. This year, Apple may break that trend and instead release four new mobile phones with three different screen sizes. What they are called remains to be seen, but recent rumours suggest the following names and sizes:
- iPhone 12 (5.4 inches)
- iPhone 12 Max (6.1 inches)
- iPhone 12 Pro (6.1 inches)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (6.7 inches)
The entry-level model with the lowest price tag is expected to be the iPhone 12, followed by the iPhone 12 Max, which is a slightly larger variant.
The major differences are likely to be found on the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Here you can expect better cameras, plus the same LiDAR sensor and ProRes screen as found in the iPad Pro.
2. All models use an OLED display
Finally, it seems that Apple is stepping away from LCD technology in its mobile phones. For the iPhone 12 series, all four mobile phones may have OLED displays. This means that even the cheapest model’s display is bright, contrast-rich and has good colour-reproduction. In addition, OLED displays can in some cases be less energy-intensive, which increases battery life. Apple has long persisted in using LCD displays in its cheapest mobile phones, however, this may now be over.
3. The Pro models come with a 120 Hz display
Some of the iPhone 12 models may have ProMotion support similar to the iPad Pro models. This means that the screen can switch between 60 Hz and 120 Hz depending on what the user is doing. In more demanding situations that require fast image captures, for example when playing a game, the phone can switch to 120 Hz for a smoother frame rate. When doing less fast-paced things, the phone switches to 60 Hz to save battery power.
4. New design similar to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5
With the iPhone 12 series, Apple’s moving away from its current, rounded screen edges. Instead, it’s claimed that the new phones will have sharp edges similar to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. You can also check out the newer iPad Pro series to get a sense of what the iPhone 12 phones might look like. The reason why Apple is re-designing the phone will hopefully be explained during the launch of the iPhone 12 series.
5. LiDAR in the Pro models
The big news when Apple launched the 2020 iPad Pro models was that they have a LiDAR sensor. With the sensor, the tablet can better understand distances to create depth in images. For example, it makes it easier to scan objects and make 3D objects out of them in an app. LiDar can also be used for AR apps and games, such as Pokémon Go, and for measuring rooms when planning your new home.
6. The first Apple phones with 5G support
With the iPhone 12 series, Apple may release its first mobile phones with 5G support. It’s unclear if all four models support both sub-6 and mmWave. The latest rumour suggests that only the iPhone 12 Pro Max supports mmWave and only in three selected markets.
The difference between sub-6 and mmWave
In short, what separates sub-6 and mmWave is range and maximum bandwidth. Sub-6 uses frequencies below 6GHz which gives a long range and the signal penetrates easily through different materials. But at the same time, the bandwidth is comparatively low. With mmWave, the range is shorter because the technology uses frequencies above 24 GHz, but you can reach really high speeds. Since mmWave requires two extra antennas, not all mobile phones have room for them.
7. Smaller batteries than in last year's models
It is rumoured that the four new models have a surprisingly low battery capacity. The smallest entry-level model might have a battery of only 2,222 mAh, while the largest model has 3,687 mAh.
- A2471 - 2227 mAh
- A2431 - 2775 mAh
- A2479 - 2815 mAh
- A2466 - 3687 mAh
If we compare it with the iPhone 11, that model has a battery of 3,110 mAh. The sibling models the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, have 3,046 mAh and 3,969 mAh respectively.
A low battery capacity does not necessarily mean that the phone has rubbish battery life. There are many factors that determine how long you can use your mobile phone. A more energy-efficient processor, OLED screen and better software can to some extent offset a smaller battery.
8. Neither headphones nor power adapter comes with it
When unpacking your new iPhone 12, there’s a chance that there will be no headphones or power adapter in the box. A stubborn rumour suggests that Apple omits both of these with this year's models. If true, it's the first time Apple has made this move, as all models since the first launch in 2007 have had both in the box. The reason can only be speculated about before Apple has its big event. There is talk that Apple wants to both reduce the environmental impact by being able to make the packaging smaller, and at the same time increase sales of the AirPods series.
Other gadgets Apple may present at the same time as the iPhone 12 series
AirTags
Apple AirTags is a so-called bluetooth tracker that makes it easier to find lost gadgets. You can attach the tag to, for example, your keychain and then you can find it using the mobile phone. AirTags has been a rumoured product for a long time now and images of the design have been leaked. As far as we know, AirTags can use bluetooth, WiFi and ultra-wideband technology for very precise tracking.
AirPower
Apple AirPower is a charging mat for wireless charging of mobile phones, smartwatches and wireless headphones. It’s one of the few products not yet released which Apple has actually confirmed exists, at least at a developmental stage. However, according to our information, Apple has had difficulty meeting its own standards, and therefore, the AirPower has not yet been released. Maybe we will finally see the charging mat later this year.
HomePod Mini
The Apple HomePod series may get a smaller and cheaper model that has more focus on Siri voice control than on its speakers. It’s not known what the new model will be called, but it’s speculated that HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini are possible names. When it comes to features, there are not many rumours to go on. Apple has lodged several patents related to FaceID and gesture control for smart speakers, but whether or not it will come with the HomePod model is unclear.
AirPods Studio
The Apple AirPods Studio are over-ear headphones that were leaked via references in the beta version of iOS 14. Sharp-eyed developers noted the previously unknown headphone model which, despite its name, is not an in-ear model like the previous AirPods models. AirPods Studio are expected to have active noise reduction, sensors that sense when the headphones hang around the neck and an orientation detector. There is no left or right side, the AirPods Studio know which way round the headphones are sitting.
This article is written by PriceSpy's editorial staff. No one else has influenced its contents. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaboration. Daniel Haaf can be reached at [email protected]. The images of the iPhones are screenshots of videos from ConceptsiPhone and EverythingApplePro.