The iPhone 12 Rumors Are Heating Up – Here’s What We Know…So Far

A revamped design, a 3D depth-sensing rear camera sensor, 4 models, 5G connectivity, a next-gen A14 Bionic chip, a 120Hz refresh rate—the upcoming iPhone 12 appears loaded with a slew of new and exciting features. It promises to be one of the most innovative smartphones released by the Cupertino-based tech giant in recent years.

While we’re still a couple of months from the official launch of the iPhone 12, we already have a good idea of what to expect when Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) takes to the stage. As leaks and rumors continue to pour in, here’s everything we know so far.

ONE Model, FOUR Times the Joy!

Ready to be spoiled by choice? According to one of the most enduring rumors, Apple is set to surprise users with not 3 (as it did with the iPhone 11 series in 2019), but 4 models of the iPhone 12 come fall 2020. In fact, hints that Apple would expand its line of phones have been around since late last year. It’s hard to imagine there was a time when Apple only released a single flagship annually.

In December 2019, Ming Chi Kuo—an Apple analyst with a respectable track record—predicted that 2020 would see 5 iPhones (the other being the recently released iPhone SE 2020). Ming Chi Kuo’s information was later confirmed by Jon Prosser – aka., the guy who accurately leaked the release of the new MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPhone SE 2020, right down to the date. As highlighted by Ross Young from Display Supply Chain, the lineup includes:

• iPhone 12: 5.4-inch OLED display (2340×1080) and dual rear lenses
• iPhone 12 Max: 6.1-inch OLED panel (2532×1170) and dual rear lenses
• iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch OLED panel (2532×1170) with support for 10-bit color and three rear cameras plus a LiDAR sensor. It could also feature a 120 Hz refresh rate.
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: Similar to the iPhone 12 Pro—but with a bigger 6.7-inch OLED panel (2778×1824)

Let’s Talk Display!

As highlighted earlier, we expect 3 screen size variations, all featuring OLED displays. What’s more, rumors from serial leaker Ice Universe and DigiTimes suggest that the upcoming iPhone flagship might boast of a welcome display improvement – a switchable 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate. This will allow for a smoother scrolling experience as seen on the iPad Pro and most iPhone competitors.

Information is also trickling in that all variants of the iPhone 12 could feature Samsung’s Y-OCTA integrated touch. This is according to Economic Daily News and Barclays analysts through MacRumors. The under-display ultrasonic display sensor would provide better security and convenience to iPhone users.

But as seen in the latest Samsung smartphones, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors are a major challenge for conventional screen protectors—which is why you should not settle for ‘conventional’. Instead, safeguard your premium device with Tech Armor’s top-of-the-range screen protectors.

iPhone 12 Design Leaked?

Anticipating buyers expect a notable cosmetic change every year to freshen up their iPhone game. This year, speculations point towards a design that is both nostalgic and modern. Remember the iconic flat metal-edge body of the iPhone 5? Well, Bloomberg reports that we could be seeing a come-back of this design—but with a modern twist.

Say goodbye to the curved design that has characterized the series since 2017, and hello a boxy design—with an aluminum/stainless steel frame and flat glass panels. Reliable leaks also claim that the devices with be impressively compact, including a smaller notch. We’re interested to see how consumers respond to this development.

iPhone 12 Camera Features

iPhones never skimp on camera quality! This has been the case for as long as iPhones existed—and Apple doesn’t plan to change the narrative anytime soon. So, what’s new with iPhone 12 camera setup and features?

Fast Company claims that the LiDAR time-of-flight sensor used on the front camera for Face ID could also feature on the rear camera. The claim was later confirmed by 9 to 5 Mac after they combed through a beta version of the iPhone 12’s iOS 14. This technology uses pulsed lasers to better measure the distance of an object from the sensor. Its possible applications are wide—from improving AR features to snaping higher-quality images.

Mobile photography aficionados should also be excited over the possibility of a new sensor-shift image stabilization technology. This would allow the camera to detect the phone’s movement and counter it using small electrical actuators. The result? Quality shots even in the shakiest of hands.

What Else Can We Expect from the iPhone 12?

• A14 Bionic Chip: Brace yourselves for blazing speeds and beastly processing power—rivaling not just other smartphones, but also PC laptops. As reported by Tom’s Guide, iPhone 12 benchmarks by released by GizChina suggest that the new A14 processor is set to obliterate every other smartphone on the planet.
• 5G Connectivity: According to Nikkei, the entire iPhone 12 lineup with feature—a long overdue—5G connectivity. Unfortunately, rumors by Jon Prosser and DigiTimes claim that the iPhone 12 (5.4-inch) and iPhone 12 Max (6.1-inch) will not ship with the faster mmWave 5G technology.
• USB-C: iPhone users are accustomed to the proprietary Lighting port. But if the latest iPad Pro and virtually every other smartphone manufacturer are anything to go by, we might be seeing a USB-C port on the iPhone sooner than later—or not! There’s word on a portless device, but take it with a grain of salt. As for now, leaked reports suggest that the iPhone 12 will not feature a USB-C.
• Pricing: According to a major leak (as reported by CNET) the iPhone 12 could literally be cheaper by the dozen (see what we did there?). The source claims that you might be able to land a brand-new iPhone 12 for a low starting price of $649.

When is the iPhone 12 Release Date?

Hankering to get your hands on one of the most anticipated devices of 2020? Well, so are we—plus millions of Apple fanboys around the world gleaming with excitement. If you’ve marked your calendar for September—as per the norm with other iPhone releases—you might have to hold your horses a little longer (*sigh).

Emerging reports are increasingly pointing towards a delayed-release. Both the Wall Street Journal and quotes by Broadcom’s CEO (via Bloomberg) claim that the iPhone 12 release date may be pushed to October—rather than September. This is largely due to delays in the production cycle as a consequence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Apple’s iPhones are easily one of the most sought-after devices in the market. Although the iPhone 12 is touted to be more affordable at $649, repairing an iPhone tends to be an expensive task. With this in mind, steer clear of avoidable damage to your device with the help of Tech Armor screen protectors. This is especially important in light of reports calling the iPhone 12 predecessor’s screen into question. According to 7News Australia—and even a thread on Apple’s official forum—the iPhone 11 gets scratched far too easily. Don’t wait to find out if your iPhone 12 will have the same issue, get protected as soon as you buy the device.