The iPhone 12 will be unveiled during the month of September 2020. This year, Apple will unveil 4 different variants compatible with 5G. Release date, price, spec sheet, here’s everything we know about the next iPhones at this stage.
The iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max had initially made us feel like a disappointment: Apple did not know how to make us dream with new technologies ahead of the market, as at the time of the iPhone X. The iPhone 11 generation was that of a technological catch-up with Android competition which has grown significantly.
The iPhone 11 seemed destined to be first in class in as many categories as possible (screen, photo, battery life, biometrics, software support, etc.). And from that point of view, it was rather successful. The iPhone 12 generation must now transform the test – and it is hoped that it will popularize new technologies like 5G and augmented reality. In this file, we have gathered the latest information and rumors available around this smartphone.
📅 When is the iPhone 12 released?
Apple launches new iPhones every year at an event held in September. It is therefore likely that iPhone 12 to be launched in September 2020, maybe at the end of the first or second week of the month. According to statements by Tim Cook, the launch of the iPhone 12 would not be delayed by the coronavirus.
Mass production of the iPhone 12 began in July 2020, as planned in the manufacturer’s usual schedule. Still, Apple may postpone the release of some models, including the Pro models, to November 2020 in order to give some air to the cheaper variants.
💸 How much will the iPhone 12 cost?
The XS generation was the first for which Apple launched three smartphones, including a cheaper iPhone XR (€ 859), iPhone XS (€ 1159) and iPhone XS Max (€ 1259). With the iPhone 11, Apple has once again launched three smartphones: the iPhone 11 (€ 809), and the iPhone 11 Pro (€ 1159) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (€ 1259).
Despite abandoning the charger and headphones included in the box, Apple may increase the price of the iPhone 12. The latest reports on the subject indeed speak of an increase of $ 50. This increase is mainly due to the integration of 5G and OLED displays on all models. But this is yet to be confirmed.
⚙️ What will be the specifications of the iPhone 12?
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5.45 ” Super Retina XDR OLED 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5: 9 ratio 120 Hz |
6.1 “ Super Retina XDR OLED 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5: 9 ratio 120 Hz |
6.7 “ Super Retina XDR OLED 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5: 9 ratio 120 Hz |
| Chipset | A14 (5nm) | A14 (5nm) | A14 (5nm) |
| BONE | iOS 14 | iOS 14 | iOS 14 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB |
| microSD | No | No | No |
| Main sensor | 12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 2.2 |
12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 2.2 Lidar 3D scanner |
12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 1.8 12 MP, f / 2.2 Lidar 3D scanner |
| Selfie sensor | 12 MP, f / 2.2 | 12 MP, f / 2.2 | 12 MP, f / 2.2 |
| Drums | 4000 mAh 18W fast charge |
4000 mAh 18W fast charge |
4400 mAh 18W fast charge |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| Audio | n.c. | n.c. | n.c. |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
A few rumors are starting to accumulate around the technical sheet for the future iPhones in 2020. One thing is certain: like every new generation, it will have a new in-house SoC. We also expect significantly improved photo sensors and that the company will make further progress in terms of battery capacity and autonomy.
SoC A14 and up to 6 GB of RAM
We are starting to know some details about SoC A14 that these iPhones should get on board. Apple has entrusted its manufacture to the founder TSMC. These chips will be the first on a consumer product to be engraved in 5 nm via the FinFET EUV (TSMC) process. For the time being, we don’t know much more about these SoCs, apart from the projections of a journalist Jason Cross who calculated that they could have 15 billion transistors against 8.5 billion transistors on the previous generation, and a Geekbench score close to that of entry-level MacBook Pros (if such a thing exists).
For the first time, Apple would integrate more than 4 GB of RAM in an iPhone. The iPhone 12 Pro and Max would indeed have 6 GB of RAM. Standard variants should deal with 4 GB.
A new motherboard in the shape of an elongated L
According to a photo that appeared on the web, Apple has developed an elongated L-shaped motherboard for the iPhone 12. Less compact than the printed circuit of previous generations of iPhone, this card could allow Apple to gain the place within its smartphone, in particular to integrate larger batteries. Not surprisingly, the memory unit that came with the motherboard was provided by Samsung.
Improved photo sensors
Apple is expected to improve its photo sensors again this year. The iPhone 12 Pro is said to have a 64-megapixel primary sensor, and it’s known from a Ming Chi-Kuo report that at least one of its sensors will carry a high-end 7-lens arrangement. But a lot of other precise information is missing at this stage. The latest rumors speak of a clear progress in terms of depth of field detection thanks to a ToF module renamed LiDAR scanner as on the new iPad Pro 2020.
This feature is essential, for example, in Portrait modes as well as for generating precise blur around a subject, the famous Bokeh effect. The smartphone could thus embark on its back a 3D laser sensor, or some other type of component capable of establishing an accurate depth of field map. In addition, whatever its sensors and optics, the smartphone should benefit from better image processing thanks to its new SoC that is expected to be muscular.
This would allow him to take more pictures at a time when the shot is triggered, and use that increased number of shots to generate brighter or more detailed photos depending on the situation. From this perspective, real-time image processing could also benefit video shooting, with quality image effects and reprocessing on the fly. We also lend to the combination of the new sensors and the new chip the ability to shoot in 4K at 240 frames per second.
A recent report appears to confirm that Apple is gearing up for yet another photo stunt. The iPhone 12 should benefit from a new type of autofocus that is more precise and motorized. A prelude before the arrival of new optics including a periscope sensor from the iPhone 13 of 2022.
Top autonomy
We saw it with the iPhone 11 Pro Max: Apple has made significant progress in terms of battery life. And it is likely that the manufacturer will focus its efforts again on this point. Especially since its A14 SoC is engraved in 5 nm and potentially contains many more transistors than the previous generation – no doubt a sign of improved energy management which will therefore also result in increased autonomy.
The battery capacities would nevertheless be significantly reduced compared to the previous generation. Although it’s hard to conclude anything about battery life at this point.
Still no USB type C: they will have a Lightning port like the others
The iPhone 12 is expected to carry a proprietary Lightning charging port again this year. This cable, which appeared before the USB Type C connectors (Apple also participated in their development) has the advantage of being the standard in the iPhone ecosystem, but also its more robust design than the relatively fragile USB Type C connectors.
In fact, Apple could completely ignore the universal connector by adopting a Smart Connector on the following iteration (iPhone 13) – in other words, magnetized surface connectors which would allow Apple to create a smartphone entirely devoid of ports, and we also imagine buttons.
Will iPhone 12 finally make the notch go away?
One thing is certain: the iPhone 12s will benefit from improved displays. The whole question is to what extent they will be, and what that implies for the rest of the datasheet.
Size changes
The next iPhones will have slightly larger screen sizes or lower than what was seen on the iPhone 11 generation. the iPhone 12 Pro Max would have a 6.7 ″ display (vs. 6.5 ″ on the iPhone 11 Pro Max) and iPhone 12 display a 5.45 ″ display (vs. 5.8 ″ on the iPhone 11 Pro). The smaller model would still be more compact than the iPhone SE 2020 according to models.
OLED for everyone
A persistent noise evokes the discontinuation of LCD technology on all three iPhone 12 models. The iPhone 11 (neither Pro nor Pro Max) indeed has an IPS LCD screen unlike other models. One way of undoubtedly lowering production costs.
In detail, the iPhone 12 would have a screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (475 ppi). For its part, the iPhone 12 Max would have a 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi screen. Finally, the iPhone 12 Pro would have a 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi display and the 12 Pro Max would have a 2778 x 1284 pixel, 458 ppi panel. 80% of OLED screens would be supplied by Samsung. The rest of the tiles would be manufactured by LG and BOE.
A new 120 Hz screen borrowed from the iPad Pro?
At least one of the iPhone 12 models could benefit froma 120 Hz screen – instead of the 60Hz refresh rate on current models. The beta of iOS 14 for developers also confirms the integration of a 120 Hz screen on future iPhones.
An increased refresh rate means smoother movement and reduced response time, which can be a plus in some games. According to the latest news, this screen would be able to go from 60 to 120 Hz depending on the content displayed on the screen of the iPhone 12. The operation of the screen could allow limit energy consumption additional. But it should still be noted that the info on the 120 Hz screen is still contradictory.
Notch or borderless ?
Finally one of the questions that will come up the most on this screen – until we finally have the answer – is, “Will it have a notch? “. Apple popularized the notch by launching its iPhone X in 2017. This cutout on the top of the screen was until now a necessary evil to integrate advanced sensors like those of Face ID on the front face in smartphones whose borders melt like sorrow.
However, in a short time, technology has evolved. So much so that it has become possible to integrate a fingerprint sensor under screens. But it doesn’t end there: several manufacturers have shown prototypes of photo sensors also hidden under the slab. The dream of a rectangle completely covered with a screen is well and truly coming true.
Whether Apple will be among the pioneers or jump on the bandwagon remains to be seen. According to the leaks, Apple may have found a way to get rid of the notch without sacrificing Face ID. While it is not yet clear whether this technology will be integrated into the new iPhones, it nevertheless seems likely that this will be found on the generation 13 rather than the iPhone 12. Similarly, it is likely that Apple offers exactly the same notch on the iPhone 12 than the one we already have on the iPhone 11.
Will iPhone 12 have Face ID or Touch ID?
That is, as of this writing, the billion dollar question. Apple touted its Face ID facial recognition technology as the most convenient and secure method of unlocking your smartphone. Even more than the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Rumors suggest two possibilities. In a first scenario, Face ID would be completely replaced by an underscreen fingerprint reader.
But other rumors evoke a much smaller Face ID device, which could thus fit in a redesigned notch, be concealed in the border or even pass entirely under the screen. At this point, the prospect of a simply smaller Face ID notch seems the most likely.
“Will iPhone 12 be 5G compatible?
Apple missed the 5G boat in 2019 – and arguably wasn’t wrong to do so, given that the technology is ultimately only available, at this point, in a few countries and coverage areas. It is nevertheless likely that the firm offers 5G compatibility on the three variants of iPhone 12. According to the latest information available, Apple could use the Snapdragon X55 modem to access these networks.
The iPhone 12 5G would all be compatible with both Sub-6 GHz and mmWave networks. Even if the entire range will a priori be available in 5G, Apple could still launch a cheaper 4G variant.
📝 What does the design of the iPhone 12 look like?
Apple usually changes its design every two generations. We can therefore expect that the fundamentals introduced on generation 11 remain the same. The backs of more expensive cameras should be covered in frosted glass, except for the logo (shiny glass) and the finish on the photo sensor which is also shiny.
The chassis of these devices should again this year be in stainless steel. There would be a very attractive new blue-purple colorway. Some have been imagining for several months a flat frame similar to the latest iPad Pros of 2020, and mockups seem to confirm that Apple is preparing a more radical redesign than usual. According to the models that have appeared on the web, Apple opts for a design inspired by the iPhone 4. Aesthetic choices confirmed by several videos of handling the iPhone 12 that have appeared on the web.
On April 6, a leaked mockup spotted in in iOS 14 confirms the presence of a LiDAR scanner on the back of the iPhone 12s, which disrupts the layout that now occupies the four corners of the square photo block container, unlike the triangular layout on the iPhone 11 Pro. 3D printed models also show models without lidar scanner. This is also the case with several gripes that have appeared on the net. It is possible that this sensor is in fact reserved for the Pro Max version.
🎁 iPhone 12: what will we find in the box?
Apple seems for some time to remove an accessory almost every release. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was indeed delivered with wired EarPods (Lightning) a small USB type C to Lightning cable and a USB type C charging pad. But unlike the iPhone XS, Apple decided to omit the Lightning adapter. to 3.5mm audio port yet extremely convenient.
Apple might have decided to take the wired EarBuds out of the box to push you into buying the AirPods. In addition, Apple would not include a charger in the box either. The 20W charger would therefore be sold separately commercially, Apple having decided toabandon production of 5W and 18W chargers.
Apple considers that most buyers already have a charger as well as a pair of headphones. In fact the only accessory included would be a brand new woven USB Type C to Lightning cable with more durable connectors. The iPhone 12 box would, thanks to these less accessories, be smaller and “exquisite”. In Europe, however, the law could force the company to include the charger and wired headphones.
We have reviewed all the information currently available on the iPhone 12. We will update this file as soon as new information appears. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts on the iPhone 12 in the comments below.