We’re getting close to the launch of the 2020 iPhones, which are expected to be announced on October 13, 2020, but there are already dozens of rumors about the upcoming devices. We’re expecting the 2020 iPhones to be called the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro if Apple follows the same naming scheme it used for the 2019 iPhone lineup.
The 2020 iPhones will feature major updates, introducing some of the first design changes that we’ve seen since the iPhone X was released in 2017. We’re expecting four iPhones in three display sizes which could come in at 5.4, 6.7, and 6.1 inches (x2).
Rumors suggest the 6.7-inch iPhone and one 6.1-inch model will be higher-end devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and 6.1-inch models will be lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag. All iPhones in 2020 are expected to feature OLED display technology regardless of price. There were rumors that 120Hz displays could be included with in the high-end iPhone 12 models, but more recent rumors indicate Apple will wait until 2021 to unveil the feature.
At a rumored 5.4 inches, the 2020 iPhone 12 will be the smallest iPhone Apple has released since the 4.7-inch iPhone SE. At 6.7 inches, the 2020 iPhone 12 Pro will be Apple’s largest iPhone to date, topping the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max. The two 6.1-inch models will be similar in size to the existing iPhone 11.
Design wise, rumors suggest the new iPhones coming in 2020 will feature a significant redesign with a metal frame that’s similar to the frame of the iPhone 4 or the iPad Pro. The iPhone 4 had a distinctive, flat look for its stainless steel frame, which could be replicated in the new iPhones, bringing the design in line with the 2020 iPad Pro models.
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There were rumors indicating Apple will use a new TrueDepth camera system that cuts down on the size of the notch on the front, but leaks are mixed on this subject and it appears there will be a smaller notch on the 5.4-inch model while the other models will have a notch that’s the same size. There are also rumors of a 3D triple-lens rear camera system that uses a laser to calculate depth information for objects in the room, improving both photography and AR capabilities. This is likely to be similar to the LiDAR Scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro, and it appears it will be limited to the higher-end 6.7-inch iPhone model.
2020 will be the first year that Apple introduces 5G support in the iPhone, allowing the new devices to connect to 5G networks that are much faster than 4G LTE networks. According to rumors, all of the iPhones in the iPhone 12 lineup will feature 5G connectivity, though it’s not yet clear if all iPhone 12 models will have super fast mmWave support, and reports suggest mmWave speeds could be limited to the Pro models in certain countries.
The iPhone 12 models coming in 2020 will use an Apple-designed 5-nanometer A14 chip manufactured by TSMC. The A14 chip is expected to bring both speed and efficiency improvements that could bring small gains in battery life to compensate for 5G, which uses additional battery.
Rumors have suggested that Apple has no plans to include a power adapter or EarPods in the box with the iPhone 12 models, letting the company cut down on production costs and packaging. Instead, Apple may offer a 20W power adapter that can be purchased separately. The USB-C to Lightning cable could get an upgrade, though, with rumors indicating Apple plans to offer a new braided cable design.
With the release of the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple seems to have confirmed these rumors, as the latest Apple Watch does not ship with a power adapter. With the Apple Watch not including a power adapter, it seems almost certain Apple will make the same change to the iPhone 12 lineup.
This year’s iPhone 12 models will not ship out in September as usual due to delays caused by the global health crisis. Apple instead plans to introduce the iPhones in October, at an event that’s set to be held on October 13. Rumors have suggested we can expect a staggered release, so while new iPhones are coming in October, some models might not be released until November.
iPhone 12 Release Date
The iPhone 12 will be announced at Apple’s fall “Hi, Speed” event that is set to take place on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. iPhone 12 pre-orders could begin that Friday on October 16, and the first iPhone 12 shipments and an official launch could happen on October 23.