Pro and Pro Max devices rumoured to boast 6GB RAM and A14 chipset

July 15, 2020 Adam Pillay

Most iPhone units out there barely have scratches or nicks on them yet and the internet is already buzzing about the upcoming iPhone 12. We will update this article as new information comes to light.

News and update
- Trail assembly date confirmed
- Four new renders (video)
- mmWave 5G and sub-6 tech
- Larger (and better) batteries
- 2020 shake-up
Release date
Notch details
UI animations
Design and camera
Other articles in the series

iPhone 12 – Here’s everything we know so far

Update: 15 July 2020 — RAM and Chipset rumours

Several fresh rumours surfaced today. The biggest of the bunch, courtesy of Apple insider LoveToDream, is that Apple will equip the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max models with 6GB RAM.

This is an increase of 50% when compared to their predecessors. In addition, acclaimed Apple leaker Jon Prosser confirmed the news, which only makes it more credible.

Unfortunately, the leak states that the regular iPhone 12 device will be left lagging behind with only 4GB RAM. But wait, there’s more.

Trusted reviewer Filip Koroy from Everything Apple Pro said the iPhone 12 range would feature Apple’s A14 chipset. Koroy explained that the A14 chipset will see a performance upgrade when compared to its predecessors.

Update: 1 July 2020 — No charger?

The iPhone 12 may not ship with a charger at all. Consumers will have to pay extra for fast 20W charging, While this enables Apple to ship devices at a lower cost, consumers aren’t happy. Whether this rumour will turn into fact still remains to be seen.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will release a 20W power adapter as an optional accessory for the iPhone 12. Kuo also states in his report that Apple will take it one step further by ending production of both 5W and 18W chargers.

The 18W charger was introduced recently, back in 2019 when Apple launched the iPhone 11 series. However, the charger was only shipped with iPhone 11 Pro models.

Update: 25 June 2020 – Best screen resolutions

A report shared by ITHome claims that the native resolutions of Apple’s iPhone 12 displays would put the 12 and the 12 Max devices at the top of the flagship throne for 2020. The news was confirmed by Pocket-Lint.

The publication revealed that the entry-level iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro sports a 2 340 x 1 080 resolution LCD display, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max will have a 2 778 x 1 284 resolution.

Despite the numerous pandemic-related production delays, the iPhone 12 series is expected to launch in October 2020.

Update: 12 May 2020 – New leak reveals all

A new viral video from Front Page Tech claims to have all the information we need about iPhone’s upcoming flagship series and reportedly reveals pricing, names and full specs of all four iPhone devices.

Jon Prosser from FPT explains in the 12-minute video that the exclusive leaks from Max Weinbach reveal everything need to know about the iPhone 12 lineup, that includes the iPhone 12, the 12 Plus and 12 Pro.

Some of the updates include a 3x zoom in the rear camera on the Pro models as well as improved Face ID and a bigger battery of 4 400 mAh. Watch the video here.

Trail assembly date confirmed

According to Foxconn, Apple’s biggest manufacturing partner, customers will still be getting the “latest 5G-enabled iPhones ready for an autumn [US] debut”.

If all goes according to plan – and all things considered with COVID-19 currently spreading faster than wildfire – the iPhone 12 should be released between September and December 2020.

In addition, Bloomberg also confirmed with Goldman Sach’s investor relations chief Alex Yang that Apple will commence its first trial assembly lines for the new iPhone in June 2020. As per Bloomberg:

“Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which makes most of the world’s iPhones, told investors it’s lost time to travel restrictions and other disruptions caused by the pandemic. But with months to go before the first trial assembly lines start in June, Hon Hai can still make the deadline, investor relations chief Alex Yang said on a private conference call hosted by Goldman Sachs.”

Camera specs confirmed

5 March 2020: It’s still a long way to go until the iPhone 12 is unveiled in September 2020. And even though we haven’t seen that many specs yet, this one is the most exciting.

The most recent leak comes from the reliable Max Weinbach who has partnered with EverythingApplePro. The duo revealed some of the important details about the upcoming iPhone’s camera.

According to Weinbach, the phone will boast a triple-camera setup with Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. It will be the first Apple phone to sport a ToF sensor.

Apple is also testing iPhones with 64 MP camera and is looking to improve the zoom capabilities on the iPhone 12.

Watch: Apple iPhone 12 camera specs

Four new iPhone devices

Apple has big plans for 2020, including the rollout of 5G-enabled headsets and the alleged launch of four new devices to the iPhone 12 series.

Let’s Go Digital confirmed that the Apple would be releasing four devices this year, as opposes to previous years when an iPhone series consisted of only three devices. (updated 28 January 2020)

It is believed that apple will be release a budget device in March, ahead of the grand release scheduled for September 2020. To give us an idea of what to expect, concept creator Jermaine Smit create the follow introduction video:

Watch: iPhone 12 Pro introduction

5G rumour debunked – iPhone 12 to support mmWave 5G and sub-6 tech

As reported by Mehdi Hossein earlier in January, Apple allegedly planned to release the upcoming iPhone 12 in two phases. The release of sub-6GHz in September 2020; and 5G devices which support mmWave in 2021.

This caused an uproar among netizens; many felt disheartened at the prospect of waiting until 2021 for the second launch phase.

Rest assured, trusted industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now confirmed that Apple’s roll-out of the 5G-enabled iPhone 12 will be a “unified affair”. It will encompass both 6GHz and mmWave technologies.

Kuo said to MacRumors that “iPhone models with mmWave would be available in five markets (USA, Canada, Japan, Korea and the UK). He added that Apple may disable the 5G functionality in countries where expansion is limited. (Updated 17 January 2020)

Larger (and better) batteries

According to Korean publication The Elec, the iPhone 12 is set to have a bigger battery due to new battery protection circuits. The new device will make use of the Protection Circuit Packages, as opposed to Protection Circuit Modules used in previous devices.

Not only will this free up more space, but it will also go a long way when 5G is installed and devices need all the battery boosters it can get; 5G modems use up more battery juice than LTE modems.

According to The Elec, ITM Semiconducter was brought on board; the company is reportedly building two new plants to handle production capacity. (Updated 24 December 2019.)

A 2020 lineup shake-up

Exciting news! Apple may shake things up a bit and release four new iPhone 12 models in 2020. Yes, that’s right… Four!

Then there’s rumours that Apple would be releasing the iPhone SE 2 in 2020 as well. This would technically bring the total number of iPhones for 2020 to five.

But who’s counting. Spoiler alert, it’s me, I’m counting. Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explains:

“Kuo predicts that Apple will introduce 5.4-inch, two 6.1-inch, and a 6.7-inch OLED iPhone models in 2020. He says that all four of these iPhones will also feature 5G connectivity. The difference between all of these models, other than screen sizes, will be camera technology.” (Update 7 December 2019.)

When will the iPhone 12 be released?

Apple is currently working on the iPhone 12 and no set date has been confirmed as yet. However, it’s safe to assume that the device will launch in 2020.

The iPhone 11 was launched in September. If we were to venture a guess, we’d put our money on the first half of September 2020. From 7 to 13 September, to be exact.

To notch or not to notch

According to tech insider Benjamin Deskin, Apple may be testing Face ID prototypes with new optics which would significantly reduce the size of the handset.

If that is the case, Apple might do away with the notch altogether. The notch has formed part of the iPhone’s design since the iPhone X. However, Apple might finally be taking a leaf out of Android’s book.

Most of their competitors have done away with notches altogether. A notch is a cut-out at the top part of the screen to increase the surface area of the display; without giving up the front cameras or sensors.

5G compatibility

Apple’s competitors have all embraced 5G with open arms, and have at least one generation 5G handset already. While Apple has fallen behind on the 5G train, it will likely change with the iPhone 12.

Rumours strongly suggest that the iPhone 12 will be the first Apple device to offer full 5G support. Moreover, the upcoming device is said to have a Qualcomm 5G modem.

It seems that Apple plans to release its first 5G phone in 2020, and have plans to produce their first 5G chip, the Qualcomm 5G X55, by 2022.

Apple already signed a multi-year deal that will see Qualcomm’s chips in their first 5G handset due out in 2020. With the substantial investment into purchasing Intel’s modem business, it might happen even sooner.

Better UI animations

According to trusted leaker Ice Universe, Apple is considering a display with a variable refresh rate of 60Hz/120Hz for their upcoming device. Ice said on Twitter:

“Apple is considering a switchable 60Hz/120Hz refresh rate screen on the iPhone in 2020; is discussing with Samsung and LG.”

Design and camera

Based on the information already available, Phone Arena released renders of what the upcoming 2020 iPhone 12 device could look like; it appears as though the Apple is moving into slab-like territory.

“I love the idea of slab sides and four cameras, the concepts look amazing. But from a solely technical standpoint, what would the fourth camera do?”

Brooks Roach

According to Victor from Phone Arena, the fourth camera is a Time of Flight (ToF) camera, “solely dedicated to measuring depth”.