iPhone 12 to boast 5G internet and FOLDABLE screen, top experts predict
APPLE'S next smartphone could boast 5G speeds and potentially a foldable screen, according to predictions from top industry experts.
The eagerly anticipated gadget is expected to launch in September – and looks set to be the most advanced iPhone yet.
Apple is keeping a tight lid on the so-called iPhone 12, which will replace last year's hugely popular iPhone 11.
But The Sun has spoken to key industry experts who follow Apple's movements closely.
These tech insiders think the mostly likely feature for Apple's next iPhone is 5G – making it a major upgrade for gadget fans.
"We are expecting what has become known as a 'super cycle' for the iPhone when the next model is likely announced in September," said Ben Wood, of CCS Insight, speaking to The Sun.
"5G technology will definitely be added and this will make it a more future-proof purchase than current models."
Mobile networks around the world have only just started offering faster 5G internet speeds.
Several of Apple's competitors – including Samsung, Huawei and OnePlus – have already created 5G phones to support the new speeds.
But the iPhone isn't expected to get 5G-friendly chips until later this year.
One analyst worries that if Apple supports two different types of 5G internet, it could mean your iPhone will cost more.
"5G is a must and widely expected. It would be a huge surprise if 5G is not included," said Paolo Pescatore, top analyst at PP Foresight.
"The biggest question is whether it will support sub-6GHz and mmWave. Support for both may justify a price increase."
What is 5G?
Here's what you need to know...
- The term 5G stands for 5th-generation, and is simply the next "version" of mobile phone networks.
- The world's network operators have settled on a new method of delivering mobile internet to your phone, making it possible to offer far higher download speeds.
- Early figures suggest you'll be able to download 4K movies in a matter of seconds, and buffering video will be a thing of the past.
- But 5G also promises low "latency" – the physical delay in transmitting data – which is a major boon for gamers, who desperately need their online actions to be sent and received as quickly as possible.
- A number of mobile networks around the world now offer 5G internet
- However, you'll need to make sure your device supports 5G before buying a 5G phone contract
- Only a handful of smartphones currently support blisteringly fast 5G internet
Paolo also predicts that the phone will get a better processor, more storage, and a significantly improved camera.
But he also thinks Apple might finally jump on the foldable phone bandwagon – like rivals Samsung and Huawei.
"Most, if not all, of Apple's rivals have released a foldable, flexible display," the industry insider told us.
"While Apple has yet to do so, it has filed patents so it is working on something.
"Apple might unveil it this year or most likely next year."
Foldable phones are an increasingly popular smartphone design that puts a hinge mechanism behind the screen.
It allows the handset to have a large tablet-sized display, but fold down to smartphone size for regular use.
This means buyers can have big screens to watch media on, while still being able to pocket the gadgets easily.
But early foldable phones have been marred by bungles and delays.
Samsung was forced to cancel the launch of its Galaxy Fold handset last year, after early samples broke during the first few days of use.
Huawei also delayed its foldable Mate X launch to iron out design issues.
Apple hasn't confirmed any plans to launch a foldable smartphone, and is likely cautious after seeing how its rivals fared.
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In other news, Samsung is expected to reveal the world's first 5G tablet in a matter of weeks.
The iPhone 12 could be the thinnest ever thanks to new screen technology.
And the new phone could also see through mist and fog thanks to rumoured 'Spectral Edge' camera integration.
What would you like to see from the new iPhone? Let us know in the comments!
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