Super-charged 5G iPhone 12 ‘still on track for 2020 launch’ – and could be SMALLEST model in years
THE next iPhone is still on track to launch later this year despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to reports.
There are a rumoured four versions of the iPhone 12 currently in development - including Apple's smallest mobile in years.
Concerns had been raised that the outbreak of COVID-19, which began in China as early as November 2019, may delay the handsets.
That's because scores of factories in China - where most of Apple's products are made - have been closed to help contain the spread of the disease.
However, a new report from Bloomberg suggests the iPhone 12 is still on track to launch as early as September.
Citing unnamed sourced, the publication said the mobile is “still on schedule to launch in the fall.”
While development has been underway for months, mass production isn't due to start until May, the source said.
That means factory closures and Apple office closures haven't delayed the mobile just yet.
However, that could change once May rolls around, according to the report.
Even though the phone is on track, one insider told Bloomberg that manufacturing was struggling to hit its normal pace.
"One person who works in Apple’s supply chain said not all operations are moving at normal speed because the flow of components to assemble is still slow," Bloomberg reports.
"It will take another month or more to get parts moving steadily through the system, the person added."
A separate report claims that Apple will unveil its smallest mobile in years as part of the iPhone 12 series.
Insiders told that Chinese smartphone display firm BOE Technology will be creating a 5.4-inch display for one of Apple’s 2020 iPhones.
iPhone: Big vs Small
How iPhone sizes have changed over the years
- iPhone (2007) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 3G (2008) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 3GS (2009) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 4 (2010) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 4S (2011) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 5 (2012) – 4 inches
- iPhone 5S (2013) – 4 inches
- iPhone 5C (2013) – 4 inches
- iPhone 6 (2014) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 6+ (2014) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone 6S (2015) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 6S+ (2015) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone SE (2016) – 4 inches
- iPhone 7 (2016) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 7+ (2016) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone 8 (2017) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 8+ (2017) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone X (2017) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone XS (2018) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone XR (2018) – 6.1 inches
- iPhone XS Max (2018) – 6.5 inches
- iPhone 11 (2019) – 6.1 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro (2019) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) – 6.5 inches
At 5.4in, the iPhone 12 "mini" will be Apple’s tiniest mobile since 2017’s iPhone 8 (4.7in).
It’ll fit easily in the palm with a design that goes against the recent trend of “bigger is always better” followed by the world’s leading smartphone makers.
Previous reports have suggested Apple fans will have to choose between four variants of the iPhone 12.
There’ll be a 6.1in base iPhone 12, a 6.1in iPhone 12 Pro, a 6.7in iPhone 12 Pro Max, and the mini.
Apparently, all four iPhones will have 5G and super-fast 120 Hz displays.
5G is the next generation of mobile internet, expected to deliver blisteringly fast download speeds – changing the way we use our handsets forever.
Of course, there’s also no way of confirming these leaks – so take them with a pinch of salt for now.
We won't know the truth until much closer to September 2020, when Apple's next iPhones are likely to launch.
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
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In other news, old iPhones look set to get a new lease of life thanks to a rumoured Apple update.
Apple could change the Lightning port for a USB-C connector on future iPhone models.
And the iPhone 12 could be the thinnest ever thanks to new screen technology.
What would you like to see from the iPhone 12? Let us know in the comments!
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