Apple iPhone 12: Shipment date confirmed for iPhone 12 Mini and 12 Max
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.
Table of Contents
- News and update
- New design video
- Updated specs
- Refresh rate update
- Launch delay
- Camera specs
- Ram and chipset rumours
- No charger in the box
- Best screen resolutions
- New video reveals all
- Trail assembly date confirmed
- Camera specs 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: 3 October 2020 — Shipment date confirmed
According to trusted tech analyst Jon Prosser, Apple’s first batch of iPhone 12 phones will ship to retailers from 5 October 2020. We couldn’t confirm if this would include South African retailers as well.
Prosser said the devices to ship out will be the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini and the 6.12-inch iPhone 12 Max, both budget devices in the iPhone 12 series and both shipping with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage configurations.
His announcement caused some confusion regarding the storage specifications, and Prosser said in a follow-up tweet: “Don’t worry — iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max start at 128GB”.
No other shipping details about the premium end of the series – the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max – have been released at this stage. Apple will unveil the iPhone 12 series on 13 October 2020 as initially reported.
Update: 1 September 2020 — Updated specs
A new video by popular YouTuber Filip Koroy (also known as EverythingApplePro) and tech analyst Max Weinbach showcased the upcoming Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max.
According to Koroy, the iPhone 12 Mini was confirmed when stickers from the Silicon Cases leaked online. In addition, the device previously referred to as the 12 Max and 12 Plus will just be named ‘iPhone 12’. No suffix.
Koroy also confirmed the rest of the lineup: iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Design-wise, the two higher-end models are roughly the same size and will use the same silicon case. Watch Koroy’s breakdown below.
Watch: The latest Apple leaks
Update: 31 August 2020 — Updated specs
A new leak from the trusted tech analyst and concept created Komiya uncovered a few surprises, such as a smaller notch for the iPhone 12. In addition, all models in the iPhone 12 series will reportedly support a 5G millimetre wave.
Furthermore, Komiya believes that the iPhone 12 series will be equipped with larger camera sensors and LiDAR scanner for a clearer, crisper image without the need of a super-powerful zoom.
While Komiya also suggested retail prices for all the devices in the series, we’ve omitted that information as prices generally differ once the device enters the South African market.
Prepare for more leaks ahead of the expected October announcement date, with sales opening in November. Based on the information provided, the update specs appear to be as follows:
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Max | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
| Display | 5.4 inch OLED | 6.1 inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED (10-bit color) | 6.7-inch OLED (10-bit color) |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Cameras | 12MP wide and ultra-wide | 12MP wide and ultra-wide | Telephoto + LiDAR. 12MP wide, ultra-wide | Telephoto + LiDAR, 12MP wide, ultra-wide, |
Update: 25 August 2020 — iPhone refresh rate of 120hz
New leaks and reports from trusted leaker Apple iTimes claim that the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro will have a high refresh-rate display of 120Hz. However, this may not be enabled at launch.
Apple iTimes claims that higher refresh rate has been confirmed, despite other rumours to the contrary.
In addition, tech analyst Jon Prosser said that fans shouldn’t “give up on 120hz on 12 Pro yet”, while lead analyst of DisplaySearch, Ross Young, added:
“Hearing that Apple can get 120Hz Pro panels, but not 120Hz driver ICs. So they will either have to come up with a fix which will be difficult, wait for 120Hz driver ICs and delay the launch possibly significantly or launch with 60Hz. We are hearing they will launch with 60Hz”.
What would it mean it mean if the iPhone does, in fact, have a 120hz display? Glad you asked. It would allow for super-smooth scrolling and animations. The only device currently capable of that, is the iPad Pro 2020 model.
Who would need this kind of technology? Animators or video editors would benefit hugely from a 120hz display.
Update: 13 August 2020 — Launch date confirmed
Tech analyst Jon Prosser confirmed that Apple’s iPhone 12 and 12 Pro launch event from 12 October 2020 before opening pre-orders for the iPhone 12 (not the Pro models) later that week.
Shipping will commence from 19 October while the 12 Pro models are expected to ship sometime during November 2020. As for the iPad 10.2 and the Apple Watch Series 6, Prosser said it ship from 7 September.
He added that Apple won’t hold a special event for the iPad 10.2 and the Apple Watch Series 6 but will instead launch the two devices with a press release.
Update: 31 July 2020 — Launch delayed
New Apple devices usually launch in September. However, this year, Apple CFO Luca Maestri said during an earnings call with investors that the team “expect supply to be available a few weeks later”.
No reason was provided for the delay but Qualcomm reported earlier this month that there may be a delay in shipping the 5G flagship phone globally. That said, the new devices could still be revealed in September, and only ship out later.
The last postponement of a device launch was back in 2018, when the iPhone XR launch was delayed by a month. A year before that, iPhone X and iPhone 8 only began hitting shelves in November.
Update: 23 July 2020 — Camera spec rumours
Even though the iPhone 12’s camera will receive an overhaul, a new report suggests that the device won’t support a powerful zoom. It is said that iPhone users will be “in for a long wait” before Apple’s zoom features catch up with the latest specs.
Trusted Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from Apple Insider claims that customers will be waiting until 2022 for an iPhone with a periscope telephoto lens. That means we will likey have to wait until the iPhone 14’s release.
While this may put Samsung and Huawei ahead in the race for the most powerful phone cameras, Apple is in talks with Korea’s Semco and China’s Sunny Optical.
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”.
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