08/09 Update below. This post was originally published on August 6th
iPhone 12 surprises continue to arrive (both good news, bad news and unexpected disputes), but now we know perhaps the biggest problem with Apple’s new iPhones.
Apple iPhone 12 renderer displays the much-anticipated smaller notch
Mysterious insider from the industry ‘Mr White’ has continued his impressive track record with leaking Apple hardware, by unveiling the chassis for the upcoming iPhone 12.. While this confirms the move of the range to a more angular new design, he also confirms that Face ID will be the same size and as a result, the large notch introduced with the iPhone X in 2017 will not be smaller in 2020.
08/08 Update: A further image of a prototype of the iPhone 12 Pro screen has now been released lekt and unfortunately, it also seems to be hanging on to Apple as well with the bigger notch on their Pro models. The chassis reaffirms the angular design that Apple will introduce for the range, affecting both the iPhone 4 and the current iPad Pro line-up. That said, with Apple all the same now, but sure slows fast refresh rates on all iPhone 12 models, the iPhone 12 Pro editions, in particular, lose their luster. Especially saw her significantly higher asking prices. Given that this new pictured leak is a prototype, there may be some hope that Apple has made a late, more ambitious change to the definitive iPhone 12 designs, but the signs are not looking good.
08/09 Update: Further iPhone 12 components are now leaked as the models enter mass production. Thus, Apple reseller JinStore has now obtained images from Apple’s 14 chipset, which is tipped to submit multi-generation leap in performance. The A14 will also be Apple’s first 5nm chip, which will bring greater energy efficiency (needed with those smaller batteries), especially as multitasking. With other iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro features falling along the way when we get to the release, a lot of weight will be placed on the A14 to dazzle and it seems to do. The A14 is not the kind of striking feature that Apple usually sells its iPhones, especially with the A13 in the iPhone 11 range and iPhone SE already far ahead of the competition, but expect the company to break with tradition in 2020.
Apple was widely expected to shrink the notch for the iPhone 12 line-up and almost every render showed that this would result in a significantly better design. Moreover, with recent leaks also revealing that Apple will increase prices while also shrinking battery capacity, the company’s decision to stay with the same notch for the fourth consecutive generation could be a deal breaker for some potential upgrades.
Leaked iPhone 12 chassis shows the new corner design, but a large, unchanged Face ID module and … [+]
That said, for notch haters, there is still some reason for optimism. While Mr White has not revealed from which iPhone 12 model the chassis is, it appears to be the new phone of 5.4-inch entry level. So it is possible that Apple has plans to introduce a smaller notch with the more expensive iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Beyond this, however, there are compelling reasons to upgrade. Most notably, all iPhone 12 models will come with 5G (though different versions), a jump to multiple generations, a wider range of screen sizes and faster (potentially magnetic) charging. Pro models will also add some radical new camera tech.
All this leaves users at a crossroads. At least with Apple officially delaying the release of the iPhone 12 and increasing the possibility of a split launch, you will have longer to make up your mind.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
More on Forbes
Apple iOS 14 code all but confirms new 5.4-inch iPhone 12
Apple iOS 13.6 Release: Need to upgrade?
.
