03/07 Update below. This post originally appeared on June 30.
Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup not only looks impressive, it will also actively save you money. But now there is an unforeseen problem, as question marks have been placed over a major update that was previously thought to be a done deal.
IPhone 12 Pro design based on multiple leaks
In a new and exclusive YouTuber, Filip Koroy (aka EverythingApplePro) has teamed up with XDA developer Max Weinbach, to reveal that there are now questions about the inclusion of Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion display technology in the iPhone 12 Pro. Something that has the potential to see it removed from both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
02/07 Update: more bad news like new report Screen specialist Ross Young says Apple decided not to use 120Hz screens on the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max. Young happens to say that “we spoke to over 20 people who would know in Korea” and “We have no news of any 120Hz testing for 2020, only for 2021.” This would be a major blow to many users given a) it is an important feature to catch up with its rivals, and b) the high update rates offer a significantly improved user experience (see below). For me personally, this would be a deciding update factor, which would be a real shame. everything else apple is doing the right thing.
03/07 Update: With the 120Hz ProMotion display now geared for Apple iPhones 2021, the company has also revealed that it is working on additional next-generation display technology. Sighted by Patently appleApple has revealed plans to remove the notch from the iPhone by placing the phone’s cameras and Face ID sensors under the screen. While rivals have been working on similar technology for some time, the results have been mixed due to lack of clarity for sensors under the screen. To counter this, Apple has patented a new optical detection technology that potentially uses transmitters and receivers to help sensors “see through” the glass. The timeline for such breakthroughs to hit the market remains unknown, but, with rivals close to a commercial launch, you should expect it to come sooner rather than later.
Koroy explains that, unlike the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 12 Pro “only passed 4 out of 5 tests, this is because it is using an altered panel due to size. Things are a little more condensed. They believe Apple can fix it in time, although it will cost them more, and Apple, at this point, is trying to decide whether it’s worth it or not. “
Koroy points out that this may result in a split launch in which Apple only offers a 120Hz display on the (massive) iPhone 12 Pro “or Apple may simply remove all functionality.” That said, Koroy remains hopeful and says, “There is still time for Apple to remedy this.” He also quotes industry insider Ice Universe, which has contacts within Samsung, saying he believes 120Hz will hit both models. Its source is that Samsung will supply the displays.
Why is 120Hz so important? In addition to the fact that it is a refresh feature (it was widely adopted by rivals in 2019), the high refresh rate displays have had overwhelming positive feedback. This is because they not only offer significantly smoother frame rates, but are also twice as sensitive to touch input as the 60Hz panels iPhones currently use. The Apple Pencil also requires 120Hz, which was compatible with the iPhone 12 Pro models.
So would this be a deciding factor? For existing iPhone owners, possibly not. The line is already getting a major redesign, cutting-edge camera technology, 5G across the range, and a surprising price drop. That said, if you’ve used a high refresh rate display, it’s hard to go back, making the conversion of owners from Android rivals difficult. For me personally, I wouldn’t buy an iPhone 12 Pro model without it.
As Koroy says, sources “believe Apple can fix it in time.” Now the nervous waiting begins.
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