Exciting year ahead for Apple’s flagship product

Dec 31, 2019 09:31 GMT  ·  By

Apple launched three different iPhones this year, and despite the introduction of upgrades in key areas, such as cameras, many have criticized the company for the lack of innovation on the latest-generation models.

Things are very likely to change in 2020 judging from the existing rumors, especially as Apple is working on expanding its iPhone lineup. In other words, we’re going to get more iPhones next year, as speculation has it the Cupertino giant is preparing not one, not two, not three, but five different smartphones for the 2020 generation.

The launch of the new family of iPhones will be split in two, with one model to see daylight in the spring, while the rest will go live in the fall as per the company’s typical iPhone release schedule.

iPhone SE 2

The second-generation iPhone SE is the first 2020 iPhone to see daylight. Likely to be announced in March, April, or May, iPhone SE 2 will be a refresh of the 4-inch smartphone with upgrades based on iPhone 8.

In other words, the iPhone SE 2 will be bigger, as it’ll feature the 4.7-inch LCD screen of the iPhone 8. With a body that also resembles the iPhone 8, iPhone SE 2 will also drop the iPhone 4-inspired look, instead going for a more familiar approach for those who purchased an iPhone in the last few years.

iPhone SE 2 won’t sport Face ID, as the iPhone 8 design will allow it to stick with a home button, therefore Touch ID will continue to be offered. There won’t be a notch on this new iPhone SE, and Apple will stick with a single camera on the back for lower costs.

The base model is expected to carry a price tag of $399, making iPhone SE 2 the most affordable iPhone in Apple’s new-generation model lineup.

One rumor claimed the second-generation iPhone SE could launch as iPhone 9.

iPhone 12

Things are getting a bit more complicated when it comes to the iPhone 12 lineup due in September 2020.

This time, Apple will unveil four different iPhone models, and it all starts with a brand-new 5.4-inch device. The smallest iPhone 12 will be equipped with a dual-camera on the back and be offered as the cheapest configuration in the new generation.

Apple will also introduce two 6.1-inch devices, most likely called iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro (this means they will be direct successors to iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro; the name of the 5.4-inch iPhone isn’t yet known). The first of these two, which will be marketed as an upgrade to iPhone 11, will boast a dual-lens camera, while the second model will be the iPhone 11 Pro replacement and feature a triple-lens camera configuration.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max successor will land as iPhone 12 Pro Max and feature a larger 6.7-inch display with a triple-lens camera system.

All iPhone 12 configurations will come with 5G support thanks to Qualcomm’s X55 modem – Apple and Qualcomm settled their patent dispute earlier this year and signed a licensing deal to bring 5G capabilities to the iPhone.

Also, all iPhone 12 models will use OLED panels, as even the iPhone 11 successor will make the switch from LCD to OLED next year.

In terms of design and features, there’s a lot going on in the rumor mill on this front.

Sources familiar with Apple’s iPhone plans claim the company is interested in an iPhone 4-inspired design without curved edges. Others suggest the notch could go away, especially as the firm is said to be looking into ways to bring back Touch ID to the iPhone. These are unlikely, however, as Apple has repeatedly said that Face ID is here to stay, so unless it finds a way to implement the facial recognition system directly into the glass, the notch wouldn’t go away on the next iPhone.

The move to OLED also means Apple is looking to expand its supply partners, so more recently, it’s been rumored the company signed a deal with Chinese manufacturer BOE. 2020 iPhone OLED panels could thus be supplied by Samsung, BOE, and LG.

At least one iPhone 12 model could feature 6GB RAM, rumor has it.

The new iPhone 12 family will be announced in September and sales will start later the same month. However, given four models will be announced, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple decides to begin shipping one specific model in October or November to resolve any inventory issues that might arise.