It is increasingly clear that Apple’s iPhone 12 range will not please everyone. But we now know what is going to get everyone talking.
Mysterious (but always reliable) Apple leaker Mr White, has revealed a pair of iPhone 12 Pro cases which throw a giant spanner into the works. One shows an iPhone 12 Pro triple camera setup and highlights the position of Apple’s exciting new LiDAR sensor, the other shows the same cameras but with the LiDAR sensor removed. And this could have expensive consequences for upgraders.
09/03 Update: while doubts are growing over the inclusion of a LiDAR sensor in at least one of two iPhone 12 Pro models this year, Digitimes has revealed major iPhone camera upgrades are in development. The site explains that Apple is planning to integrate liquid crystal polymer (LCP) into iPhone camera modules, which will greatly accelerate the transmission of high-resolution images. “Image data will be increasingly complicated in the 5G era and high-speed transmission will be needed to allow high-resolution images in live streaming and AR applications,” explains the site. Apple is already adopting LCP integrated mmWave 5G antennas in its iPhone 12 Pro models, but it is unclear whether the improved camera modules will debut in this year’s devices. It isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
For several weeks now, reports have been growing that Apple may only install the LiDAR sensor on the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 12 Pro Max. A move which harks back to Apple’s previous (disliked) strategy of reserving the best features (at the time, dual cameras) for the larger, more expensive iPhone Plus models. Apple appeared to scrap this with the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 ranges, but has the company U-turned again?
Is there another explanation? Yes, but you might not like it any better, and that is – just like their 120Hz ProMotion displays – the inclusion of LiDAR is in the balance, and Apple is sending out both designs so case makers can be prepared. This is an all or nothing scenario.
My personal feeling is LiDAR is essential if Apple wants the Pro models to have any significant sales traction. With the smaller new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Plus jumping to dual cameras, thinner bezels and OLED displays, LiDAR offers perhaps the most compelling reason to still go Pro. That said, Apple is understood to be significantly lowering orders for iPhone 12 Pro models by almost 50%, which doesn’t look good.
With Apple also set to remove the (upgraded 20W) charger and EarPods from the box, reduce battery capacities and increase asking prices, industry talk of a new iPhone sales ‘supercycle’ seems premature in the current climate. That said, the iPhone 12 range’s new designs look great, they’re power packed and, in an age of 5G-fueled price hikes, they will still be more affordable than key rivals.
