Since last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook has been dodging questions if the Cupertino tech juggernaut is going to offer an iPhone 12 5G variant. Earlier this month, several reliable sources revealed that the iPhone maker might release the much-awaited variant that supports the next-generation wireless connectivity. Here is what we know so far about the iPhone 12 5G variant.
iPhone 12 5G Design
Like all other variants of this year's flagship series, the iPhone 12 5G design would be dependent on the kind of 5G modem and antenna Apple would use. A few days ago, Fast Company reported that the Cupertino tech titan has several designs for the iPhone 12 series. The site also revealed that Apple is toying with the idea of using its own antenna for the iPhone 12 5G.
It appears that the Qualcomm's QTM 525 millimeter-wave module antenna is too thick for the company's design standard. If Apple would like to maintain its slim design, it would default to its original design and use its own antenna. But, if Apple decides to utilize the 5G modem and antenna, we might see an iPhone 12 5G with the much thicker form factor.
The report also mentioned that Apple designing its own antenna is too risky. The company, compared to Qualcomm, has not yet developed a 5G modem and antenna. Additionally, the report noted that one wrong move could compromise the connectivity of the iPhone 12 5G.
Other Expected Features
TFI Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently changed in his previous prediction about the iPhone 12 5G. In his investors note spotted by 9to5Mac, the analyst said that Apple might no longer integrate 2x2 MIMO uplink support on the 5G variant(s). If this turns out to be true, it could technically compromise faster 5G connection of the flagship variant.
Perhaps, Apple is practically doing this because the infrastructure for MIMO is not yet widely available. Also, in theory, consumers might not be able to notice this difference in wireless network connectivity speed at all with the 2x2 MIMO missing. The iPhone 12 5G is anticipated to house Apple's own A14 Bionic chip.
Release Window
The industry anticipates that Apple might unveil its flagship smartphone series, including the iPhone 12 5G variant on Sept. 2020. So far, all these details about the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 5G series are pure speculations and not official. In this case, we recommend taking these details with skepticism and with a pinch of salt.
