08/25 Update below. This post was originally published on August 23
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the (officially delayed) iPhone 12 line-up is their (relatively) affordable prices. But now we know why, and not everyone will be happy with where Apple is making the cuts to achieve it.
iPhone 12 Pro Max color concept
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In a new report from acclaimed Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo (seen by MacRumors), Kuo reveals that Apple will avoid the massive price increases impacting rivals, by putting a squeeze on component supplies and downgrading the new iPhones’ battery technology. Something which looks damaging.
08/25 Update: iPhone fans put off by Apple’s downgraded iPhone 12 batteries (see below) now have a decision to make, with reports Apple will cancel its iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max models after the iPhone 12 lineup launches. While this repeats Apple’s launch pattern in recent years, those who value the longest possible battery life look set to be disappointed by the new iPhones and left without a long-lasting Pro alternative. Apple is understood to be retaining the entry-level iPhone 11 (and dropping its price by $100 to $549), but anyone wanting a new Pro-level iPhone with the maximum possible battery life may have to move now. My personal tip would be to wait for the iPhone 12 release and see if the new A14 chip can perform miracles, but it’s a big ask.
Breaking this down, Kuo explains that Apple’s adoption of Sub-6GHz 5G technology in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Plus will increase Apple’s costs by $75–$85, while the full fat millimeter wave 5G in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will add $125–$135. Such increases have added $200/300 to the final retail price of phones like Samsung’s Galaxy flagships, but Kuo says Apple will slash up to 50% off its battery costs by moving the iPhone 12 models to batteries with simpler, smaller designs with fewer layers.
The result looks set to be a circa 10% reduction in battery capacities across the range, compared to the iPhone 11 line-up. Given the higher power consumption of 5G, this is a puzzling change and places real pressure on Apple’s superlative new A14 chip to pull off some power efficiency miracles. The lower capacities are also thought to be the reason behind Apple’s decision to scrap the ProMotion displays on the Pro models.
Apple’s exciting 5.4-inch iPhone 12 (concept render shown) may be let down by poor battery life
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Moreover, while some iPhone fans may not be happy trading battery life for a cellular standard they cannot even receive, Apple looks committed to this process for the long term. Kuo states that Apple will go even further in 2021, moving the iPhone 13 lineup to a “purely soft board” battery design which will cut a further 30-40% from costs. How this impacts their performance, remains to be seen.
Needless to say, this cost cutting decision could be a deal breaker for some upgraders, especially with the iPhone 12 range set to keep its big notch for another generation. That said, the aforementioned A14 chip could be a game-changer, their super small and super large new screen sizes will win new fans, the cameras are about to get a lot smarter and they have a new chassis design that looks great. Then there’s the fact Apple is going to beat rivals on price this year, and that alone could be huge.
If you still aren’t convinced, then my advice is to wait. The range is already delayed and next year comes a new iPhone 12 model which may just be the smartest buy of them all.
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The post New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 12 Design Shock – Forbes appeared first on abangtech.
source https://abangtech.com/new-apple-leak-reveals-iphone-12-design-shock-forbes/
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