Secret Apple plans reveal NINE new iPhone models could launch in 2020
APPLE may release as many as NINE new iPhones in 2020, according to leaked plans.
Legal documents filed by the California company suggest the firm is gearing up to release its heavily-rumoured new smartphone, the iPhone 12.
The documents, seen by , provide information on Apple's latest gadgets to the Eurasian Economic Commission.
Within it, Apple mentions nine iPhone models and one Mac PC model that they wish to have certified for release.
The mobiles are thought to be linked to a new "iPhone 12" series rumoured for launch in September, as well as a new Mac.
The iPhone 12 is expected come in four variants. The extra five on the EEC list are likely models for different regions, or different storage capacities.
As Apple Insider explains: "The top entry is for what the EEC describes (in translation) as "Smartphones of the Apple brand A2176, A2172, A2341, A2342, A2399, A2403, A2407, A2408, A2411 models (iOS 13 software version).
"That's nine variations of iPhone — and the forthcoming 'iPhone 12' is expected to come in four different models.
"Those four will ultimately have many different versions depending on the technology used in them, such as country-specific variations on cellular modems, or possibly different capacities."
Apple hasn't confirmed any plans for an iPhone 12 yet, so take all rumours and leaks with a pinch of salt for now.
We won't know the truth until Apple spills the beans on its upcoming mobiles later this year.
Recent reports have suggested the iPhone 12 will come in four variants, all with 5G connectivity.
The mobile will allegedly come in various sizes: A 5.4in mini version, a 61in iPhone 12 base model, a 6.1in 12 Pro and a 6.7in 12 Pro Max.
According to repected analyst Chung-Hoon Lee of UBI Research, the mini will cost as little as $700 (£560), while the 6.1in base and Pro models will come in at $750 (£600) and $999 (£800) respectively.
The largest of the bunch, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, will cost $1,099 (£890), Lee claims.
While similar in size, the 12 and 12 Pro will differ in the number of cameras on the back: Two and three, respectively.
As with Apple's most recent mobiles, the iPhone 11 series, we can expect the rear triple camera array to include wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
Apparently, the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max will also come with LiDAR scanners.
LiDAR is a type of laser technology that measures distances to accurately map a scene in 3D.
It means you can create much more accurate augmented reality effects – like Pokémon Go or advanced Snapchat filters.
Apple recently added LiDAR to a product for the first time ever with the launch of the new iPad Pro.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
At a reported 5.4in, the "mini" iPhone 12 will be Apple's tiniest mobile since 2017's iPhone 8 (4.7in).
It'll fit easily in the palm with a design that goes against the recent trend of "bigger is always better" followed by the world's leading smartphone makers.
The key feature for the iPhone 12, though, will be 5G connectivity, according to the leak. All four models will have it as standard.
5G is the next generation of mobile internet, expected to deliver blisteringly fast download speeds – changing the way we use our handsets forever.
With 5G, you can download a full HD movie in seconds over your network connection.
In the USA, 5G is available in a number of cities on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
EE, Vodafone and others have already launched in the UK, and they're seriously impressive.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, it emerged this week that the next iPhone series is on track for release in September.
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