iPhone 12 event: Apple expected to unveil new phone at virtual launch event on Tuesday 13 October
2 min readApple is holding an online-only launch event on Tuesday 13 October, where the company is expected to reveal its delayed range of iPhones.
While the tech giant usually announces each year’s iPhone series in September, the coronavirus outbreak caused it to delay this year’s launch.
As with its annual developers’ conference and last month’s Apple Watch and iPad launch event, next week’s event will be online only, broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide from 18.00 UK time.
Like many other electronic manufacturers, Apple was forced to close its factories in China as a result of the virus’ early spread in February, causing it to warn of a potential worldwide iPhone shortage.
Luca Maestri, Apple’s chief financial officer, suggested that any new iPhones could miss the traditional September reveal during an earnings call in July, saying: “As you know, the last year we started selling new iPhones in late September. This year, we project supply to be available a few weeks later”.
The virtual invitations Apple sent to members of the press contained the strapline “Hi, Speed”, hinting heavily at widely-circulated rumours this year’s handsets will be the first iPhones to support 5G connectivity, which is significantly faster than its 4G predecessor.
5G support and a potential new design
Alongside support for the new technology, four prospective models are reported to sport a refreshed design and variety of screen sizes: two basic and two more expensive Pro devices.
The two smaller handsets are expected to measure 5.4-inches and 6.1-inches respectively, while the two Pro smartphones are set to come in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes. The latter would be the largest iPhone to date.
The squared edges of the most recent iPad Pro, released in March, are likely to be replicated in the design of all four models, although the two higher-end devices are likely to still consist of stainless steel, while the cheaper two will be made from aluminium, people familiar with the matter told the company.
LiDAR support and new colour options
Another iPad Pro feature likely to appear in the new Pro iPhones is the LiDAR (light detection and ranging) camera system, designed to create sophisticated augmented reality (AR) experiences, alongside an upgraded A14 processor to make the devices faster and more power efficient.
While last year’s iPhone Pro models were available in midnight green, this year’s shade is reported to be a dark blue. This would tally with the new navy blue shade the Apple Watch Series 6 was announced in.
A new smaller HomePod smart speaker, Apple’s first pair of over-ear headphones outside of the Beats product line and new Bluetooth-tracking devices AirTags are also rumoured to be confirmed during the event.
