The next-gen 5G Apple iPhone 12 may launch on time after all, despite recent reports indicating otherwise. So Apple fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief: The company is still on track to release its new iPhone in the fall.
Recently, Nikkei Asian Review reported that Apple was considering delaying the new device due to supply chain constraints and concern around customers actually wanting to buy new iPhone models. That report mentioned that Apple was still debating whether to launch the device at its normal annual fall iPhone event, and that a final decision was expected by May.
A new report from Bloomberg indicates that Foxconn, which is a major Apple supplier, is getting back on track production-wise. Specifically, the report mentions that 5G capabilities remain on schedule for a fall launch, partly because of the fact that mass production wasn’t set to begin until the summer anyway.
Of course, it’s important to note that just because Apple is on track to launch the new iPhone model in the fall, that doesn’t mean it will. At this point, it’s possible Apple wants to keep its options open, in which case it wouldn’t want to delay prototyping and production.
The iPhone 12 is expected to feature a number of upgrades over previous-generation models. Notably, the new device will offer 5G support, plus it may do away with, or at least minimize, the notch that we’ve seen on the iPhone since the iPhone X. Apple is actually expected to launch four iPhone models in the fall, including 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch lower-cost models, and 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch high-end “Pro” models. All four models may offer OLED displays and 5G support, though it’s unclear what will differentiate the four devices.
Recently, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that he expected Apple to launch a high-end iPhone without a Lightning connector in 2021. According to Kuo, the device will be “completely wireless,” suggesting that it won’t offer a USB-C port, and instead won’t have any port at all.
We’ll have to wait and see if the iPhone 12 does launch on time, but in the meantime, expect more conflicting reports on the matter — especially given that Apple hasn’t yet made a decision.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.
Apple's next cheaper iPhone could get a brand-new processor while keeping its most stubborn display compromise. Digital Chat Station tips the iPhone 18e for a 2027 release with a 2nm A20 chip and a 6.12-inch OLED screen still limited to 60Hz.
The rumored camera setup includes a single 48MP rear camera and a possible 24MP selfie camera. There's new hardware to consider, but buyers hoping Apple would extend that upgrade generosity to smoother scrolling could be disappointed.