An alleged leak of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 12 suggests the device will have flat-edges like the iPad Pro and early iPhone models.

The new flagship iPhone, which has likely been delayed to the end of this year due to coronavirus, features squared-off edges, according to images posted on Twitter.

The photos, which come courtesy of Twitter user @Jin_Store, an Australia-based reseller of Apple products, show a metal iPhone dummy and virtual renderings of the supposed device.+11

Alleged 3D render of the iPhone 12 and its notable flat edge – a feature last seen with the iPhone 5

These are typically produced by third-party case makers to help them design cases for future phone releases, based on leaked dimensions and specs, according to TechRadar.

While @Jin_Store was unable to confirm that the renders were of the iPhone 12, or where they came from, they do back up previous rumours of the device’s shape.

‘The sides are squared off, just like the rumored #iPhone12 [and] #iPhone12Pro,’ said @Jin_Store.

iPhone 12 would be the first flagship iPhone model to feature squared-off edges since the iPhone 5s, which was released in 2013.

The fourth-generation iPad Pro, released this March, also had squared-off edges. 

• Apple’s iPhone 12 is rumoured to come in three different sizes – one at 5.4 inches, two at 6.1 inches and another model at 6.7 inches

Metal moulds of phones are typically produced by third-party case makers to design cases for future phone releases, which are based on leaked dimensions and specs 

Instead of a glass front that is curved around the edges of the display – a feature intended to allow the iPhone to sit comfortably in the palm of the hand – iPhone 12’s distinct edges could provide more protection from drops.

When dropped on their edges, phones with a curved edge tend to suffer more damage than those with a more angular design, according to some critics.

According to an earlier report from The Wall Street Journal, citing ‘people familiar with the plans,’ Apple is set to release four new iPhone 12 models later this year.

These include the standard 5.4 inch iPhone 12 model, the 6.1 inch iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Max, and lastly, the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. 

Back view of the iPhone 12. While @Jin_Store did not confirm the renders were definitely of the iPhone 12, nor where they came from, they do back up previous rumours of the device’s shape

Critics of the curved edge claim it makes the iPhone less resistant to damage – a device that falls on its curved edge is more likely to take out the glass screen 

And this appears to be corroborated by @Jin_Store, who holds up three different sized metal moulds in one of his images.

All of the moulds have four holes in their front-facing notches at the top of where the glass display would be, while the 3D graphics indicate three rear cameras arranged in a similar fashion to those on the iPhone 11.

Apple’s new iPad Pro tablet, which features square edges. It’s believed the company will bring the old-school design trait to its new line of iPhones

Supposed iPhone 12 mould also shows the lightning port for charging. Apple’s proprietary connector port is used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers and more

The metal dummies also show the presence of a lightning port, Apple’s own power connector technology, rather than a USB-C.

The new leaks follow previous rumours of iPhone 12’s square edges back in April, revealed by Bloomberg.

The new iPhone 12 models – which are all set to support 5G – will have rounded corners and flat screens, according to ‘people familiar with the plans’.

All iPhone 12 models will also have a ‘significant upgrade’ to the mobile processor chips, with an emphasis on speeding up applications that involve AI and augmented reality (AR), Bloomberg reported.

Front view of the iPhone 12 dummy model, including four holes in the front-facing notch

3D artistic renders clearly show a more chunky, resilient-looking iPhone, harking back to the devices of nearly 10 years ago

It’s expected the next-gen iPhone will be released later in the year due to the havoc caused by the coronavirus pandemic.   

US hardware manufacturer Broadcom, which develops chips for the iPhone and other Apple mobile devices, spoke of a ‘major product cycle delay’ earlier this month.

While Apple wasn’t named explicitly, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan referred to a ‘large North American mobile phone’ client during his company’s earnings call. 

3D graphics indicate three rear cameras arranged in a similar fashion to those on the iPhone 11

Tan – who often refers to Apple this way, according to Bloomberg – suggested the device wouldn’t be released to consumers until the last three months of 2020.

The new information corroborates other reports from respected Apple insiders that Apple’s new high-end device will be delayed by at least a month. 

Apple’s primary assembler, Taiwan-based Foxconn, said it will be ready to meet demand for Apple’s typical September launch, but factors in other parts of Apple’s supply chain may hinder that timeline. 

Foxconn had to shut down temporarily from March, although it has now resumed most of its operations and hired enough staff to meet ‘seasonal demand’.   

iPHONE 12 RUMOURS 

Respected leaker Jon Prosser revealed schematics of a drastically reduced camera ‘notch’ on the front, expected for the iPhone 12

A pair of leaked schematics suggest that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 12 will fall just short of eliminating a camera ‘notch’ on the phone’s display.

The pictures, posted on Twitter by frequent phone leaker Jon Prosser, show what appear to be official Apple schematics for its next flagship iPhone – specifically a drastically reduced ‘notch’ that stores the device’s front-facing camera components.

According to the schematics the microphone will be moved to the top of the device’s display in order to compress the size of the camera notch.

Citing ‘people familiar with the plans,’ the report notes that Apple is set to release four new smartphones this year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The devices will come in three different sizes, one will be 5.4 inches, two at 6.1 inches and another model is 6.7 inches – some of the handsets will support 5G.  

Apple’s iPhone 12 could also be completely wireless, meaning users will not receive a free pair of earbuds and be forced to purchase the firm’s $159 AirPods.

The news was revealed by well-known Apple product predictor Ming-Chi Kuo, who believes the tech giant may offer promotions or discounts on the AirPods this holiday season.

Kuo also noted that Apple is not expected to release new models of AirPods or AirPods Pro until 2021, 9to5Mac reports.