Like clockwork, the summer months usher in fresh buzz surrounding the next iPhone.
Yes, despite the devastating global coronavirus pandemic and antitrust allegations surrounding Apple – and other big tech giants – the rumor mill about Apple’s next flagship smartphone keeps churning.
While no one outside of a select few at Apple knows what to expect with the iPhone 12 (or whatever it’ll be called), here’s the latest word on the (cyber)street, from the expected timing of the launch to the design, size, camera, battery performance, and likely iOS 14 features integrated into the new device.
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iPhone delays, 5G support
The arrival of the new iPhone family is not likely until October, based on the latest from Apple and reporting from several sources. New iPhones are usually unveiled at an in-person media event in early-to-mid September and available soon after, but a slight delay – perhaps due to coronavirus – should not be too surprising.
“As you know, last year, we started selling new iPhones in late September. This year, we project supply to be available a few weeks later,” Apple chief financial officer Luca Maestri said Thursday during the company’s third quarter earnings call. Apple has yet to announce a date for the unveiling of the new iPhones.
Earlier in the week, Qualcomm CFO Akash Palkhiwala did not call out the iPhone by name but foreshadowed this in a Reuters interview saying “we’re seeing a partial impact from the delay of a flagship phone launch … that pushes some of the units out from the September quarter to the December quarter for us.”
As part of its modem licensing deal, Qualcomm will supply technology for 5G-enabled iPhones. To date, Apple hasn’t launched a mobile device to take advantage of the emerging 5G wireless standard that offers much faster speeds and other benefits. Several rumors point to all new iPhones supporting 5G connectivity.
Notorious Apple news leaker and Front Page Tech creator Jon Prosser had been predicting the phone would be delayed since March and reaffirmed that in a terse tweet on Wednesday: “iPhone 12…New iPads…October.”
Back in April, The Wall Street Journal’s Yoko Kubota reported a likely delay in the 2020 iPhone lineup, around the same time Qualcomm suggested COVID-19 might cause a phone industry disruption in 2020.
Sizing up the new iPhone
Expect there to be two lower-end iPhones and two more powerful models, according to Apple news site MacRumors.
At 5.4 inches, iPhone 12 will be the smallest available iPhone from Apple except for the recently refreshed iPhone SE, at 4.7 inches.
An iPhone 12 Max and iPhone 12 Pro are said to both be 6.1 inches – similar to the existing iPhone 11 – while an iPhone 12 Pro Max is rumored to be 6.7 inches, which makes it the largest iPhone to date (the iPhone 11 Pro Max stands at 6.5-inch).
While all 2020 iPhones are said to feature OLED displays opposed to LCD screens, the cameras will likely vary (see below) and other rumored features – such as a possible 120Hz “ProMotion” refresh rate for smoother video – may only be in the higher-end models.
Rumored iPhone costs, storage
If the rumors are true, expect to pay more for the next iPhones. And there are a few devices planned, apparently.
According to a recent Twitter post from professed Apple news leaker @komiya_kj, prices look to be higher with a new 5.4-inch iPhone 12 expected to start at $699 – the same starting price as 2019’s 6.1-inch iPhone 11, despite the smaller display. The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Max would start at $799.
Both models are said to start with only 64 gigabytes of storage instead of 128GB, as previously suspected by many. Prices are said to jump to $749 for the 128GB iPhone 12 and $849 for the 128GB iPhone 12 Max. A 256GB storage option will allegedly set you back $849 and $949, for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max, respectively.
You’ll need to dig even deeper for the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, said to cost upwards of $1049, while the bigger iPhone 12 Pro Max will be $1,149, according to @komiya_kj.
Upgrading to 256GB of storage on iPhone 12 Pro would cost $1,149, while the 512GB model could be $1,349. iPhone 12 Pro Max might be $1,249 for 256GB and a steep $1,449 for a 512GB version.
Along with a more energy efficient A14 Bionic processor, yielding up to 30% more battery performance, the new iPhones are said to have battery sizes ranging from 2,227 mAh for iPhone 12 all the way up to a whopping 3,687 mAh battery in the iPhone Pro Max, wrote @komiya_kj in a recent tweet.
That suggests the iPhone 12 models should have longer battery life than previous models. For instance, an iPhone 11 delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, based on testing by various publications, such as 9to5Mac.
Focusing on cameras
All four 2020 iPhones are believed to feature a metal frame, not unlike 2010’s iPhone 4, which incidentally, and impressively, was used to win a recent photography award.
Speaking of cameras, Apple introduced its triple rear lens system in iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, and we’re likely to see an evolution of that for the top-tier 2020 models (and a dual-lens system for the more modestly-priced devices).
Apple’s iPhone 12 will feature a “high-end” lens arrays in the rear camera to improve image quality, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities in Asia, whose recent report was cited by Apple news site 9to5Mac.
Some speculation suggests the higher-end models will feature a 3D camera, which is reminiscent of the Lidar scanner that Apple added to its latest iPad Pro models, allowing them to map an environment at high speeds by using reflected light. A 3D depth-sensing camera offers powerful augmented reality features, too.
LG will produce camera modules for the pricier iPhones, according to Chinese tech news site Gizmochina, while Sharp and O-film will produce camera modules for the more entry-level iPhones.
On the front of the new iPhones, Kuo suggests Apple will add a smaller lens for a smaller notch on the front of the device.
Possibly missing? Charger and earbuds
As reported by AppleInsider, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac back in June, Kuo believes Apple will not include two mainstays with all previous iPhones to date: a charger and earbuds.
That is, there will likely get a charging cable, which could plug into a device’s USB port, but no cube-shaped power adapter to go on the end, to insert into an AC plug – if this is true. You’ll also have to use your existing earbuds or headphones, wirelessly, or with a Lighting connection or adaptor.
As for the smartphone packaging, leaker l0vetodream on Twitter envisions “the new packaging box (will) become thinner and exquisite.”
Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. Email him or subscribe to his Tech It Out podcast at https://marcsaltzman.com/podcasts.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
