Apple’s 2020 iPhone 12 Lineup Prices Could Soar Due To Advanced Features

Apple is currently making it big with the iPhone 11 series. The lineup, which includes the most affordable Apple flagship and two of the best iPhones yet, boasts of the latest advancements in technologies Cupertino has to offer.

These technologies, which include the best camera setup of any smartphone to date, seem to make Apple’s pricing scheme justified. The iPhone X, released two years ago, was sold for $999 but featured advanced Face ID technology. The iPhone XS Max, released last year, had better features compared to the iPhone X and was sold for at least $1,099.

This year’s top-of-the-line Pro models, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, sell for at least $999 and $1,099 respectively despite the advanced features they have. Next year’s iPhone models might not follow this pricing scheme, however, and might be sold at higher prices.

Why the price hike?

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accuracy when it comes to making Apple predictions, said Apple might increase the prices of next year’s iPhone 12 lineup for a few reasons:

First, the 2020 iPhone, which is expected to be the iPhone 12 and not the iPhone 11s as per iMore, will have a metal frame made using new materials. This metal frame, which is made using a complex manufacturing process, will have a complex segmentation design. Overall, the iPhone will be reminiscent of the iPhone 4: a glass assembly will protect the metal frame and its trenching.

Second, next year’s iPhones will have support for the 5G network. This is made possible by a Qualcomm modem inside the devices. MacRumors noted that the 2020 iPhones will signal Apple’s plan to transition from Intel to Qualcomm after settling with the latter over legal disagreements.

Two of next year’s higher-end iPhone models will feature 5G support. An affordable model, following in the steps of the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, will be cheaper but support LTE only.

Third, the 2020 iPhones will have better features compared to the current lineup. One upgrade will be the addition of a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor to the camera. This will greatly enhance the iPhone’s AR capabilities.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office also released a patent revealing Apple’s plans for an advanced under-display Touch ID feature that uses sensors made up of optical imaging arrays. Previous reports revealed that Apple indeed planned to revive the feature and bring it to future iPhones. Next year’s models might be the first to see its return.

Despite Kuo’s accuracy in making Apple predictions, fans should take the predicted price hike with a grain of salt. Best wait for Apple to announce it next year.