iPhone 12: Apple To Work On New Form Factor, 5G Support And UWB Technology

The iPhone 11 still coming strong in the mobile market, but rumors and speculations about its successor, the upcoming iPhone 12, device have already started in the tech world. The latest rumors suggest that the tech company might introduce a new form factor featuring smaller notch and wider antenna for 5G technology support. However, the most interesting and exciting feature is the company’s plan to use UWB technology in future Apple devices.

According to tipster and graphic designer Ben Geskin, the Cupertino-based company is, reportedly, working new Face ID prototypes with new optics. The company is also creating lenses that will make notches smaller, which might be used in the upcoming iPhone 12.

The renowned source laid down some design expectations for the upcoming iPhone 12 and other elements that the tech world could expect in 2020. Geskin believes that Apple will use a new Face ID prototype, which is said to be much smaller than the current components, for the imminent handset. The implication here, according to the tipster, is that the company is looking to reduce the size of the notch or even completely eliminating it by introducing Face ID components in a normal bezel.

On Twitter, Gaskin posted some part of a purported iPhone device that shows one of the 5G antennas of the new smartphone. He said that the 2020 iPhone prototypes will also include a makeover on the antenna lines. The 5G connectivity requires a different antenna and a 5G modem. So, a major iPhone redesign will likely help meet those requirements.

In addition to that, the tipster said that the future Apple iPhone 12 will also feature a three-layer logic board design. In fact, Geskin posted a render imager of this on Twitter. The works on layered logic boards will free up more internal space for other iPhone electronics components, which may include the electronics and circuity that will enable the 5G technology. This will allow the company to cram more circuitry inside the new device. The new three-layer logic board design could also help the tech giant reduce the size of the iPhone, make it much lighter, slimmer and more stylish in look.

Geskin also tweeted that Apple might also get rid of the Lightning port in the next series of devices, including the iPhone 12. Geskin said that the company has a long-term plan to make an iPhone a pure wireless device that doesn’t need a port used for data transfer and fast battery charging. But, unlike Android phones, which used the versatile USB-C port, Apple might consider using the UWB technology for the wireless charging and data transfer.

For starters, UWB (ultra-wideband ) is a radio technology that can be used in data collection and track locations with precision. This wireless technology is, reportedly, capable of a speed of up to 500Mbps at 3 meters distance.

UWB technology is no longer new for the Cupertino-based company. Apple has been working for wireless technology for months. In fact, the company’s new Find My app is believed to use UWB technology to track the exact locations of the items that have an Apple Tag attached to them.

Apple first introduced the works on ultra-wide technology in June 2019, when it revealed plans to incorporate UWB technology into the next lines of Apple devices -- not just iPhone. Right now, it still unclear how Apple will offer the UWB technology as an open feature that app developers can use to build their own iOS-based solutions and applications. Stay tuned for more iPhone 12 updates.