KEY POINTS

  • Apple is anticipated to launch the iPhone 12 series sometime this year
  • Rumors have it that the upcoming flagship line up will be available in four models
  • A research note from a British bank and financial services anticipate that the iPhone 12 would not ship with this standard accessory

The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple is expected to launch its new flagship series in the late part of 2020. Ahead of the anticipated debut of the iPhone 12 series, British bank and financial services company Barclays shared its expectation for the upcoming lineup. Based on the company’s talks with several Apple supply chain members, the iPhone 12 series might not include a charger or earpods at launch.

Barclays’ list of iPhone 12 expectations is included in a recent research note picked up by Macrumors. According to the financial services company, the Cupertino tech titan might not ship the iPhone 12 series with a charger or EarPods. The company’s expectation seemingly aligns with earlier claims made by TFI Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Wedbush Securities Analyst Dan Ives.

The analysts also noted that they heard that the iPhone 12 line up might drop the power adapter. In other words, this leaves the iPhone 12 with only a USB-C or Lightning cable. This contrasts a recent leak on Twitter where the tipster showed a couple of images of the rumored 20-W power adapter of the iPhone 12.

Apple, expected to see sharp declines in iPhone sales, unveiled its entry-level smartphone last week which could help limit the damage
Apple, expected to see sharp declines in iPhone sales, unveiled its entry-level smartphone last week which could help limit the damage Apple Inc. / Handout

The major reason for the non-inclusion of these standard accessories on the iPhone 12is reportedly due to Apple’s aim to push the sales of its AirPods. Some tech enthusiasts view this strategy as a “risky move,” considering that customers might not like shelling out extra cash for earphones or headphones.

Barclays believed that the mass production of the iPhone 12 series would be behind its earlier schedule. However, it is optimistic that Apple would still launch the flagship iPhone series in September of this year. Considering what Apple did with the iPhone X and iPhone XR, and with reports of delayed production because of supply chain issues, some models might be up for order until October or November.

It is worth mentioning that Apple always ships wired headphones in the box whenever it releases an iPhone. Several smartphone makers shipped cheaper devices without headphones but flagship smartphones do not ditch this standard accessory. The latest information about the iPhone 12 is interesting but it is important to take note that it is not yet official and is only based on analysts’ expectations.

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