Components for the upcoming iPhone 12 may soon go into production as a new rumor indicates TSMC may begin building the Apple A14 processing chip before the end of June.
While unconfirmed, the report from DigiTimes has drummed up buzz due to its claim that the A14 chip will include a Qualcomm X60 modem to enable 5G. The modem, newly announced in February, has not been slated for devices until 2021. Still, this launch cycle is not traditional, and Apple could be looking for ways to ensure it can stand out while introducing its first 5G smartphone.
If Apple snagged the new modem now it could potentially be the first smartphone on the market with this feature. The Qualcomm X60 is compatible with a wider range of 5G networks older versions, allowing support for Millimeter Wave, rather than just sub-6GHz 5G. The A14 is also expected to be the first Apple chip produced with a 5-nanometer process, which could bring improvements to device performance and battery life. These would all be excellent marketing points for the brand and its flagship that will be released during a time where many consumers may not be as interested in high-spec and high-priced devices.
Prior reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and the Nikkei Asian Review have suggested that the iPhone 12 may feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modem for 5G. However, there is word that the iPhone launch may be delayed overall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have given Apple the time to rethink its feature strategy. Digitimes noted that production for the iPhone 11’s A13 chip began in May 2019, in time for a September launch. But the iPhone 12 may be announced as late as October. The iPhone 12 itself may also begin production July.
Digitimes is known to not have the most accurate reports so the industry will surely be on the lookout for additional information to support these claims.
Other reports indicate that there may be at least four iPhone 12 models, including a standard iPhone 12 in 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch versions, a 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. The devices are all expected to feature OLED displays, the A14 chip, and 5G connectivity.
