Many people have been speculating that Apple will adopt a completely new design for the 5G iPhone in 2020. Now, LetsGoDigital has compiled three highly anticipated "iPhone 12" features, including a notchless full screen, an under-screen front camera, and an under-screen fingerprint recognition solution.
If so, this would be the first major design update introduced by Apple for its smartphone product line since the iPhone X was launched in September 2017.
Although the Essential Phone is the pioneer of notch display, it is the release of iPhone X that has led this trend for smartphone manufacturers. Unfortunately, to many enthusiasts, a screen with a notch is not a perfect solution.
In order to achieve a more beautiful full-screen smartphone design, some manufacturers have switched to pop-up cameras, under-screen openings, and even extreme double-sided screen solutions. However, looking forward to 2020, the hidden camera technology under the screen is expected to bring a leap forward.
After the fingerprint scanner is embedded under the screen (optical or ultrasonic scheme), the front camera is also expected to usher in progress hidden under the screen in 2020.
Earlier this year, OPPO and Xiaomi have demonstrated similar solutions. As for the handset and other sensors, you can also find a place to stay at the edge of the screen.
In mid-2019, there are rumors that Apple will use a new design on the 2020 iPhone. "China Times" quoted Credit Suisse's report that Apple is working on screen development for the 2020 iPhone.
In order to achieve the goal of full screen, Apple will put the TrueDepth camera under the screen (high-end models only), and the "iPhone 12" is expected to be equipped with an under-screen fingerprint scanner and cut off Face ID.
As for the cheaper entry-level "iPhone 12" model, or the design of the existing iPhone 11 product line. Just as the iPhone X introduced in 2017 was given a new design, and the iPhone 8/8 Plus retained the old design.
The Dutch technology blog LetsGoDigital editorial team found that this rumor was not fabricated, because Apple has applied for three well-known design patents in Japan, showing the iPhone style of a notchless screen.
The documents were published by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) on December 23, 2019, and each contained four images. At the same time Face ID was removed, the new iPhone also integrated an under-screen fingerprint and an under-screen camera. Unfortunately, I couldn't see the back of the phone.
The edges of the screen are rounded (similar to iPhone 8), and the receiver is located in the middle of the upper bezel. The key layout continues the style of the iPhone 11, such as the volume and mute switch on the left, but there is a slender multi-function button on the right.
