Only 'iPhone 12 Pro Max' will feature fastest mmWave 5G, report claims

Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider

Only one of Apple's upcoming "iPhone 12" models in 2020 will sport mmWave 5G, a new report claims, though there are reasons to take the prediction skeptically.

The "iPhone 12" lineup is largely expected to be the first to bring 5G support to Apple's handsets, including both speedy mmWave 5G and slower sub-6GHz 5G. There is differing information on which specific devices will support spectrum, however.

A new Fast Company report, citing a source in the wireless industry, claims that only the 6.7-inch "iPhone 12 Pro Max" device will support the ultra-fast mmWave spectrum.

That's because, as the source contends, only the largest iPhone expected in the fall will have the space and battery size to support the special antenna design and larger power draw that mmWave would require. Additionally, Fast Company reports that only "iPhone 12" models in the U.S., South Korea and Japan will support the top 5G spectrum.

While battery size and physical internal space are likely issues for 5G deployment, there are already devices smaller than the rumored 6.7-inch form factor of the "iPhone 12 Pro Max" that support 5G. Most notably, the 5.78-inch Samsung Galaxy S20 supports mmWave speeds.

Well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously forecast that all four "iPhone 12" models will support 5G, though he didn't specify which type. Other analysts, including several from JP Morgan, predict that two of the four iPhones released in 2020 will support mmWave.

Apple is expected to debut four "iPhone 12" models in 2020. The lineup will likely include 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch "iPhone 12" devices, and higher-tier 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch "iPhone 12 Pro" models.

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32 Comments

h4y3s

said about 3 years ago

It will be interesting to see if any of this makes any difference in the first year or so of 5G roll out. I don’t see any killer app “use cases” for 5G on an iPhone just now. I’m thinking it will more serve Internet of Things and self driving cars for the foreseeable future

baka-dubbs

said about 3 years ago

I just don't think mmWave is going to catch on or be widespread in the next five years. When current advertisement include "Partial coverage" in all of the limited cities that have had a rollout, it doesn't look promising. I think Tmobile's bet on the mid and low band 5g is going to payoff big for them in the next year or two. They have massive amounts of midband spectrum, which doesn't require a antennas on every block and can actually provide service inside of buildings, unlike mmWave. Basically, as long as the 12 comes with sub-6 5g modem, I wouldn't be too concerned.

As to what the benefit 5G could potentially provide, everything high speed mobile devices(laptops and such) to creating actual competition in the home internet market where many parts of the US only has one provider, as well asIOT and other constantly connected devices.

Scot1

said about 3 years ago

If this report is true then countries like Canada and their Apple fans are less likely to open their wallet for a phone that commands a premium price but doesn’t have the same features as our neighbours to the south.