Highlights
- Leakers show 3 or 4 new models to succeed the iPhone X series
- New models set to be announced either on September 10 or 11
- Major iteration will be a triple camera system (high-end models)
- Low-end variant is reportedly to be named iPhone 11 R
- The high-end ones include the iPhone 11, 11 Max and 11 Pro
- There's no confirmation from Apple
We're updating this story as fresh information comes
Dubai: September is when Apple typically announces the latest iterations of its iconic iPhones.
A few weeks before the launch, leaks of several new iPhone models are splashed by leakers in big way, with bits about the models, specs, looks and — and prices.
Techradar, a popular tech site, reported the three new models will be released on September 10 or 11. Other sources, such as Cnet, reported that there would actually be four — instead of three — new iPhone 11s rolling out.
As usual, there's no word from Apple about iPhone 11s, and at this point, there's only uncertainty on whether it will be "iPhone 11" or the Roman numerals "iPhone XI".
But leakers such as popular YouTuber Filip Koroy (aka EverythingApplePro) and XDA-Developers’ Max Weinbach revealed that Apple is making significant design, camera, Face ID and storage upgrades.
Speculators, bloggers and tweeps, citing leaks from supposed OEM suppliers, had also thrown various names and collected leaks about the design, specs and features for the following reported models:
1) iPhone 11
2) iPhone 11 Pro
3) iPhone 11 R
4) iPhone 11 Max
The No. 3 variant above (the iPhone 11R) is how tech bloggers call them for now. They dub it as the likely successor the iPhone XR. But there's a caveat: This naming convention may actually change during the September launch, they said.
Among the supposed leak source is ESR, a case maker, with an Excel file of different models and dimensions.
5G compatible
With a new mobile communications technology rolling out, the question has been asked: Will the new iPhone 11s be 5G ready?
This remains to be seen, as some tech bloggers state in the affirmative, with others in the negative.
How would the iPhones stack up against rivals? Here's one comparing the supposed new iPhone model with the Samsung Note 10.
Specs
Bolstered by the supposed ESR spreadsheet, leakers have claimed the following screen sizes for the iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11 — 6.1 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro — 5.8 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro Max — 6.5 inches
There's no mention of an iPhone 11R on the ESR spreadsheet. But these screen sizes, if confirmed, are the same as those on iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
Screen and camera
For the high-end models, a significant design iteration is the rear camera block: The iPhone 11 (and also iPhone 11 Max?) will feature a triple rear camera system.
Many of the reported leaks so far show the more premium iPhone 11 models. Now, cameras are expected to sit in a square block at the top left corner, making them rather more prominent.
9to5Mac, an Apple news and Mac fan site, reported that the successor to the iPhone XR, (iPhone 11R) will come with an LCD screen panel, and will be upgraded from a single rear lens to a dual-camera system.
By comparison, the current iPhone XR has a small single-lens snapper, while the iPhone X and high-end variants sport dual lenses.
Operating system
As expected, iPhone 11 will ship with iOS 13, the thirteenth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., being the successor to iOS 12.
It was announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 3, 2019, and is scheduled to be released in September 2019.
iPhone 11R release date and price
Interestingly, tech junkies have also sliced and diced the supposed iPhone 11R even before any word about it from the manufacturer is out.
- What is it: The successor to the iPhone XR
- When is it out? September 10
- What will it cost? A lot — but less than the iPhone 11
iPhone 11R release date and price
Leakers have cited an image showing September 10 in the iOS 13 beta, which bolsters their claims that iPhone 11R is likely to land on September 10.
Some bloggers, however, state September 11 as the launch date, with pre-orders likely opening on Friday September 13.
Historically, the iPhone XR actually went on sale later than the iPhone XS range, with people unable to buy it until October 26 of 2018, so a similar delay may be possible.
Evan Blass @evleaks, a reputable leaker, posted a timeline from Verizon, a US wireless telecommunications giant, suggesting a late September announcement for the iPhone 11 range.
The Verizon timeline also states that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 as landing in mid-late August, the iPhone 11 range in late September and the Google Pixel 4 range in mid-October.
As for the price, there’s not much reliable information for now — but a price rise for the most basic model seems unlikely.
iPhone 11 or iPhone XI?
Still, there’s the question on whether or not ‘11’ will be used, or whether Apple will use ‘XI’ instead.
Price
Some leakers expect the price of the iPhone 11R will be some something similar to the $749 starting price of the iPhone XR (at Dh2,788 for 128GB version on amazon.ae; and Dh3170 on Apple store; and Dh2,570 on Etisalat; Dh2,772 on du).
Some reports have it that the iPhone 11 Pro (enhanced microphones and triple lens) — will have a base price of $1,500 (about Dh5,550).
As usual, no statement comes out of the Cupertino, California company on their new products until the release date itself.
Gulf News will be reporting on the live Apple event — to bring you up to speed with tech news.