Barclays: iPhone 12 Models Will Have 'Refreshed' Face ID System, Lightning Connector Could Be Dropped in 2021

iPhone 12 models will feature a "refreshed" front-facing TrueDepth system that benefits Apple supplier Lumentum, according to Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis, Thomas O'Malley, and Baylie Harri. This suggests that Face ID could be improved on iPhone 12 models, but no specific details were provided.

face id scan
In a research note provided to MacRumors, the analysts added that the rear-facing camera system on iPhone 12 Pro models will feature 3D sensing based on a time-of-flight solution, as widely rumored. They also expect iPhone 12 Pro models to be equipped with 6GB of RAM, up from 4GB in iPhone 11 Pro models.

The biggest change of all could come next year, as the analysts said they see potential for Apple to remove the Lightning connector from at least one iPhone model in 2021, echoing a prediction shared by fellow analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month. This could result in wired EarPods being removed from the box, they said.

Kuo has said that Apple plans to release five new iPhone models in 2020, including a lower-end "iPhone SE 2" or "iPhone 9" by the end of March and four higher-end, 5G-enabled models in the fall.

Correction: A previous version of this article listed Apple supplier Lite-On Semiconductor in the first paragraph. The supplier mentioned in the research note was actually Lumentum.

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Top Rated Comments

chrixxa Avatar
44 months ago
a completely wireless device is absolutely stupid
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LV426 Avatar
44 months ago

No Lightning or USB-C. No wired charging or I/O. Completely wireless.
That would seriously **** up people who have expensive cars with wired-only CarPlay.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jarmstr Avatar
44 months ago
Hope they add USB type C so it can share the newer Mac & iPad connectors.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
farewelwilliams Avatar
44 months ago
“This suggests that Face ID could be improved on iPhone 12 models, but no specific details were provided.”

My data shows the camera will possibly be refreshed and could be improved on iPhone 12 models. Can I be an analyst now?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1bcoolrob Avatar
44 months ago
Just preordered
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benshive Avatar
44 months ago

No Lightning or USB-C. No wired charging or I/O. Completely wireless.
I already rarely ever use the lightning port so that wouldn't be much of a problem. I'll be interested in seeing what they do for charging though. If they don't include a wireless charger in every box, then you'll be buying the device with no way to charge it in the box. Plus, if Apple doesn't end up developing their own wireless charger, you'll be required to go out and buy a third party charger to be able to even use the device.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)