Kuo: iPhone 12 Lineup Won't Support 120Hz, 5.4-Inch Model Will Have Slightly Narrower Notch

iPhone 12 models will not support a 120Hz refresh rate due to battery life considerations, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today. Kuo expects the feature to debut on 2021 iPhones with lower-power LTPO display technology.

iphone 12 NO 120hz feature2
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, Kuo added that the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 will feature a slightly narrower notch to adequately display information in the top-left and top-right corners like the time and signal strength. The rest of the lineup, including two 6.1-inch models and one 6.7-inch model, is said to have the same notch size as iPhone 11 models.

The entire iPhone 12 lineup will support 5G, according to Kuo, with two versions of each model set to be available. This will include both sub-6GHz-only and sub-6GHz-plus-mmWave versions of the 5.4-inch iPhone 12, 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Max, 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, with shipments of the sub-6GHz-only versions beginning first.

Kuo expects tomorrow's Apple event to be focused on new Apple Watch and iPad Air models. He expects the new Apple Watch models to have a similar form factor as the Series 5, with a key new feature being blood oxygen sensing. Kuo believes the Apple Watch will not receive a significant redesign until the second half of 2021 at the earliest.

In line with previous rumors, Kuo said that the new iPad Air will feature Touch ID integrated into a side power button, which will apparently pave the way for an "all-screen" design like the iPad Pro. Kuo expects more new iPad models to adopt this feature starting in 2021.

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Top Rated Comments

dannyyankou Avatar
63 months ago
Wait if they’re capable of making a narrower notch, why not put it on the other models as well?
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nol2001 Avatar
63 months ago
It’s embarrassing to not have the 120fps most of the rivals’ phones already include.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
63 months ago
I wasn't planning on buying a 12 but now I'm not planning on buying a 12
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dmx Avatar
63 months ago
Ya know, they could just make it slightly thicker, like people have been asking for, and then put the killer 120hz display in it with a big battery.
The problem is Apple has this perverted obsession with making their products thinner, even at the expense of features and quality of the product.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
-BigMac- Avatar
63 months ago
well shucks. I don't care about 5G and the other features.
I'm a refresh rate snob and would take 120hz over extra battery life any day.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeeW Avatar
63 months ago
Not sure what benefit 120Mhz would bring to my life, so what I don't know about, I won't miss :)
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)