Alleged iPhone XI schematics show triple-camera, corroborate previously-leaked design
Alleged iPhone XI prototype design
The 'ugly' iPhone XI prototype could be the chosen one
Coinciding with the prototype design leaked by tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer almost three months ago, today’s leaked schematics show a triple-camera setup in the top-left corner of the flagship. But rather than choosing the horizontal setup found on the other iPhone prototype, or even elongating the vertical camera module found on the iPhone XS series, as you would expect, Apple appears to have chosen a rather odd-looking square-shaped camera bulge.
Details about this new setup remain scarce at the minute but, just like Apple's previous iPhones, the left column of sensors should correspond with the main camera and the telephoto alternative. Speaking of which, one previous report pointed towards 14-megapixel and 10-megapixel resolutions for these cameras respectively. Unfortunately, though, no further information was provided at the time.
The right side, on the other hand, remains a bit more of a mystery. However, the expectation is that it'll include a quad-LED flash towards the top. This should then be paired with a third camera in the middle, which may well boast a wide-angle lens, and potentially a Time-of-Flight sensor underneath which should help with both bokeh imagery and AR content by capturing depth information in real time.
Just another leak seemingly confirming my January #iPhoneXI prototype leak accuracy... pic.twitter.com/qVWF59GgKr
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) March 28, 2019
To further corroborate this previous leak, Hemmerstoffer merged these new schematics with the CAD-based render he published earlier this year. As clearly visible, the camera modules on the two line up perfectly. As an added bonus, a separate report published just two weeks ago claimed that Apple had chosen this design.
As this smartphone lineup is still a number of months away, changes could still be made to the iPhone XI’s design before it’s announced. This design does now look increasingly likely, though.
A smaller notch up front and some important new features
In addition to the revised rear design, Apple is rumored to be preparing some small external changes to the front of the phone. After using virtually the same displays on the iPhone X and iPhone XS lineups, the iPhone XI series is expected to make use of an upgraded panel that boasts slightly smaller bezels. In addition to this, the controversial notch is expected to see a reduction in size made possible by in-display technology and smaller Face ID components.
Alongside these visual upgrades, a number of other improvements are to be expected too. More specifically, the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max should benefit from Apple's next-gen A13 chip paired with the highly-anticipated iOS 13 release which should finally integrate a native Dark Mode. The 2019 flagships may also support reverse wireless charging for the first time, allowing users to charge both their Apple Watch and AirPods by placing them on top of the devices.
iPhone XI running iOS 13 and Dark Mode concept render
While on the topic of charging, 2019 may also be the year in which Apple upgrades its chargers. For years Apple has shipped its iPhones with 5W chargers as standard, despite the fact they support fast charging, but it's now believed that the iPhone XI series will swap out the current charging bricks for more powerful 18W USB-C chargers. However, there probably won't be USB Type-C ports on the phones themselves – Apple is expected to stick with the Lightning connector yet again.
Apple iPhone XI announcement and release date
As many of you probably know, Apple usually announces its latest iPhones at an annual event held in early September – it has done this every year since 2012 – and this year is expected to be no different.
If Apple continues with tradition, the event should be held on either September 10th or September 11th. A few days later, on Friday, September 13th, pre-orders should kick off prior to a release one week later on September 20th.
At the event, it seems likely that a number of other products will be announced including the Apple Watch Series 5 and potentially the company's first pair of AR glasses.
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