New look rumored for Apple iPhone XR sequel

While we haven't a clue about the name Apple will use for the 2019 version of its "more affordable" iPhone XR model, possible monikers include the iPhone XR (2019), iPhone XR 2 and the iPhone 11R. For now, the latter name seems the most possible, so for the purposes of this article, let's refer to the phone using that title. And that leads us to the latest leak related to the iPhone 11R, which most likely won't be unveiled until September if Apple sticks with tradition. Japan's Mac Otakara reports (via AppleInsider) that it has been told by a reliable source that Apple will replace two color options with two new hues for the 2019 model.

If the report is true, the coral and blue color options will be replaced by green and lavender. The other choices will remain the same: white, black, yellow and (PRODUCT)Red. Renders of the iPhone 11R leaked out just a few days ago and the phone is expected to be equipped with the same rear camera housing seen on renders of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max.. That is to say that there will be a square-shaped module in the upper left corner of the phone's rear. Unlike its higher-priced siblings, the iPhone 11R will have two cameras on the back compared to three for the others; the iPhone XR sports only one. And yes, there is a small camera bump. The latest speculation calls for the module on the iPhone 11R to contain a 12MP primary camera and a camera with a telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max could have a similar setup, but with its third camera offering an ultra-wide lens.

The 2019 iPhones, including the iPhone 11R, are expected to add a new reverse wireless charging feature. That will allow the phone to be used as a wireless charging pad to help replenish battery power to compatible phones, the AirPods carrying case and the Apple Watch. Of course, the downside is that using this feature will zap battery life from the host phone. Because of this new capability, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (currently plying his trade at TF International) forecasts a small 5% bump in the capacity of the iPhone 11R's battery. That would mean that the iPhone XR sequel would sport a 3089 mAh battery compared to the 2942mAh capacity on the current model. The iPhone XR does happen to have the best battery life of any iPhone in history, even topping the impressive battery life found on the iPhone 8 Plus.

The iPhone 11R will be powered by Apple's A13 SoC, designed by the company and manufactured by TSMC. You can expect it to be equipped with an Intel modem chip (we wouldn't expect to see the return of Qualcomm until the 2020 models are launched) and a change to the antenna system will improve indoor navigation on all three 2019 iPhones.

Today's leak also includes some information about the silicone cases for the "iPhone XS/XS Max." We believe that the report is actually talking about the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max, and it says that the color options for the accessories will arrive in white, black, spearmint, Mellow Yellow, (PRODUCT)Red and Lilac. Currently, Apple sells silicone cases for the 2018 iPhones for $39.

The Apple iPhone XR was the most popular phone in North America during the first quarter of this year, according to a recent report from Canalys. The phone had a 13% market share in the continent from January through March more than doubling the share collected by the two models tied for second. That would be the Samsung Galaxy S10e and Samsung Galaxy S10+, each with 6% of the market during the quarter.