Apple’s massive iPhone 13 upgrade suddenly confirmed

Apple’s new iPhone 12 line was introduced with clear compromises on each model. Now Apple documentation has confirmed the first details of the next iPhone – and you may want to ditch this upgrade.

MORE FROM FORBESThe first Apple iPhone 13 leaks show smaller notches, ProMotion display and Touch IDBy Gordon Kelly

First discovered https://twitter.com/dnywlsh/status/1319003134119841794 and subsequently confirmed by MacRumors, page 71 of the deal filed with Qualcomm by Apple (following the couple’s longstanding litigation) reveals Apple’s 5G plans for the next four years. In addition, it is expressly confirmed that Apple will use Qualcomm’s radically updated X60 5G modem in 2021 “Apple Products” (read: iPhone) to address the worst flaws in the iPhone 12 lineup.

iPhone 12 models use Qualcomm’s X55 5G modem (also listed on the billing login and confirmed in an iPhone 12)

iPhone 12 confirmed to use Qualcomm X55 baseband.

via 重庆阿帅手机快修科技 pic.twitter.com/avD9JY9s3e

— DuanRui (@duanrui1205) October 22, 2020

) and this hardware not only comes with a high markup, but also has high power consumption and limited international support. This forced Apple to make several compromises with significant consequences.

First, the cost was cut. Most famous of all was Apple’s decision to remove EarPods and a charger from iPhone 12 boxes. Most significant, however, was the company’s move to also cut costs by installing smaller batteries across the range. The latter decision combined with the high power consumption of the X55 means that tests have confirmed that they offer poorer battery life to their predecessors. This also explains the lack of 120 Hz ProMotion displays. Apple also doesn’t support the fastest 5G (‘mmWave’) standard for an iPhone 12 model outside the US, and Multi-Sim 5G is not available.

But the X60 changes everything. Unlike the X55, it can be integrated into the main chipset of a phone, saving space, reducing battery consumption and lowering costs. It is compatible with 5G networks worldwide, supports dual sim and even aggregates 5W networks with mmWave and sub-6GHz (slower, longer range) at the same time for excellent performance.

All of this explains why the first iPhone 13 leaks were read like a wish list of everything we didn’t get from the iPhone 12 range. In addition, the iPhone 13 series will be the first models to feature a smaller notch and an on-screen Touch ID (in addition to the Face ID) that offers the flexibility a mask-wearing world needs.

Yes, iPhone 12 models have absolutely solid upgrade options, but they are undoubtedly affected by the tradeoffs introduced by the X55 modem. Thanks to Apple’s own documentation, we know that the gloves will be taken off next year.

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