'아이폰12' Launch Imminent... Three Key Points to Watch

South Korea Likely Included in iPhone 12 First Release Countries
Four Models from iPhone 12 Mini to Max
Will A14 Chipset Be Equipped... Dual and Triple Cameras
Premium Cable Provided Instead of Earphones and Charger

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It has become highly likely that South Korea will be included in the first wave of countries to launch the iPhone 12 next month. The prevailing expectation is that Apple will release the first 5G iPhone in the country where 5G service was commercialized earliest, aiming to build momentum.

According to industry sources on the 30th, South Korea is expected to be among the first countries to launch the iPhone 12 series. Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 series may begin domestically as early as the end of October.

An industry insider explained, "There is no other place with a 5G network as widespread as in South Korea, and replacement demand has accumulated significantly, so the iPhone 12 will be released faster here than in previous years."

Key Point One: South Korea Likely a First-Wave Launch Country

If the domestic release date is brought forward as expected, consumers will be able to purchase the iPhone 12 around the same time or even earlier than usual, despite delays in the new iPhone launch. Until now, even though the iPhone was unveiled at a September event and released first in the U.S. that same month, South Korea was not included in the first wave of launch countries, so purchases could only begin at the end of October.

Apple’s reason for selecting South Korea as a first-wave launch country is its 5G infrastructure. As of the end of July, South Korea’s 5G subscriber base surpassed 7.85 million. Since the iPhone 12 series will be the first smartphone released with 5G, Apple sees this as an opportunity to increase its iPhone market share in South Korea. Domestic carriers are also expected to launch large-scale marketing campaigns, viewing this as a chance to attract 5G subscribers.

IT tipster John Prosser revealed that Apple will unveil the iPhone 12 series on the 13th of next month (local time) and begin shipping on the 23rd. Although the date for Apple’s iPhone 12 launch event has not been officially confirmed, the 13th is widely considered the most likely. The imminent unveiling was mentioned in an internal presentation video from a UK carrier, and Japan’s Nikkei Asian Review reported that production of the iPhone 12 began in mid-September. There is a high possibility that Apple will release the iPhone 12 before the U.S. presidential election on November 3, when public attention will be focused elsewhere.

Key Point Two: What Are the Differences Among the Four iPhone 12 Models?

The iPhone 12 series will be released in four models: two with 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch screens, and one with a 6.7-inch screen. The 5.4-inch model is expected to be named 'iPhone 12 Mini,' the 6.1-inch models will likely be called iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch model is expected to be named iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The iPhone 12 Mini is sized between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8, and there are forecasts it will be released as an LTE model. Additionally, the largest iPhone ever is anticipated: the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max will be larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

All four models will feature OLED displays and have edges similar to the squared-off design of the iPhone 4. According to Bloomberg and others, the notch design on the iPhone 12 will be retained, but the notch size on higher-end models like the iPhone 12 Pro and Max is expected to be significantly reduced.

Key Point Three: Differences Among the Four iPhone 12 Models

The iPhone 12 is expected to be equipped with Apple’s A14 processor. Apple’s partner TSMC began producing the A14 chipset using a 5-nanometer process from the second quarter. The previous A13 chipset was made with a 7-nanometer process, so the A14 chipset is likely to be faster and more power-efficient.

The top two iPhone 12 models will feature triple cameras, while the lower two models will have dual cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro and Max models will include a ToF 3D sensor. This sensor allows high-quality 3D photo capture and augmented reality (AR) functions, using a front TrueDepth camera system similar to that used for Face ID. The lower models are expected to have ultra-wide and wide lenses.

There are also forecasts that the iPhone 12 series will start at $749, $50 higher than the previous iPhone 11 ($699). The inclusion of 5G components makes a price increase inevitable, but to maintain a price level similar to last year, chargers and wired earphones will not be included by default. Reducing accessories also decreases package size, lowering shipping costs. Not providing chargers also helps environmental protection. Instead of chargers and earphones, it is rumored that the iPhone 12 package will include a premium, more durable Lightning cable.