New Apple iPhone XI Dummies May Confirm This Major Design Change
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Images of alleged iPhone XI dummy models have surfaced online. And they add to the mounting evidence that Apple is giving its iPhone cameras the triple-lens upgrade this year.
The photos (seen below) first appeared on Weibo, but were also republished on Slashleaks. And they appear to depict case moldings, which are dummy smartphones created by case manufacturers based on the latest leaked supply chain information. While the front side of the dummies don’t reveal too many changes, the rear of the case moldings appear to corroborate past iPhone XI rumors.
Specifically, both dummy iPhones line up with previous leaks and renders of the lineup’s alleged camera housing. All of these rumors point toward the fact that Apple is going to add a triple-lens camera to its upcoming flagships.
The aesthetic design of the alleged triple-lens camera, however, doesn’t appear to have many fans. On the other hand, Apple may add a specialized lens coating and increase the thickness of the devices to help the squarish camera housing better blend in with the rest of the body.
Appearance aside, a triple-lens camera setup will offer a number of photographic benefits for iPhone users — such as increased zoom, wider-angle shots, and a bump to augmented reality capabilities.
A past forecast by well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that both the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max would be getting a triple-lens upgrade, which could include the addition of an ultra-wide, Sony-produced 12-megapixel sensor.
Because of their origin, there’s no guarantee that the case moldings actually resemble what the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max will look like come September. But case manufacturers often go to varying lengths to get accurate information on upcoming devices so they can get a head start on case production.
Other rumors suggest that 2019’s iPhones could sport indoor navigation features, two-way wireless charging so they can juice up other devices, and USB-C fast charging accessories in the box.
While the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max are expected to get the triple-lens upgrade, the successor to last year’s iPhone XR is rumored to be moving to a dual-lens camera setup. And in addition to those devices, another report claims that Apple may add two more iPhones to the 2019 lineup.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]