It seems like it’s impossible to make it through the summer without leaks about upcoming iPhones. From iPhone 11 supply chain leaks to iPhone XI case-maker models, 2019 is no different.
With so many holes in the supply chain, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect this year. Thanks to sources online, we’ve got dummy iPhone XI, XI Max, and XIr models to give us a taste of this year’s iPhone lineup. (We still don’t know the exact model names, though.)
Turning iPhone X up to XI
Looking at the iPhone 11 dummy models, much of the overall design is very similar to that of the iPhone X, Xs, Xr and Xs Max. While many (including myself) hoped for 2018 iPad Pro-inspired design, it appears Apple will stick to its 2017 design aesthetic. Some would even say the design goes back to the iPhone 6 — a 5-year-old design.
Based on these dummy units, the shape remains rounded on the edges. The screen sizes appear unchanged. The volume buttons, mute switch and power button all sit in the same spots. The port along the bottom, according to these models, is still Lightning. The camera, from what we can tell, is the only significant change coming in 2019.
The biggest bump Apple has ever made
Looking at the back of these iPhone 11 models shows the biggest change to the iPhone in 2019. A large camera bump the size of a postage stamp is expected to hold the new camera arrays.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 11 and 11 Max (or is that iPhone XI and XI Max?) are expected to have a trio of cameras, adding an ultra-wide-angle lens to the standard and telephoto lens introduced with the iPhone 7. The iPhone 11R (iPhone XIr) is expected to sport a pair of lenses. While most expect a standard and telephoto lens, some are hoping to see a standard and ultra-wide lens on the R models.
The entire camera assembly, based on these dummy units, will remain in the upper corner of the device, as it has since the original iPhone.
Other new iPhone features we expect
Along with the updates to the camera system on the 2019 iPhone models, many expect a few minor changes. One rumored change is reverse inductive wireless charging, which would allow you to juice up AirPods or other Qi-compatible devices from your iPhone.
There’s also plenty of smoke to indicate that 3D Touch is going away this year. With many of the 3D Touch actions in iOS 13 being shifted to long-press actions, it’s likely that Apple will move to Haptic Touch this year (similar to the iPhone Xr last year).
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Some less-promising rumors suggest there could be an in-screen fingerprint sensor to go along with Face ID. While this could still happen, it seems less than likely, given Apple’s emphasis on the security of Face ID.
All-in-all, the iPhone 11 is looking to be a somewhat minor update to Apple’s most popular device. That said, there are always software changes that could make this year’s iPhones more appealing to the masses.
For now, we’re crossing our fingers that Apple will surprise us this fall.
