Expectations are high for Apple’s upcoming iPhone launches later this year, as they should give the Samsung’s competitive Galaxy lineup. The iPhone XI models are expected to be released sometime in September, and a number of recent rumors have revealed what to expect.
Steve Hemmerstoffer – popularly known as OnLeaks – has disclosed via Twitter that all iPhone XI models released in 2019 will feature some huge design changes.
Notably, it’s been rumored that all upcoming iPhones will ditch the single and double rear cameras for a new and improved triple rear camera setup.
Interestingly, Hemmerstoffer refers to these models as the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR, instead of iPhone 11. Could this hint at the continued use of Roman Numerals for future iPhone versions? Perhaps so.
The news of a triple rear camera setup may not come as a shock to many iPhone enthusiasts – Apple has been building up to this moment for some time now.
The real head turner is how fast the rumored upgrade is coming – a leap from one camera to three in just one generation, where iPhone users are accustomed to slowing, and incremental changes between models.
Just another leak seemingly confirming my January #iPhoneXI prototype leak accuracy… ? pic.twitter.com/qVWF59GgKr
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) March 28, 2019
Though he states that his prediction for the iPhone XI is from a “yet unconfirmed source”, Hemmerstoffer is known to be one of the best in the prediction business, making him quite a reliable source. In 2018 alone, he accurately predicted the features of 23 devices amongst many other design secrets and device information.
Other sources are even more specific – both the three rear cameras and the single front camera on the XI models are expected to be 12 megapixels, a huge improvement from the current 7-megapixel cameras on the XR, XS, and XS max.
The iPhone XR models have maintained massive appeal due to their affordability in comparison to the newer models, such as the XS and XS Max. The XR models achieved their affordability by opting for a single camera as opposed to the double rear cameras featured on the XS and XS Max.
Where the iPhone XR models range from $749 to $899, the XS and XS Max cost $999 ($1,349 for the 512GB version) and $1,999 respectively.
This difference of a couple of hundred dollars between the XR and XS (and even more with the XS Max) may suggest that the leap from a single (XR) to triple rear camera setup (upcoming XI models) may present additional increases in price.
Additional cameras aside, there are already a number of other speculations surrounding price increments for these models. The new models are rumored to feature OLED screens and are expected to be the first to feature USB-C as well as the first to ship with iOS 13.
There have also been rumors about the new models also having reverse charging capabilities. Again, new features that are likely to see iPhone prices increase even more.
Could this prove detrimental for Apple in the long run, especially considering its recent iPhone sales struggles?
Whatever the changes Apple has in store for its newer models, iPhone users around the world are excited and expectant pending their releases. The jump to the triple rear camera may be smooth after all, regardless of price.
