By Chand Bellur
July 23, 2020 at 2:51 p.m. PT
- Recent certification filings for the iPhone 12 indicate that Apple’s next smartphones may feature 2,815 mAh or weaker batteries.
- The previous iPhone 11 lineup features batteries that range from 3110 mAh to 3669 mAh.
- Rumors suggest that Apple will also include a new, more durable braided Lightning cable.
Some iPhone 12 Models May Get Weaker Battery
iPhone critics have long maligned Apple’s iconic device for its relatively weak battery. It’s a cheap shot, as the iPhone is much more power-efficient than competing devices. Recent advances, such as more efficient screens and software improvements, further improve iPhone battery life.
Tech site MySmartPrice recently uncovered evidence suggesting that at least some iPhone 12 models will sport a less powerful 2,815 mAh battery. In fact, the entire lineup will feature batteries with significantly diminished capacity than last year’s models.
According to MySmartPrice, the iPhone 12 lineup will range between 2227 mAh and 3687 mAh. The top of the line iPhone 12 will have a higher battery capacity than last year’s counterpart. Other models, however, will feature weaker batteries than previous iPhones.
Rumor Based on Certification Filings
Apple rumors tend to run wild and rampant early on in the product cycle. As we get closer to the launch date, Apple must file for certifications with international governing and standards organizations. These tend to be the most reliable rumors.
MySmartPrice obtained information about batteries in Apple’s next-generation iPhone through filings with Safety Korea and 3C. The rumors appear to be reliable. The batteries in question will only work with an iPhone or iPod touch. It’s doubtful that Apple will release a wide array of new iPod touch models.
User’s Won’t Notice Weaker Battery
Apple designs its own processors for the iPhone, as opposed to using a generic chip. This gives Apple the unique advantage of synergizing software and hardware. While other companies can suggest that Qualcomm or other manufacturers add specific features, working across enterprises is not easy. Generic processor manufacturers need to appeal to multiple companies, and compromise is part of the deal.
By developing its own processors, Apple can ensure they’re efficient and do no more than required. Their processor design specialists work hard to offload common, frequent software tasks onto “system on chip” (SoC) implementations. Processor-intensive tasks such as video encoding, decoding, and playback are all done directly on the processor. Users experience fast, responsive apps while battery drainage is minimal.
Apple is one of the few tech corporations that enjoy this advantage. Since they manufacture a few devices, many of which share the same processor, Apple has a massive economies of scale effect. They can continue to produce relatively inexpensive devices with industry-leading performance and efficiency.
When the iPhone 12 launches, critics will pan Apple’s new phones for their weaker batteries. It’s rare for a company to include a weaker battery in a more modern phone. Perhaps “weak” is an inappropriate word. If anything, Apple is choosing an appropriate battery for new, more efficient iPhones.
There are advantages to choosing a smaller-capacity battery. The device will charge faster. An appropriately powered battery will also improve thermodynamics within the device. Batteries tend to generate more heat than other smartphone components.
Don’t worry about battery life. Apple is committed to giving users 10+ hours of actual-use battery life on every iPhone. If you’re concerned about specs, perhaps an iPhone is not for you. Apple doesn’t even list battery capacity under tech specs. It’s all about how many hours a device can operate with one charge, and Apple still delivers what most consumers expect.
Braided Lightning Cable with iPhone 12
Apple is not replacing the iPhone’s Lightning connector with USB-C. In my experience, only people who don’t own an iPhone are concerned about this. Everyone else seems to understand that switching to USB-C is detrimental to customers and accessory manufacturers.
Although the current Lightning cable is rugged and robust, Apple will replace this with a braided cloth version. The new cable should be more flexible and durable, ensuring that Apple customers end up with a drawer full of unused Lightning cables for years to come.