iPhones are already wallet busters (often in surprising ways) and they look set to become even more expensive. But a leak from one of Apple’s most acclaimed insiders reveals a genuinely shocking design change to the iPhone XR which goes a long way towards explaining why.
In a new tweet Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka OnLeaks, has disclosed that all Apple’s new 2019 iPhone models - the iPhone 11, 11 Max and XR2 - will come with triple rear cameras. While this was widely tipped for the premium models (including by Hemmerstoffer himself), it’s genuinely jaw-dropping to learn that the XR may leap from a single to a triple camera in just one generation.
Tempering expectation, Hemmerstoffer does state the information comes from a new source but, as one of the best in the business, his “new and yet unconfirmed” sources have a habit of working out.
And yet, if Hemmerstoffer’s source is right, is this actually good news? It all depends on cost. The appeal of the iPhone XR is its (relatively) affordable price and one of the ways Apple achieved this was by ditching the 2x optical zoom camera. This proved an acceptable trade-off for many, so whether leaping to a triple lens impacts sends price spiralling will be the key factor. Especially with talk of rises on the horizon.
Moreover, if the XR2’s price does stay low, is this smart business by Apple if it risks cannibalisation of the premium models? Apple’s ongoing 5G troubles are well known, so perhaps the company deems extreme measures are necessary.
On interesting aside, Hemmerstoffer refers to Apple’s new models as iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max and iPhone XIR. Apple’s line-up was already a mouthful, but if the company is considering Roman numerals then it’s going to get a lot more complicated from here on.
All in all, I suggest you strap in tight. With Apple’s researchers already working overtime on a distant foldable iPhone, it was assumed 2019 would be less eventful but the surprises keep on coming.
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