Apple might launch two new iPhones with triple cameras this year

Most rumors about this year’s iPhones, which are likely to be launched in the fall, have so far assumed that Apple will upgrade the three existing models: the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. 

But a new report by Japanese blog Macotakara (via 9to5Mac) claims Apple plans to launch two new models with 6.1-inch and 6.5-inch OLED screens and three cameras on the back. 

The report, citing sources from Apple’s supply chain in China, says that these two models’ cameras will have larger lenses and, probably, larger sensors. The report is accompanied by a mock-up image and a video (see below) which I hope the actual iPhones will look nothing like. 

Both phones will be a bit thicker than their iPhone XS/XS Max counterparts, and they’ll have a USB-C connector, an 18W USB-C power adapter (finally, fast charging right in the box!), and bilateral wireless charging, the report claims. In terms of size, the 6.1-inch iPhone would sit right in between the 5.8-inch iPhone XS and the 6.1-inch iPhone XR, which has an LCD screen and thus slightly bigger bezels. 

The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will look the same but will have updated internals, including a new chip. 

The report is a bit hard to believe, as it would complicate Apple’s phone lineup tremendously. It would also be the first time Apple has launched five new phones in one year. However, Apple hasn’t exactly been shy when it comes to broadening its product lineups: Just look at Apple’s current iPad lineup, which consists of five basic models after Apple resurrected the iPad Air earlier this year. 

Previous reports indicated that the only phone to receive the triple camera will be the successor to the iPhone XS Max. Interestingly, on Friday, leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer said that three iPhone models will get the triple rear camera this year, which again contradicts Macotakara’s report.