iPhone 12 Pro Max CAD-based renders reveal smaller notch, Smart Connector and more

Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup is expected to launch in September this year. The new iPhones are expected to include four models, including a base 5.4-inch variant, two 6.1-inch phones and a large 6.7-inch model. The iPhone 12 Pro Max will sport a 6.7-inch display, and will be Apple’s largest iPhone yet. Previous rumours have indicated that the new iPhones will feature a squared-off stainless frame that is reminiscent of the iPhone 4 design. The Pro models are also expected to feature a LiDAR sensor, as seen on the new iPad Pro 2020. While we still have a few months to go before launch, we now have a look at the first CAD-based renders of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, courtesy of Max Weinbach and YouTube channel Everything Apple Pro.

iPhone 12 Pro Max display and notch

The iPhone 12 Pro Max will feature a stainless steel frame and square camera module

The early CAD-based renders are about 70 percent accurate according to the source, which means the final design could change slightly at launch. The dimensions of the new iPhone are 160.84 x 78.09 x 7.39mm, which make it slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, but thinner around the waist. Even though the iPhone 12 Pro Max packs in a larger 6.7-inch display than its predecessor (which featured a 6.5-inch screen), Apple has managed to keep the overall size down by reducing the bezels. These now measure just 1.55mm, compared to 2.52mm on the 11 Pro Max.
Apple hasn’t switched to a completely notch-less design yet, but the notch is noticeably smaller than the iPhone 11 models. There are two notch designs Apple is reportedly contemplating – one with the same existing height but reduced width and added curves (similar to the OnePlus 6T), and the other with the same width but reduced height, also with added curves.

iPhone 12 Pro Max design, ports and cameras

As was rumoured earlier, Apple will use a stainless steel frame this time around, but will swap out the 2.5D curved glass for a flat display. There are wider antenna lines this time around, which are presumably to improve 5G reception on the phone. The mute switch, volume buttons and power buttons are in their usual places, but have been moved lower down on the frame to make them easier to reach. New on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a smart connector, which is seen on the iPad Pro models to connect accessories. It is unclear what Apple plans to use this connector for at the moment. There’s no USB Type-C connector as previously rumoured, which means Apple is using the Lightning connector yet again. The speakers on the new iPhone are also tipped to be 10-15 percent louder compared to last year’s model.
As for the cameras, they are now arranged in a proper square module on the back, with all the lenses looking considerably larger. The LiDAR scanner is also included in the module. Apple is opting for a thicker camera bump this time around, and reducing the protrusion of the individual camera rings.

iPhone 12 Pro Max release date and colours

Apple is tipped to announce the iPhone 12 as planned in September, although shipping could be delayed. This year, the company will reportedly launch a new Navy Blue colour variant instead of the Midnight Green, although the usual Space Gray, Gold and Silver finishes are likely to remain.