Despite rumors to the contrary, all four iPhone 12 models will support both sub-6GHz and millimeter wave 5G networks.

Sources familiar with Apple's iPhone plans told DigiTimes (via Wccftech and MacRumors) that four iPhone 12 models will have comprehensive 5G support, but by 2021 the iPhone 13 will have single-band 5 G support, he said. It was previously rumored that the standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max would only feature sub-6GHz 5G connectivity, while the Pro model would support dual-band networks.

While this may seem like an odd move, it suggests that Apple has room to configure future iPhones to support the most prominent 5G networks in the countries where they will be sold. For example, mmWave 5G is more widely deployed in the US than in the UK, where sub-6GHz 5G is more prevalent.

Most users will not notice the impact of this decision, but as a result the iPhone 13 will not be as versatile as the iPhone 12. However, it is likely to be less expensive because it will not require a dual-band modem, which could help Apple increase its share of the 5G handset market by shifting many handsets.

The launch of the iPhone 13 is still more than a year away and is therefore still largely unknown. However, according to one notable rumor, the iPhone 13 will be Apple's first phone without ports for charging or data transfer and relying entirely on wireless methods.

Returning to the iPhone 12, the reason Apple will be able to use both 5G versions is because of the Snapdragon X60 modems. These Qualcomm modem chips support both mmWave and sub-6GHz, which will give the iPhone 12 diverse 5G compatibility.

Apple appears to have made this decision to give its 5G handsets the best start against Android competitors, who in some cases have been shipping 5G-compatible handsets for over 12 months. While it is unlikely that users will recognize the need to support sub-6GHz and millimeter wave bands in the same handset, it may benefit the very few frequent travelers who will appreciate having access to the fastest possible mobile Internet in all countries where 5G networks are present.

The iPhone 12 is expected to arrive in September, with handsets possibly shipping in October; besides 5G, all four handset series will introduce OLED displays and the A14 Bionic chipset.

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max may also feature a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate, but this remains uncertain. iPhone 12 Pro Max will be the only model in the upcoming iPhone lineup to feature a rear camera array with a LiDAR There are also rumors that it will be the model with a depth sensor. We will have to wait a bit longer to see which of these rumors come to fruition.