At least according to rumors, the iPhone 12 represents a big step up compared to the already great iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro this year. So for what is expected to be one of the best phones of the year, we were expecting a major design refresh.

However, that idea has been called into question by news that the iPhone 12 is actually quite similar to the iPhone 11. The good news is that the iPhone 12 may be thinner while offering a larger display.

This information comes from Mac Otakara (via Apple Insider), citing rumors within the Asian supply chain that provides components for devices designed by Apple.

Mac Otakara reports some of the iPhone 12's dimensions: the 5.4-inch model will be halfway between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8, while the 6.1-inch model will be smaller than the iPhone 11 and larger than the iPhone 11 Pro. Naturally, the largest 6.7-inch model will be larger than the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max, which is currently the largest.

In addition, this source provides one more accurate measurement that the average depth of the iPhone 12 series will be 7.4 mm (0.29 inches), which also represents a slight size reduction from the existing iPhone 11 series, which is 0.32 to 0.33 inches deep which means that the iPhone 11 will have a smaller size than the existing iPhone 11 series, which is 0.32-0.33 inches deep. This is good, but perhaps more drastic changes will help differentiate what is meant to be the first 5G iPhone, and the first iPhone to be released since designer Jony Ive left the company, from the one just before.

Mac Otakara also stated that the iPhone 12 casing will closely resemble that of the iPhone 11 except for size, whereas the iPhone 11 series ranges in size from the 5.8-inch 11 Pro to the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max, Recent rumors of the iPhone 12 are rumored to range from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches.

Previous predictions, including one by respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, have said that the iPhone 12 will look very different, with a new frame design and new manufacturing processes. Some rumors picked up by render artists predicted a metal rail design similar to the iPhone 4. However, the latest reports suggest that we will see another iPhone with slightly rounded metal edges.

There is still much more we can learn about the iPhone 12 from current rumors and leaks. If you're not up to speed yet, you can find everything you need to know in our frequently updated iPhone 12 rumor hub.