Mystery Patch on Edge of iPhone 12 is a mmWave 5G Antenna Exclusive to U.S. Models

[twistedpixel8]

It should have been a fingerprint reader like the new iPad.

Yep, that’s why I’m skipping iPhone 12. Maybe TouchID will make a return next year. As good as FaceID is, I really miss it.

 

[hagjohn]

My iPad Pro has the same patch.

 

[iOSBry]

Complete overreaction. Majority of customers did not return their phones and people who used the iPhone without case or bumper had no real issues.

Deliberately gripping in that area of course caused signal to drop, but most didn't encounter that issue on a practical day-to-day use. And iPhone wasn't the only phone that had that problem, yet they received 0 attention. Overreaction.

Actually, Anandtech has detailed analysis they published and they compared other phones in the iPhone 4s class that did not have this issue due to the fact it was addressed on those phones with multiple opposing antennas.

I’m right handed and my grip naturally covered that antenna on the iPhone 4s and issues occurred frequently while I was on AT&T.

Per Anandtech testing, holding the iPhone 4s naturally resulted in an average drop of 20db!

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iOSBry

 

[drumcat]

Is there any expectation this will be a thing outside the US?

 

[farewelwilliams]

Actually, Anandtech has detailed analysis they published and they compared other phones in the iPhone 4 class that did not have this issue due to the fact it was addressed on those phones with multiple opposing antennas.

I’m right handed and my grip naturally covered that antenna on the iPhone 4 and issues occurred frequently while I was on AT&T.

iOSBry

So they faked these videos?

I'm right handed too, did not use a case, no problems with iPhone 4 unless I deliberately held a certain grip.

 

[discuit]

mmWave is a gimmick in my book, and I have no intention of switching to Verizon. I have to have that “patch” on my phone either way since I’m in the US? That’s lame.

Working on multiple networks increases resale value. Do you complain as well that there's a CDMA EV‑DO modem still?

 

[Baymowe335]

That is so tacky.

Seriously, give me a break.

 

[Ry L]

Actually you don’t have to. You can just not buy an iphone 12.

Wow. How clever.

 

[Ry L]

Working on multiple networks increases resale value. Do you complain as well that there's a CDMA EV‑DO modem still?

Is there an ugly patch for CDMA?
But yes, you’re right about resell value.
It’s not a big deal, I just think it’s a shame that Verizon‘s poor decision - in my opinion - influenced the design of the phone. I suppose I’d feel differently if I was a Verizon customer AND I frequently walked by a city corner with this tech.

 

[69Mustang]

So they faked these videos?

I'm right handed too, did not use a case, no problems with iPhone 4 unless I deliberately held a certain grip.

Wait. @iOSBry links Anandtech analysis and you link video snippits from two youtube randos who have less than 600 subscribers combined. No dog in this fight but only one of you has credible evidence to support his claim. It ain't them vids.

To answer your question about the videos probably being fake... I'd say the chances are pretty good since the same person posted a dubious AirPower video. Can't tell if it's supposed to represent a working product or not, but it's suspect.

 

[glowplug]

That’s the “you’re holding it wrong” patch.

 

[glowplug]

It should have been a fingerprint reader like the new iPad.

Yep, I’ll be “upgrading” to the iPhone SE.

 

[R.Patrick]

Folks, I live in the UK, but little bit later I will have chance to buy an iPhone from US. Should I wait and buy it in the US, or mmwave doesn't matter that much?

 

[K4VKS]

Yep, that’s why I’m skipping iPhone 12. Maybe TouchID will make a return next year. As good as FaceID is, I really miss it.

Thanks to COVID masks I really miss Touch ID too

 

[simonmet]

The edges of this new-old iPhone 12 look sharp!

Maybe it’s a good thing it doesn’t have Touch ID, will I have to wear gloves to use it?

 

[PhillyGuy72]

inb4 youtubers make Antennagate test videos by covering up that patch with their hand.

First thing I thought of.
New iPhone with a classic slick 4 body, why not add a classic iPhone "Antennagate" to it?
🤔😮

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Plenty of people did not use a bumper and had no issues. Also issue was not specific to iPhones as many phones did the same thing when gripping in a specific way. Everyone I knew that did not use a case with their iPhone had 0 issues (same with me).

Completely overblown. If it was so bad, everyone would have returned the phone.

I never had the problem also. I did take advantage of the free Apple bumper though.

 

[reallynotnick]

I have to question if it's placement will be an issue especially for right handed users.

 

[spartan1967]

My XS is more than satisfactory. You have to do better than this Apple, including your collaboration efforts.

 

[ian87w]

Antennagate 2.0.
I mean really, why put the patch on the sides where people might be putting their fingers to HOLD the phone? Why not put it at the top or upper part of the chassis? Apple just inviting themselves for trouble.

 

[ian87w]

Rest of the world: pay more for less.
That's taking care of costumers.

Because Apple got cozy with Verizon. I mean did you watch the keynote? Almost a quarter of it was an advertisement for Verizon. And they got $30 subsidies from Verizon and AT&T.

 

[NMBob]

That’s the “you’re holding it wrong” patch.

Maybe it gets hot when you're on 5G and you can't touch it.

 

[goobot]

I think you forgot about the overreaction of the iPhone 4 Antennagate event.

As great as the iPhone 4 was that was not an overreaction, the first thing I did was make a phone call launch day before it was a known issue and I was wondering why I was dropping calls where my 3GS has no problem.

 

[calstanford]

Zero reason to buy this phone for anyone outside the US. Which is why AAPL went down 3%

 

[hagjohn]

Zero reason to buy this phone for anyone outside the US. Which is why AAPL went down 3%

Why do you say that?