Apple iPhone 12 prototype hands-on video surfaces, but do not be fooled

Sparrows News has shared a video claiming to be a hands-on with a prototype iPhone 12. The device is rumoured to be joined by three other iPhones this year, with Apple apparently adding a non-Pro "Max" model to its roster of smartphones. The website has not offered a source for the video, but we have our doubts about its authenticity.

Firstly, the video shows not only the device, but also its retail box. However, this is just a box for the iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max. It could well be a box for the iPhone 12 too, but it would seem unlikely for Apple to re-use a box from a previous generation. Additionally, the device shown has three rear-facing cameras, which is one more than the iPhone 12 is believed to have. Sparrows News may have mislabeled the video as the iPhone 12 instead of or the iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max, but these two devices are also thought to have a fourth lens for a LiDAR sensor. Hence, the camera arrangement is a bit of a giveaway that we are looking at an iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max, not a device form the iPhone 12 series.

The device does have a flat frame, distinguishing it from the iPhone 11 series. With that said, some people have suggested that the iPhone has been placed in a bumper case to give it that effect. It is difficult to tell whether this is the case because of the 480p video quality, but we would not rule this out. Similarly, the device could have been modified in some way, like rebuilding it within a custom case. Either way, this video seems wide of the mark.