The latest leak about Apple Inc.’s upcoming iPhones suggests that the company expects to sell at least 75 million and as many as 80 million of the new devices this year alone, a positive early sign for its fourth-quarter earnings.

The information about Apple’s handset sales expectations appeared today in a report from Bloomberg. The publication’s sources also shared a number of hardware details about Apple’s 2020 iPhones, including that the company is readying four different models and that all four are expected to feature 5G support.

The latter detail is significant because, in previous years, only the most expensive iPhones were compatible with 5G. Because of how many devices it sells,  Apple’ reported decision to add 5G support across its entire smartphone portfolio would be a notable step towards expanding consumers’ access to the technology. However, there may be a caveat.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a long track record of successfully predicting Apple product launches, estimated in an investor note picked up today by AppleInsider that only 4 million to 6 million iPhones are expected to ship with mmWave 5G technology in 2020. The mmWave version of 5G is one of two being rolled out by carriers and by far the fastest. One possible explanation for the modest shipments estimate is that only the high-end iPhones will offer mmWave connections, while the more affordable versions will have more limited 5G support.

Apple’s high-end iPhones will reportedly also differ from the other variants in their form factor. The most expensive model is said to feature a 6.7-inch display while the three other other variants will have screens ranging from 5.4 inches to 6.1 inches. The entire lineup is expected to sport a slightly revised look with square edges similar to those of the iPad Pro.

As in previous years, Apple is expected to announce its latest smartphones alongside a number of other products. Its 2020 hardware lineup reportedly includes an updated version of the iPad Air, the midrange version of its popular tablet, as well as two new smartwatches and a smaller HomePod smart speaker. Apple is also expected to launch the over-the-ear wireless headphones it has been reported to be developing, which a previous leak has suggested will include modular parts to allow for user customizations.

Though not as big as Apple’s core iPhone business, accessories such as headphones are a major revenue source for the company. Its Wearables, Home and Accessories business saw sales jump 17%, to $6.45 billion, in the third quarter, which would make it big enough to qualify for the Fortune 500 if it were an independent firm. Apple’s reported plans to launch at least three new wearables this year could give the unit another sales boost going into the holiday season. 

Apple last month became the first U.S. company to reach a $2 trillion market capitalization on the heels of its strong third-quarter earnings report.

Photo: Apple