Rumours of Apple's iPhone 12 5.4-inch variant pick pace

Apple’s 5.4-inch iPhone 12 has leaked in hands-on images. The phone could join the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max this year.

iPhone 12 series launch may not happen on time this year. (Apple)

This year's iPhone 12 series lineup may indeed have a compact 5.4-inch variant. The elusive iPhone has made an unofficial appearance on the web in the form of hands-on live images.

The leaked images were posted by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, reports 91Mobiles. The set of two images reveal a familiar notched display on the front and what appears to be flatter edges.

The is the second big leak around the compact 5.4-inch iPhone. Last week, 9to5Mac reported indirect mentions of the smartphone in the latest iOS 14 beta version.

Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a compact iPhone. The smartphone is expected to be part of the iPhone 12 lineup, which will have at least as many as four variants.

So far, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shed some light on this model. According to Kuo, the 5.4-inch model will have an OLED display and 5G support.

The iPhone 12 series is expected to launch in September this year. There are also rumours of the company delaying the release to October. Apart from iPhone 12, Apple will also showcase a new Apple Watch, new iPad and the much-awaited AirPower wireless charging mat. This year, all iPhones will have 5G support. For other markets, Apple will release LTE models as well.