Images show alleged ‘iPhone 12’ circular magnet array in chassis
David Joseppi
Posted On 05/08/2020 
Images uploaded to Chinese microblogging website Weibo claim to show components intended to be used inside this year’s new iPhone 12, with a new circular array of magnets shown positioned close to where the iPhone’s wireless charging coil will be, suggesting the magnets may be used for mounting or alignment of charging accessories.
Shared by YouTuber EverythingApplePro, the chassis images are accompanied by an image of what appears to be a new case for the upcoming 2020 iPhone, also featuring a circular array of magnets.
It has been rumored that Apple is continuing development of AirPower, the infamous charging mat that was originally slated for launch in 2018.
Since then, it has also been rumored that Apple may release a new single-device wireless charging mat, and it could be possible that the new magnet array shown in the images could be to perfectly align the device with the new wireless charging accessory, or possibly for an AirDrop-style device-to-device power sharing feature, as shown in concepts created by The Apple Post.
In the months leading up to the release of the iPhone 11, multiple sources suggested the device would include bilateral wireless charging capabilities, which would allow a user to place their AirPods wireless charging case on the back of the device and charge them on the go.
Yup. Official iPhone 12 cases will also have this magnet system built in. Likely for perfect alignment with Apple's wireless chargers. pic.twitter.com/eDEQ474NIX
— EverythingApplePro (@EveryApplePro) August 5, 2020
The current-generation iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro reportedly have the hardware for “PowerDrop” charging, but the capabilities have supposedly been switched off through software because it didn’t meet Apple’s strict specifications.
