One month after Apple’s last event, we can finally got the first look at the new iPhone 12 generation. If you didn’t have time to follow the whole Apple’s live stream, here is everything Apple announced at the event.
HomePod Mini
Apple kicked off the “Hi, Speed” event by announcing the HomePod mini and a new feature that comes with it called “Intercom”. This upgrade lets you broadcast a message to all of your HomePods from your iPhone, Apple Watch, CarPlay, or another HomePod. And, if there are two HomePods in the same room, they’ll become a stereo pair automatically.
Besides having a spherical design, Apple said HomePod mini can offer 360-degree audio with the help of a down-firing woofer and passive radiators. Compared to the Homepod 2018, this mini version is twice smaller in size (only 3.3 inches tall).
Other new features include Siri voice command, multiple profile support, and stereo audio setup. Like its bigger brother, Homepod mini comes in two colors: white and space grey. Pre-orders will start on November 6th and the price is only 99$.
iPhone 12 Lineup: Specs, Price, and New Features
iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max are the newcomers to the iPhone family.
The big upgrades include improved displays, cameras (night mode and ultra-wide cameras), and 5G support. Plus, the design of iPhone 12 will probably remind you of the iPhone 4 or 5.
On top of that, all four models will run Apple’s A14 Bionic chip (the same one that powers the new iPad Air 4). Moreover, the screen on all of the iPhones 12 will feature a new “Ceramic Shield” technology, which improves durability and drop performance.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini (64GB, 128GB, 256GB)
There are significant camera improvements in the new iPhone 12 compared to the iPhone 11. Both phones have a new dual-camera setup with 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP wide cameras. That promises a better performance in low-light conditions along with 2x optical and 5x digital zoom.
While iPhone 12 mini is the smallest, thinnest, and lightest 5G phone, it doesn’t miss out a trick from its bigger sibling.
iPhone 12 mini will start at $699. And, with the iPhone 12, its price starts at $799 for 64GB of storage. Also, there are 5 colors for you to choose from, which are blue, green, red, white, and black.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max (128GB, 256GB, 512GB)
Like what Apple did last year, there are also 2 premium versions for iPhone 12. iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max arrive with a new design. The iPhone 12 Pro Max takes the crown as Apple’s biggest phone to date with a 6.7-inch screen. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro only has a 6.1-inch display (still larger than the iPhone 11 Pro with only 5.85-inch).
Camera is the main difference between the Pro and the non-Pro version. Both of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have a triple rear camera setup with the much-rumored LiDAR scanner. The rear camera unit includes 12MP primary shooter, wide lens, 12MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom. This upgrade allows for ultra-fast focusing in low-light situations, or 3D room scanning.
You can grab an iPhone 12 Pro 128GB for $999 or an iPhone 12 Pro Max for $1099.
Despite having higher prices, both models feature a stainless steel body (versus aluminum on the non-pro models). And, unlike the 2 non-Pro versions, these two will come in blue, gold, black, and white.
Pre-Orders
- iPhone 12 Mini: Nov. 6 pre-orders, Nov. 13 availability
- iPhone 12: Oct. 16 pre-orders, Oct. 23 availability
- iPhone 12 Pro: Oct. 16 pre-orders, Oct. 23 availability
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Nov. 6 pre-orders, Nov. 13 availability
MagSafe
Alongside the iPhone 12 models, Apple introduced a bunch of MagSafe accessories including MagSafe chargers, MagSafe iPhone cases, and wallets. The MagSafe charger uses magnetic pins that align with the charging coils on the back of the iPhone 12 and supports a charging rate up to 15W – making it the fastest way to wirelessly charge an iPhone.
Besides, the new MagSafe system allows the iPhone 12 to snap into the wireless charger automatically, while also allowing for snap-on accessories like magnetic cases or credit cardholders. So, you don’t have to worry about anything when charging your iPhone.
Beats Flex: Apple’s most Affordable Wireless Headphone
The event didn’t stop there. This time, Apple launched an update to BeatsX headphones. The new headphones are powered by Apple’s W1 chip but it still maintains an affordable price which is only 49$.
As you can see, the earbuds are still connected by a cable and Apple said that they can coil easily. On top of that, the Beats Flex also comes with in-ear detection and a rated battery backup of 12 hours.
No Power Adapter or Headphones in the Box
Rumors had been swirling over the past few months that power adapter and headphones would not be included in the box. Apple made it official at the event. The company will no longer sell headphones or adapters with the new iPhones. The company said the potential environmental impact is the main reason. Therefore, iPhone 12 will only ship with a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box. Also, Apple announced that they will continue to sell the iPhone 11 and lower the base price by $100 down to $599.
What do you think about the “Hi, Speed” October event? Honestly, I’m just thrilled with the new iPhone 12 design and especially the new blue color. Let us know what you think about the new iPhone 12 in the comments!
