Apple recently announced its new iPhone 12 series consisting of the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. While Apple mentioned that the iPhone 12 Pro lineup is waterproof in its presentation, it didn’t specify the same for the vanilla iPhone 12 series.
Hence, one of the questions is – is the new iPhone waterproof? The answer is yes. Here are the specifics.
Water-Resistant vs Waterproof
Water-resistance denotes the lower level of water protection out of the two terms. A device labeled “water-resistant” means it can repel water, and resist the penetration of water to a certain degree, but not entirely. Usually, a water-resistant device comes with a coating of thin-film nanotechnology, which makes it hydrophobic. The coating could be on the inside, outside, or both.
On the other hand, the term ‘waterproof’ means that the device is impermeable. The closest thing currently available to measure waterproofing on a device is the Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
What does IP68 rating really mean?
Devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand. Plus, these can happily be submerged in to water up to a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes.
Coming to the technicality, IP is the Ingress Protection scale. Basically, it means how good is a device rated at stopping stuff from getting inside. The ‘6’ is the particulate rating while ‘8’ is the liquid rating.
The former means it is dustproof and that solid particles like sand can’t enter the phone even in a vacuum. Further, the particulate rating only goes up to 6, while the liquid rating can go up to ‘9’. In the case of the iPhone 12 series, it goes up to IP68, which signifies that it is dustproof, and it can survive 6 meters of water depth up to half an hour.
Is the iPhone 12 series waterproof?
Despite Apple not mentioning it in the presentation, the iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68. It can be submerged in water to a maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes. The same goes for the iPhone 12. Apple is calling it the former the smallest and lightest 5G-ready phone out there. It is almost 11% shorter, 20% lighter, and 10.76% narrower compared to the iPhone 12. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 is 11% thinner, 15% smaller, 16% smaller than iPhone 11.
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter than the iPhone 12. It weighs just 133 grams, and Apple is calling it the smallest and lightest 5G-ready phone out there.
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with the Super Retina XDR technology and a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels alongside packing new camera features.
The answer in one word is Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro as well as the iPhone 12 Pro Max are waterproof. Similar to the iPhone 12 series, the Pro models are rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529.
Hence, you need not worry if you take your iPhone 12 to the swimming pool with you or to the beach. The sand won’t gent into it, thanks to the ‘6’ particulate rating, and it can survive water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, courtesy ‘8’ liquid rating. You must however, be aware, to not exceed the 30 minutes mark or the 6 meters depth.
The iPhone 12 Pro is smaller variant of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It gets a slew of camera updates, and support for Apple Pro RAW that offers benefits of multi-frame processing and combines them with a raw format.
The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a host of new features including a bigger display, better cameras with support for Apple Pro RAW alongside a LiDAR Scanner. It is the first camera smartphone with iPhone 12 Pro that can record Dolby Vision HDR.
Apart from being dust and water resistant, these iPhones are built on Ceramic Shield that makes 4X better drop performance. According to Corning – a glass-ceramic manufacturer – which Apple worked with on Ceramic Shield, the material excels because it’s tough, lightweight, and “virtually impervious to heat and electricity.”
The company says, Ceramic Shield is “the world’s first transparent and color-free glass-ceramic,” which is why is is suitable for a smartphone screen. It consists of nano ceramic crystals embedded in the glass matrix. These are interlocked structures that result in high flaw resistance and resist cracks. Therefore, you should be fine with minor drops with your iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 series is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which is built on the 5nm process. It features 11.8 billion transistors that offer an increase of over 40% vs A13 processor. The 6-core GPU is 50% faster than the competition. It comes with a 16-core NPU that is 80% faster. Further, the chipset has 2nd gen ML accelerators that are up to 70% faster. It is teased to be a huge leap forward in iPhones.
One of the biggest upgrades introduced by the iPhone 12 series is 5G support, with all four models supporting both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands. However, it appears that folks who purchase the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, or the iPhone 12 Pro duo won’t be able to enjoy blazing-fast 5G speeds when dual-SIM functionality is enabled. At least not initially.
As per an image of a training manual for retailers and carriers that surfaced on Reddit, none of the iPhone 12 models will support 5G when dual-SIM mode is activated. In reply to a FAQ that asks whether 5G works with dual-SIM, the training material says, “When using two lines in Dual SIM mode, 5G data isn’t supported on either line and will fall back to 4G LTE. If customers are using eSIM only and are on a 5G-supported carrier and service plan, they’ll have 5G access.”
IMAGE: Reddit / ctthrow1
What this means is you have to either take out the physical nano-SIM or disable the second line provided by the eSIM system to use 5G on the iPhone 12. Otherwise, both the lines will work only with the 4G LTE standard. This a weird limitation, and will definitely come as a disappointment for users who rely on dual-SIM to keep their personal and professional numbers separate. However, it appears that the issue is temporary and will soon be fixed via a software update.
The Reddit user who originally shared the user manual’s screenshot mentioned that Apple will roll out an update later this year that will end the aforementioned limitation and will allow users to enjoy 5G in dual-SIM mode. Notably, Apple’s own support page talking about dual-SIM and eSIM functionality doesn’t mention this limitation at all. But then, the aforesaid page also lacks any mention of the iPhone 12 series and will likely be updated once the iPhone 12 starts shipping.
Apple lifted the covers off its all-new iPhone 12 line-up a few days ago, unveiling a total of four models across different price brackets. The iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro will hit the shelves later this month, with market availability going as far back as November.
The new Apple lineup starts at $699 for the iPhone 12 and goes all the way to $1,099 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s base variant. However, the biggest question is, which one should you pick? To answer that, you must know what each iPhone 12 model offers, and accordingly pick the one that better suits your needs (and budget). So, let’s get straight into it!
Design and build
The entire iPhone 12 series follows in the footsteps of the iPhone 11 trio, retaining its glass rear panel, the squircle camera module and the wide notch housing the Face ID hardware. However, the biggest difference is that Apple has flattened the sides for the iPhone 12 quartet, giving the surrounding frame a uniform metallic finish. While the camera lens layout of the iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12 is identical (and also similar to the iPhone 11), the iPhone 12 Pro and its Max sibling add a third telephoto lens and a LiDAR sensor that we first saw on the 2020 iPad Pro.
Stainless steel for the Pro models, aluminum for the rest
But there is another key difference that separates the iPhone 12 Pro models from the remaining two iPhone 12 siblings. Apple has used surgical-grade stainless steel to make the iPhone 12 Pro duo, while the iPhone 12 and its Mini sibling utilize aerospace-grade aluminum in their build.
Color options for the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12
All four iPhone 12 series phones use the Ceramic Shield front that offers increased durability and come with an IP68 certification, which means they can survive water immersion for a maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes. This is an upgrade over the iPhone 11 series, which is claimed to survive water immersion in a maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes only.
Also, all four of them come equipped with a magnetic charging ring underneath the rear panel that allows wireless charging using the new MagSafe charger from Apple as well as those from certified third-party brands such as Belkin. The MagSafe charger is not just another way, or a fancy name, for wireless charging. Instead, it might prove to be the foundation on which Apple builds a truly portless iPhone in the future.
The new MagSafe charger in action.
Now that we’re talking about charging, let’s also touch upon the battery life. As usual, Apple has not revealed the mAh figures of the batteries inside the iPhone 12 series, which means we have to wait for third-party teardowns to know that. What we do know, is how long each phone will last on a single charge. Well, here you go:
Video playback
Video playback (streamed)
Audio playback
iPhone 12 Mini
Up to 15 hours
Up to 10 hours
Up to 50 hours
iPhone 12
Up to 17 hours
Up to 11 hours
Up to 65 hours
iPhone 12 Pro
Up to 17 hours
Up to 11 hours
Up to 65 hours
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Up to 20 hours
Up to 12 hours
Up to 80 hours
All four iPhone 12 series phones can be topped up at a maximum 15W using Apple’s MagSafe charger. However, if you rely on a Qi-certified third-party wireless charger, the charging output drops down to 7.5W only. Apple is also selling a 20W adapter that can charge the battery from 0-50% in just 30 minutes. But do keep in mind that Apple is not shipping the iPhone 12 series with a charger in the retail package, as part of its commitment to reduce e-waste.
The only two things you will find in the iPhone 12 series’ retail package
As for the color options, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini can be yours in black, blue, green, PRODUCT(RED), and white colors. But if you fancy the Pro models, the iPhone 12 Pro and its Max sibling will hit the shelves in four shades – gold, graphite, silver and pacific blue. If you want to see how the iPhone 12 Pro models look in real life and not just product renders, watch this Good Morning America episode and feast your eyes:
The display
OLED for all, high refresh rate for none
Apple’s new iPhones have an OLED panel, even the cheapest one. All four iPhone 12 series devices feature a flat OLED display, complete with the signature wide notch at the top. But this is not a high-refresh-rate panel and sticks to the traditional 60Hz figure. It is slightly disappointing, as phones that cost much lower now offer panels with a refresh rate as high as 144Hz.
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
5.4‑inch
6.1‑inch
6.1‑inch
6.7‑inch
2340×1080 pixels
2532×1170 pixels
2532×1170 pixels
2778×1284
476 ppi
460 ppi
460 ppi
458 ppi
625 nits (typ.) 1200 nits (HDR)
625 nits (typ.) 1200 nits (HDR)
800 nits (typ.) 1200 nits (HDR)
800 nits (typ.) 1200 nits (HDR)
The panels on all iPhone 12 series devices use the in-house Super Retina XDR technology and True Tone calibration. They offer a wide P3 color gamut and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. Plus, the display is also HDR certified and comes with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on top.
What’s inside?
Now, let’s talk about the internal hardware of the iPhone 12 quartet. Apple has equipped all four iPhone 12 models with the in-house A14 Bionic chip. Based on the 5nm process, Apple is calling it the most powerful smartphone chip out there.
And if the early benchmark results of the iPhone 12 Pro are anything to go by, we are looking at an almost 25 percent performance gain over the iPhone 11 Pro duo. Now, that is some serious firepower, especially considering the fact that Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 865 is still playing catch-up with last year’s A13 Bionic chip.
How much do you pay though?
As usual, Apple has not revealed the amount of RAM it has packed inside each model. But we know the storage options on the table. The iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 are listed in three storage trims – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. As for the pricier iPhone 12 Pro pair, they will be offered in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models. Of course, you pay more for extra storage. How much exactly? Well, here you go:
64GB
128GB
256GB
512GB
iPhone 12 Mini
$699
$749
$849
——-
iPhone 12
$799
$849
$949
——-
iPhone 12 Pro
—–
$999
$1,099
$1,299
iPhone 12 Pro Max
—–
$1,099
$1,199
$1,399
With the asking price out of the way, let’s get to the internals and talk about another huge change – 5G. All four iPhone 12 models support 5G. And yes, they are compatible with both Sub-6GHz (the slower, but more reliable one) and mmWave (blazing-fast, but less widely available) networks. And oh, that elongated pill-shaped thing you see on the side is actually a part of the 5G hardware fitted inside the phone. Here, have a look:
Here’s to hoping that this doesn’t pave the way for another ‘Antennagate‘
The cameras
Say hello to the LiDAR sensor
Now, let’s talk about cameras. The number of cameras has not increased, but that’s not a red flag. Apple has made some major upgrades to the iPhone 12 series’ imaging setup, both in terms of sensor hardware and software-based capabilities. The camera hardware of the iPhone 12 series is identical, and so are their capabilities. So, let’s dissect it down.
The primary camera on the iPhone 12 series uses a new 12MP wide sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, which is wider than the 12MP (f/1.8) sensor used on the iPhone 11 series. It is backed by OIS, which has also been upgraded to offer improved stabilization during video capture. It is accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide angle (f/2.4) camera with a 120-degree field of view.
Apple says the new wide camera allows in 27% more light, which means night photography results will be much better. Deep Fusion has been improved as well, and the new Smart HDR 3 technology has also arrived, promising better control over contrast, white balance, saturation, and texture to deliver more true-to-life images. As far as zooming capability goes, you get 2x optical zoom and up to 5x digital zoom output.
Another noteworthy camera capability that Apple has introduced this year is the ability to record HDR videos with Dolby Vision. And you can not only record such videos, but watch and edit them natively on your iPhone 12 series device. Plus, Apple’s latest offerings now also support Night mode Time-Lapse capture, promising longer exposure times for sharper videos and better light trails. The output will automatically be enhanced when users employ a tripod.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max pack the two aforementioned sensors and also inherit the same capabilities. But the iPhone 12 Pro pair adds an extra 12MP telephoto lens as well. The optically stabilized telephoto lens on iPhone 12 Pro has a 52mm focal length and ups the optical zoom output to 4x. Here’s the table that highlights the key differences in hardware and still photography capabilities of the iPhone 12 series’ camera setup:
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
Ultra-wide: f/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view Wide: f/1.6 aperture
Ultra-wide: f/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view Wide: f/1.6 aperture Telephoto: f/2.0 aperture (iPhone 12 Pro) f/2.2 aperture (iPhone 12 Pro Max)
2x optical zoom out
iPhone 12 Pro: 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out 4x optical zoom range iPhone 12 Pro Max: 2.5x optical zoom in 2x optical zoom out 5x optical zoom range
Digital zoom up to 5x
iPhone 12 Pro: Digital zoom up to 10x iPhone 12 Pro Max Digital zoom up to 12x
—————–
Night mode portraits enabled by LiDAR Scanner
Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Optical image stabilization (Wide)
Dual optical image stabilization (Wide and Telephoto)
—————–
Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (iPhone 12 Pro Max Wide)
The addition of a LiDAR sensor is another key hardware upgrade that is limited to the iPhone 12 Pro models. Aside from opening the doors for advanced AR capabilities, the LiDAR sensor also enhances autofocus by 6x in low-light scenarios. But the biggest advantage of the LiDAR sensor, taking purely from a photography perspective, is the arrival of Night mode Portrait shots.
Night mode now supports portrait shots
The iPhone 12 Pro duo also supports a new image format called Apple ProRAW. It blends the benefits of RAW capture with products of computational photography such as Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3. Apple ProRAW will be rolled out at a later date, and the third-party API is also in the works that will allow developers to add this new capability in their camera apps. It also enables Dolby Vision video capture at up to 60fps, while the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini will cap Dolby Vision capture to 30fps.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max further improves the imaging experience by using a 47% percent larger primary camera sensor with 1.7micron pixels to offer a massive 87% percent improvement in low-light photography. Compared to the 52mm telephoto camera on the iPhone 12 Pro, the telephoto camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 65mm focal length, which further increases the optical zoom range to 5x.
iPhone 12 Pro Max introduces Sensor-shift image stabilization
Another major upgrade that is exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max is Sensor-shift optical image stabilization. As the name suggests, this technology shifts the whole image sensor inside the camera using electrical actuators to compensate for hand movements, delivering blur-free photos and videos. In contrast, regular optical image stabilization involves shifting only the lens element inside the camera, and not the actual sensor. It also works fine if you attach an external lens to the phone.
Following is a detailed comparison of how the camera capabilities of the iPhone 12 and iPhone Mini differ from the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max when it comes to video capture:
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 30 fps
HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps
4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
720p HD video recording at 30 fps
720p HD video recording at 30 fps
Optical image stabilization for video (Wide)
Optical image stabilization for video (Wide)
2x optical zoom out
iPhone 12 Pro 2x optical zoom in 2x optical zoom out 4x optical zoom range iPhone 12 Pro Max 2.5x optical zoom in 2x optical zoom out 5x optical zoom range
Digital zoom up to 3x
iPhone 12 Pro Digital zoom up to 6x iPhone 12 Pro Max Digital zoom up to 7x
Slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
Slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
Video formats recorded: HEVC and H.264
Video formats recorded: HEVC and H.264
Stereo recording
Stereo recording
The TrueDepth 12MP (f/2.2) front camera on the iPhone 12 quartet has also received some major improvements when it comes to its capabilities. It now supports Night mode as well Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 support is there as well. And just like the rear cameras, it can also record Dolby Vision HDR videos at up to 30fps, 4K videos at up to 60fps, and slo-mo 1080p videos at 120fps. Notably, the hardware and software capabilities across all the iPhone 12 series models are identical. Here’s everything else it is capable of:
Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Portrait Lighting with six effects
Animoji and Memoji
1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
Time‑lapse video with stabilization
Night mode Time‑lapse
Extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps
Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
QuickTake video
Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos
Lens correction
Retina Flash
Auto image stabilization
Burst mode
Phewww… !
So, that was it about the entire iPhone 12 series and what it has to offer. Decided to buy one yet? Check out our exhaustive list of all the places where you can pre-order the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max here. You will also find the best deals out there in the same article. Also, here’s a family portrait of the entire iPhone 12 lineup:
One of the biggest talking points about the iPhone 12 launch was 5G. Apple took to the stage to say that 5G just got real, and Verizon was the flavor of the month as Apple’s hero network for 5G. It’s clear that Apple is betting on 5G with the new iPhone 12 series, as all four models support 5G.
There are two main types of 5G networks referenced by Apple: Sub-6GHz and Ultra-WideBand NR (New Radio). The former is designed for less dense areas where coverage, not speed is the problem that 5G aims to solve, and is the backbone of all carrier’s “nationwide” 5G networks in the States, as well as almost every country’s 5G network.
5G Ultra-wideband (5G UWB) is designed for more densely populated areas like football stadiums, airports, and concert venues. Here the problem is that there isn’t enough capacity and the network is so congested that it isn’t usable. 5G UWB solves this with tons of capacity but mmWave technology has its own problems; mainly, the need for line-of-sight. 5G UWB can achieve speeds in excess of 2Gbps per second in our testing, but only works when you’re stood directly in the line-of-sight of the antenna. Trying to catch those fast speeds but there’s a window in the way? Sorry, it won’t work.
Exactly what you get depends on where you are based. In most countries around the world, all four models of the iPhone 12 series support just the Sub-6Ghz networks. In the US (and presumably other countries that have mmWave networks), the iPhone 12 series will feature mmWave support.
Verizon’s current mmWave network in the US is fairly limited in coverage, but the company is improving this with more capacity, antennas, and new markets being added all the time. During the iPhone 12 launch, Verizon announced a new 5G nationwide network based on Sub-6GHz, but crucially, the doubling of capacity on the insanely fast mmWave network in key cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Verizon also plans to bring mmWave to an additional 5 cities by the end of the year taking the full total to 60 cities. Verizon and Apple’s push for 5G is the primary reason why the iPhone 12 will likely be the catalyst to 5G becoming mainstream.
The iPhone 12 series comes with custom 5G antennas and radio components to help the iPhone target what network works best. More importantly, it has the most 5G bands on any phone and has been optimized for over 100 carriers in 30 regions. The OS is also optimized to use with 5G only when needed to save power and there is a Smart data mode that will select 5G only when it’s needed. It extends battery life by intelligently assessing 5G needs and balancing data usage, speed, and power in real-time.
Unlike most other 5G phones on the market, supporting a wide variety of global bands means that the iPhone 12 5G is likely going to be the best 5G phone in the world. With most other 5G phones, they only support the necessary bands to work with 5G in a specific region. Apple has presumably resolved that and it should mean that when you travel – and your carrier supports 5G roaming – your iPhone 12 should have the pieces to connect to a 5G network in your destination country.
Regardless of which iPhone 12 you buy – and you can see the best pricing in our iPhone 12 deals round-up – the iPhone 12 has all the 5G support you could hope for. Some of the benefits you can expect include improved speeds for faster downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity in apps, and FaceTime in high definition. All that’s left is AR Kit and all the crazy experiences that 5G will make possible on the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 series is not just the most advanced 5G phone on the market, it also has a choice of screen sizes, the addition of a telephoto camera and LIDAR sensor in the iPhone 12 Pro range, a new OLED Super Retina XDR display on all four models and the Apple A14 Bionic processor. Clearly, Apple is up for a fight, and the iPhone 12 series are all equipped with everything you could need for whatever life may throw at you.
With the launch of the iPhone 12 series, Apple is going all-in with 5G. The new iPhones not only bring the latest generation network but a host of other improvements, especially under the hood. They are powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which is built on the 5nm process. It features 11.8 billion transistors that offer an increase of over 40% vs A13 processor.
The chipset comes with a 16-core NPU that is 80% faster and a 6-core GPU that is 50% faster than the competition. Plus, there are major camera improvements with Night Mode coming to all lenses including the ultra-wide and selfie shooter. The primary camera comes equipped with a 7-element lens that brings a 27% improvement in low light performance. The iPhone 12 series sports a Ceramic Shield that makes 4X better drop performance.
All of these improvements don’t matter if you can’t get your hands on the device. When exactly is the new iPhone 12 lineup shipping? Here are all the details you need to know about the iPhone 12 release date.
iPhone 12 mini release date
The iPhone 12 mini will be made available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models in blue, green, black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED color options. It starts at $699. Customers can also get the iPhone 12 mini for $18.70 a month or $449 with trade-in from apple.com.
Customers in the US, UK, Australia, China, Germany, Japan, and 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order the iPhone 12 mini starting 5 am PST / 8am ET on Friday, November 6. The sale will kick-off on Friday, November 13.
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter than the iPhone 12. It weighs just 133 grams, and Apple is calling it the smallest and lightest 5G-ready phone out there.
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models in blue, green, black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED color options. It starts at $799. Customers can also get iPhone 12 for $22.87a month or $549with trade-in.
Customers in the US, UK, Australia, China, Germany, Japan, and 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order the iPhone 12 starting 5 am PST / 8am ET on Friday, October 16. It will go on sale beginning Friday, October 23. The iPhone 12 will be available in India, South Korea, and more than a dozen other countries and regions beginning Friday, October 30.
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with the Super Retina XDR technology and a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels alongside packing new camera features.
The iPhone 12 Pro will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models in graphite, silver, gold, and pacific blue color options. The price starts at $999. Customers can also get iPhone 12 Pro for$29.12a month or $699 with trade-in.
Customers in the US, UK Australia, China, Germany, Japan, and more than 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order iPhone 12 Pro beginning at 5 am PDT / 8am ET on Friday, October 16. It goes on sale starting Friday, October 23. Further, it will be available in India, South Korea, and more than a dozen other countries beginning Friday, October 30.
The iPhone 12 Pro is smaller variant of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It gets a slew of camera updates, and support for Apple Pro RAW that offers benefits of multi-frame processing and combines them with a raw format.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models in graphite, silver, gold, and pacific blue color options. The price starts at $1,099. Purchasers can get the iPhone 12 Pro Max for $30.37 a month or $729 with trade-in.
Customers in the US, UK Australia, China, Germany, Japan, and more than 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order iPhone 12 Pro Max beginning 5 am PST / 8 am ET on Friday, November 6, with availability beginning Friday, November 13.
The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a host of new features including a bigger display, better cameras with support for Apple Pro RAW alongside a LiDAR Scanner. It is the first camera smartphone with iPhone 12 Pro that can record Dolby Vision HDR.
Apple announced the iPhone 12 lineup a few hours ago. Alongside the new range of devices, it also introduced Apple MagSafe for iPhone 12. Up until now, ‘MagSafe’ was used to refer to the popular MacBook charger that used a magnetic connector. Now, Apple has announced ‘MagSafe for iPhones’ that brings a whole new concept to the term.
What is Apple MagSafe for iPhone 12?
The term ‘Mag’ in MagSafe stands for magnetic and the newly announced iPhone 12 series features magnets on the rear to help align compatible wireless chargers. These can be used as mounting points for other accessories including cases. Apple is allowing the use of magnets on iPhones to let users snap their phones into the optimal position for charging. It can help prevent losses in efficiency and charging speed due to misalignment. The Apple MagSafe for iPhone 12 chargers are Qi standard compliant and deliver up to 15W charge.
The new Apple MagSafe charger is priced at $39 (INR 4,500 in India). It will be made available starting October 16. Apple will soon reveal the pricing and availability of information for the MagSafe Duo accessory. The company is also selling silicone cases in eight colors. There are clear plastic cases as well as a snap-on leather wallet that will go on sale in for color options starting October 16. The leather sleeve will also go on sale in the future.
As for the leather wallet, it can snap on to the back of any of the new iPhone 12 models. It is built to protect and shield the credit cards, says Apple. Further, the leather sleeve has a cutout where the time is shown on an iPhone screen.
How does Apple MagSafe for iPhone 12 work?
The iPhone 12 series features several layers at the back that includes a magnetometer, a copper-graphite shield, a Nanocrystalline shield, a magnet array, an alignment magnet, a charging coil, a polycarbonate housing, an NFC coil, and an E-shield. These layers allow several wireless accessories to connect with the phone. Apple says that the magnets are optimized with a custom nano-crystalline shield. They can deal with magnetic flux and new NFC and magnetic field sensors.
Apple MagSafe for iPhone 12 accessories
As of now, Apple is releasing these MagSafe accessories for its new iPhone 12 lineup:
MagSafe charger
MagSafe Duo Charger
iPhone 12 | 12 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe
iPhone 12 | 12 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe
iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe
iPhone 12 mini Silicone Case with MagSafe
iPhone 12 mini Clear Case with MagSafe
iPhone 12 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe
iPhone 12 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe
The company has already mentioned that it is expecting third-party vendors including Belkin – which will announce a car mount and multi-charger dock soon – to come up with more MagSafe accessories.
A new line-up of iPhones has arrived. Apple has launched four new smartphones today – the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. With four new devices, Apple is targeting not only different price brackets, but also entirely different buyer segments which are divided over a phone’s size, camera prowess, and other meaningful attributes. The most popular ones will likely be the compact iPhone 12 Mini and the vanilla iPhone 12, thanks to their compelling hardware, and of course, a more accessible asking price. So, how these two devices actually stack up against each other? Let’s find out:
iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12: It’s all about the size
During the launch presentation, Apple mentioned that the iPhone 12 Mini is identical to the vanilla iPhone 12 on almost every front. You get the same fire-breathing A14 Bionic processor, identical camera hardware and upgraded connectivity suite. The key difference between the two is their size and heft. The iPhone 12 Mini, as the name makes it abundantly clear, is smaller and lighter than the iPhone 12. In fact, Apple is calling it the smallest and lightest 5G-ready phone out there.
The iPhone 12 Mini is almost 11% shorter and 10.76% narrower compared to the iPhone 12. As for the weight difference, the iPhone 12 Mini is nearly 20% lighter than the iPhone 11. Both the devices feature an identical design and will be offered in the same color options. So, the key difference here would be the size. With the iPhone 12 Mini, Apple is clearly targeting folks who are enamored by the appeal of compact phones without compromising on raw firepower or camera capabilities.
iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12: Smaller display, same quality
Coming to the display, the iPhone 12 Mini offers a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The resolution is 2340×1080 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 476ppi. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, packs a larger 6.1-inch OLED display with the Super Retina XDR technology and a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels, which translates to a slightly lower pixel density of 460ppi.
The panel on both the Apple offerings is HDR-ready, offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits (HDR), and delivers a contrast ratio of 200,000:1. The two phones employ the Ceramic Shield front and have a rear panel that is made out of glass while the frame is all aluminum. Also, both the phones are IP68-certified and are claimed to last up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 6 meters.
iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12: Of course, a smaller battery!
Another major difference between the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 is the battery capacity. Apple claims that its latest ‘compact’ phone can last up to 15 hours of video playback on a single charge, while the iPhone 12 increases that number to 17 hours. Both the devices can be juiced up at a peak 15W output using the MagSafe wireless charger, or at 7.5W with a Qi-certified charger. As for wired charging, the 20W charger (that Apple sells separately) will take both the phones from 0-50% battery in just 30 minutes.
Smaller size, smaller price!
While the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 are neck-to-neck when it comes to their capabilities, their asking price differs. The iPhone 12 Mini starts at $699, while the iPhone 12 will erase $799 from your wallet for its base variant. As for the color options, both the phones will be available in black, blue, green, PRODUCT(RED), and white trims.
64GB
128GB
256GB
iPhone 12 Mini
$699
$749
$849
iPhone 12
$799
$849
$949
With the differences out of the way, let’s briefly talk about what the two phones bring to the table. Apple has equipped the two phones with its 5nm-based A14 Bionic chip that is claimed to offer a big jump in raw processing power and graphics prowess. As expected, Apple has not revealed the RAM and capacity of battery it has fitted inside the two iPhone 12 and its Mini sibling.
Both the devices pack an optically-stabilized 12MP (f/1.6) primary camera with a 5-element lens and a 12MP (f/2.4) ultra-wide snapper that offers a 120-degree field of view and employs an upgraded 7-element lens assembly. The optical zoom output is capped at 2x, while digital zoom goes up 4x on both phones. With the iPhone 12 series, Apple is enabling Deep Fusion as well as Night Mode for the ultra-wide-angle camera, and is also bringing the new Smart HDR 3 tech to the table.
Identical cameras and capabilities!
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini can record 4K videos at up to 60fps frame rate, while slo-mo videos can go up to 240fps at 1080p resolution. Notably, the two devices also introduce the ability to record HDR Dolby Vision videos at up to 30fps frame rate.
Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 for the front camera
On the front is a 12MP (f/2.2) camera that is also capable of recording HDR Dolby Vision videos at up to 30fps frame rate, 4K videos at up to 60fps, and 1080p slo-mo videos at 120fps frame rate. Additionally, it now supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and the Smart HDR 3 tech with scene detection capability.
Wireless connectivity is handled by 5G (both sub-6GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. Additionally, the two phones come equipped with the in-house U1 chip that relies on Ultra Wideband tech for spatial awareness. Coming to cellular connectivity, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini support dual-SIM (nano‑SIM and eSIM) functionality. On the software side, both the devices will run iOS 14 out-of-the-box.
It’s Apple event day, and also the grand iPhone 12 launch day. Apple has unveiled four new devices, but the most important one that will likely attract the highest number of buyers is the iPhone 12 Mini. The math is simple – the iPhone 12 Mini is affordable (by Apple standards) at just $699, packs a fire-breathing processor, and reliable cameras. It will be up for pre-order starting November 6, and will hit the shelves November 16 onward. A great case study would be the iPhone SE 2020. So, what does the iPhone 12 Mini bring to the table?
Well, let’s start with the design. The iPhone 12 Mini looks virtually identical to the iPhone 11 from the front and back. Not surprising to see Apple carrying over the previous generation’s design to the next one. But there are two major differences – the iPhone 12 Mini is smaller and has flat sides, akin to the iPhone 5 and its direct predecessor. The hexa-core processor comes with a quad-core GPU to be 50% faster than the rival SoC, while the 16-core NPU is 80% faster this generation.
Smallest and lightest 5G phone in the world
In terms of specs, the iPhone 12 Mini is identical to the iPhone 12, save for the size. The display measures 5.4-inch diagonally and offers a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels. Apple is also throwing in its Super Retina XDR technology into the mix. Plus, the Ceramic Shield protection is part of the package as well.
iPhone Mini draws power from the A14 Bionic processor that is based on the 5nm process. It is claimed to offer a 40% raw processing power boost compared to the A12 Bionic, and a 30% surge in graphics prowess. And oh, it also comes with the new MagSafe wireless charging hardware.
Talking about the cameras, Apple has equipped the iPhone 12 Mini with two cameras – a 12MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera. The 12MP primary camera has an f/1.6 aperture and uses a 7-element lens that brings a 27% improvement in low-light performance. The ultra-wide camera, on the other hand, offers a 120-degree field-of-view. Smart HDR3 also makes its debut with the iPhone 12 series, and it now relies on machine learning.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Mini
The iPhone 12 Mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. As for the color trims, buyers can choose between blue, green, black, white and PRODUCT (RED). As for the price in India, the iPhone 12 Mini starts at Rs. 69,900 and will be available from Apple.com and authorized resellers.
The October Apple Event is just hours away from kicking off, and this is going to be a big one. The company is reportedly going to change its product launch cycle again, unveiling four new smartphones as part of the iPhone 12 family. But that is just one aspect of the marquee Apple event that we’re excited about. In the past few weeks, we’ve come across leaks detailing the debut of a HomePod Mini smart speaker, a new wireless charger, AirPods Studio over-the-ear headphones, and the most important one – Macs powered by custom Apple silicon.
While the realm of speculations continues to flourish ahead of the event, prolific leakster Jon Prosser has tweeted one final list of devices that we’re going to see at today’s event: The list includes iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, HomePod Mini, and a new wireless charger. Given Prosser’s solid track record, we can essentially rule out any announcements related to AirTags, AirPods Studio, and Macs with Apple’s in-house silicon at their heart.
So, let’s dive right into everything that Apple is expected to announce today and what we already know about them:
The new iPhone 12 Series
Apple is heavily rumored to launch four new iPhones this year – the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The asking price will start at $699 for the iPhone 12 Mini, while the base variant of iPhone 12 Pro Max will set buyers back by a hefty $1,099. Listed below is the alleged pricing structure, storage variants, and color options for the iPhone 12 series alongside their rumored market price:
Model
Storage
Display
Price
Colors
iPhone 12 Mini
64/128/256 GB
5.4-inches
$699
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12
64/128/256 GB
6.1-inches
$799
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12 Pro
128/256/512 GB
6.1-inches
$999
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
iPhone 12 Pro Max
128/256/512 GB
6.7-inches
$1,099
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
After some initial uncertainties, the leak arena also appears to have come to an agreement on the release date for the new iPhone 12 series hardware. As per a previous leak that has been backed by Prosser too, pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will start in the third week of October, with sales expected to go live in the subsequent week.
The vanilla iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max will hit the shelves next month
On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders will start by the second week of next month, while shipments and retail availability might go as far back as the fourth week of November.
Starting with the design, multiple, leaks have claimed that the iPhone 12 series will retain the front and rear looks of the iPhone 11 family, but the sides are now flat, akin to the iPhone 4 and 5. Leaks also suggest that the notch will also be narrower on the iPhone 12 Mini, but it will be slightly taller too.
Apple has reportedly crammed the Face ID sensors more tightly to reduce the notch size. Talking about Face ID, the company is also said to have improved the authentication experience by employing a new technology called ‘dynamic zoning algorithm’ and also increasing the viewing angle of the sensors.
IMAGE: Macrumors
All four iPhone 12 siblings will be 5G-ready, however, mmWave support will reportedly be exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Talking about 5G support, this was reportedly the reason that Apple pulled the plugs on a 120Hz display for the iPhone 12 lineup.
Between a 120Hz display and 5G support, Apple chose 5G for the iPhone 12 series.
The company reportedly had to pick between two battery-draining upgrades – 5G support or a high refresh rate display. Apple chose the latter, which means display purists will have to wait another year for a 120Hz display on iPhones.
All four iPhones are tipped to pack an OLED panel, but some rumors still claim that only the iPhone 12 Pro duo will rock an OLED panel, while the iPhone 12 and its Mini sibling will stick to an LCD panel. The screen on all four iPhone 12 models will reportedly be backed by the company’s Super Retina XDR technology. Also, the display could have a layer of ceramic substrate glass on top for protection.
IMAGE: Macrumors
As for the battery that will keep the lights on, we don’t know the mAh figures yet. However, a last moment leak suggests Apple has increased the battery life of iPhone 12 Pro and its Max sibling by an hour compared to the iPhone 11 Pro duo. Additionally, support for 15W charging will also be on the table. Apple reportedly won’t include a charging adapter or headphones in the iPhone 12 series’ retail package as part of the company’s commitment to reducing e-waste.
The iPhone 12 series will be powered by the A14 Bionic processor that is based on the 5nm process. It is claimed to offer a 40% boost in processing power compared to the A12 Bionic, and a 30% improvement in when it comes to graphics prowess. You can read more about the A14 Bionic in our coverage here.
IMAGE: Macrumors
As far as size goes, the iPhone 12 Mini will feature a 5.4-inch display, the vanilla iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will rock a 6.1-inch panel, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max will go jumbo with a 6.7-inch display. The design has reportedly been left unchanged (save for the sides), which means the iPhone 12 family will likely be indistinguishable from the iPhone 11 lin-up if seen head-on.
Aluminum build for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini, while stainless steel chassis for iPhone 12 Pro and its Max sibling.
The new iPhone cameras
The biggest upgrade, however, will appear in the camera department. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini will feature two rear cameras (primary + ultra-wide), while the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will likely come equipped with three cameras (primary + ultra-wide + telephoto). Leaks suggest that the iPhone 12 Pro will offer 4x optical zoom output, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max will take it a notch higher to 5x zoom.
IMAGE: Macrumors
Talking about zooming capabilities, it has been upgraded as well – both digital and optical. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini will reportedly rely on the ultra-wide camera as well to offer improved digital zoom output. This is being done by combining multiple images clicked at different zoom levels, and then using a Deep Fusion algorithm for alignment and sharpening. Smart HDR 3 will then do its magic to produce better quality digitally zoomed-in shots,
Apple has also increased the aperture of wide-angle cameras used on the iPhone 12 series, which directly translates to more detailed images. The wide-angle camera is said to offer an f/1.6 aperture and uses a 7-element lens assembly. Also, the iPhone 12 Pro pair is said to come equipped with a LiDAR sensor similar to the 2020 iPad Pro for enhanced AR capabilities.
IMAGE: Macrumors
HomePod Mini
In addition to a new iPhone lineup, Apple is also rumored to launch a smaller smart speaker tentatively called HomePod Mini. It will reportedly come equipped with Apple’s U1 chip that enables Ultra Wideband support and might be used for spatial awareness. In addition to tracking an individual’s presence, it will also use the location data to automatically adjust volume levels, media controls, locking the doors, and more.
Essentially, it will act as a base station for HomeKit hardware. The HomePod Mini will reportedly draw power from the in-house S5 chip, and it will be just 3.3-inches in size, As for the price, the upcoming Apple smart speaker will reportedly cost just $99, going directly against the massively popular Home and Echo family of smart speakers from Google and Amazon respectively.
The new magnetic wireless charger
Apple reportedly has a new magnetic wireless charger in the bags as well. As per leaks, it looks like a small circular pad on which the phone can be placed to juice up its battery at a peak 15W output. Older rumors suggest that the iPhone 12 series will feature a ring of magnets underneath the rear panel that will facilitate wireless charging with the new magnetic charger.
Stay tuned as we’ll update this post as Apple announces all of its new products! You can tune into the Apple event live stream here as well!
We are just hours away from the new iPhone 12 lineup presentation, and some experts in the field have already started to give their opinions about which of the four upcoming variants will perform better at sales. Ming-Chi Kuo may be one of the best qualified to give his insight, and according to his expertise, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 may be Apple’s new sales king.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the vanilla iPhone 12 will take up to 45 percent of Apple’s estimated shipments, with the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini taking from 20 to 25 percent. The higher-end models would be taking 15 to 20 percent in sales each. Indeed the demand for smaller phones has increased, but not necessarily for small screens, so it may be safe to believe that the less expensive 6.1-inch variant will be more popular among Apple fans, as the $699 variant may not meet the demand for a larger display.
The iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max will, of course, come equipped with better hardware and features, but the prices on these devices may not necessarily boost sales. Let’s remember that the 12 mini is expected to start at $699, while the iPhone 12 will start at $799, the 12 Pro will start at $999, and the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro Max will start at $1,099, according to the leaks we have received in the last few days.
“The shipment forecast of 12 series components is 80-85 mn units, higher than 11 series’ 75 mn units in 4Q19. However, we think the demand for 12 series in 4Q20 will be lower than that of the 11 series in 4Q19 because of the shorter sales period. Therefore, the shipment forecast of components in 4Q20 does not reflect the real demand for the 12 series.”
Whatever the case, Kuo also believes that Apple will ship around 85 million units of all iPhone 12 models in Q4 2020, more than the 75 million units reached by the iPhone 12 lineup in Q4 2019. Even though we still have to consider that Apple may miss peak season demand in the US and Europe because of its late launch. The iPhone 12 mini and the 12 Pro Max are also expected to be available until November, which may also help the regular iPhone 12 sell more units, as it is expected to be available for pre-order this Friday.
Apple is just a day away from unveiling the iPhone 12 series, but leaks just keep pouring in from all directions. Now, a series of leaks by tipster @PineLeaks outlines some of the changes and upgrades that the iPhone 12 series will bring to the table. Starting with the design, the notch on the iPhone 12 Mini will reportedly be narrower compared to the rest of its sibling. Apple has reportedly achieved that by rearranging and packing the Face ID sensors more densely, a process that has reduced the width of the notch, but has made it slightly taller.
https://t.co/EPj76hm9wZ The "dynamic zoning algorithm" is shipping. The redesigned TrueDepth Camera System though, is not. Instead, a more "tightly" arranged TrueDepth will be shipped with the 5.4" iPhone. The notch shrinks horizontally, but increases slightly vertically.
As for the Face ID performance itself, the leakster suggests that the unlocking experience will be faster. The latter will be achieved, thanks to a new technology called ‘dynamic zoning algorithm’ and also increasing the viewing angle of the sensors. The ultra-wide camera is also getting an upgrade, thanks to a larger aperture that will bring in more light to produce more detailed images.
Improved digital zoom will be achieved by combining several frames at different zoom levels and stacking them together – an hybrid of cropping and optical zooming. An algorithm based off of Deep Fusion will take care of correct alignment and sharpening. Smart HDR 3 does the rest.
Talking about cameras, the leakster adds that the iPhone 12 series’s optical and digital zoom capabilities are also getting a boost. The standard iPhone 12, which lacks a telephoto lens, will offer an improved digital zoom output. This will be done by stacking together multiple images clicked at different zoom levels and using a Deep Fusion algorithm for alignment and sharpening. Smart HDR 3 will then kick in to handle the colors in order to produce better quality digitally zoomed-in shots.
Another year of waiting for a smooth, high-refresh display on iPhones!
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will also add an extra hour of battery compared to their respective iPhone 11 series predecessors. Apple is reportedly upping the battery capacity by 10%, but we don’t know the exact mAh figures yet and will have to wait for a teardown in the coming months.
I’m told that 120hz not being implemented in iPhone 12 Pro is 100% about battery life.
Hardware was more than capable — but it just eats through battery, and 5G drains enough battery by itself.
It was basically a choice between 120hz or 5G, and they picked 5G. Rightfully so.
Talking about battery life, it happens to be the key reason Apple nixed plans for a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 12 series. As per prolific leakster Jon Prosser, Apple was left to decide between two features that drain battery juice – 120Hz display or 5G. The company reportedly chose 5G support over packing a 120Hz display on the iPhone 12 family.
It’s fall, and we are all set to witness the October Apple event for the launch of the next iPhone lineup. The company will be launching its iPhone 12 series at its “Hi, Speed” event. Like other events this year, the October Apple event live stream will also be hosted virtually. It will be an online-only coverage. If you’ve been thinking of tuning in, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all the details for you.
What time is the October Apple event live stream?
The October Apple event live stream will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Here’s the kick-off time for your region:
West Coast: 10 am Pacific
East Coast: 1 pm Eastern
UK: 6 pm British Standard Time
India: 10:30 pm Indian Standard Time
China: 1 am, October 14 China Standard Time
The October Apple event live stream will be available on Apple’s official website and on its YouTube channel. It can also be watched through the Apple events app on Apple TV. You can also watch the iPhone 12 launch live stream on this page.
Here’s the live stream:
What can we expect at Apple’s Hi, Speed event?
The tech giant is rumored to be launching its next iPhone lineup. Moreover, the iPhone 12 series consists of not three but four devices: iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All four smartphones are likely to be powered by the same processor, the Apple A14 Bionic chip.
The company is also tipped to launch a smaller smart speaker called the HomePod Mini. It will reportedly be powered by the in-house S5 chip and will be just 3.3-inches in size. It could cost $99. As for the iPhone 12 series price and colors, you can refer to the table below.
Model
Storage
Display
Price
Colors
iPhone 12 Mini
64/128/256 GB
5.4-inches
$699
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12
64/128/256 GB
6.1-inches
$799
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12 Pro
128/256/512 GB
6.1-inches
$999
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
iPhone 12 Pro Max
128/256/512 GB
6.7-inches
$1,099
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
A previous leak has also mentioned that the iPhone 12 series could start at $649. Further, the pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are said to start in the third week of October. Separately, the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders could kick off next month.
The iPhone 12 series will break cover on October 13 during a virtual event, and so far, the leak arena has dished out many juicy details and speculations regarding Apple’s upcoming hardware portfolio. Now, a comprehensive leak, courtesy of tipster Kang (who happens to have a solid track record so far) on Weibo, has revealed a ton of details regarding the iPhone 12 lineup, ranging from their specifications and color options to their pricing and availability details. Let’s dive right into it!
Starting with the devices that will debut next week, Apple is claimed to launch four new iPhones and a smaller smart speaker called the HomePod Mini. The latter will reportedly be powered by the in-house S5 chip, will be just 3.3-inches in size, and is expected to cost just $99. If that turns out to be true, Apple can make a serious dent in the dominant market share of Amazon’s Echo lineup as well as Google’s Nest and Home portfolio.
As for the iPhone 12 series, here’s the what the leak says about the pricing as well as storage and color options:
Model
Storage
Display
Price
Colors
iPhone 12 Mini
64/128/256 GB
5.4-inches
$699
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12
64/128/256 GB
6.1-inches
$799
Black, White, Red, Blue, and Green
iPhone 12 Pro
128/256/512 GB
6.1-inches
$999
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
iPhone 12 Pro Max
128/256/512 GB
6.7-inches
$1,099
Gold, Silver, Graphite, and Blue
However, a previous leak mentioned that the iPhone 12 series will start at $649. As far as availability goes, pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will start in the third week of October and they will go on sale in the subsequent week. The iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders will kick off next month, with market availability going as far back as the fourth week of November.
5G for the whole series, but mmWave limited to iPhone 12 Pro duo!
Of course, all iPhone 12 siblings will be 5G-ready, but mmWave support might be limited to the iPhone 12 Pro duo and likely restricted to the US market. And just as many leaks have indicated in the past, the retail package won’t include earphones or charging adapter.
The screen on all four iPhone 12 models will employ the Super Retina XDR technology and will reportedly be protected by a layer of ceramic substrate glass. There will also be support for 15W wireless charging, and interestingly, all four devices are claimed to be capable of recording Dolby Vision videos. There will also be a Smart Data Mode that will restrict some apps to 4G, while those that require faster connectivity such as game streaming apps will use 5G in an effort to save power.
IMAGE: EverythingApplePro
Coming to the camera hardware, Apple has reportedly improved the Smart HDR feature as well as night mode performance, and its Deep Fusion tech has received an upgrade as well. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini will feature a dual-camera setup. As for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, they are said to pack three rear cameras (wide + ultra-wide + telephoto) and a LiDAR sensor too.
The wide-angle camera has an f/1.6 aperture and uses a 7-element lens assembly. However, the iPhone 12 Pro’s optical zoom output is limited to 4X range, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s telephoto camera will reportedly deliver 5x optical zoom. But as is the case with all such leaks, we advise you to process this one too with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Say adieu to the leaks and all speculations surrounding the launch date for iPhone 12 series. Apple has just sent out the official invites for an October 13 event where the company will most likely introduce its new lineup of iPhones, tentatively called the iPhone 12. Unsurprisingly, it will be an online launch straight from the Apple Park, and will be live-streamed for your viewing pleasure starting 10AM PDT(10:30PM IST or 1PM ET) on Apple.com and likely the company’s official YouTube channel as well.
The tagline for the event is Hi, Speed. And if we’re not wrong, it is most likely a pun on the ‘high-speed’ experience that will be delivered by the iPhone 12 series, courtesy of the A14 Bionic processor at its heart. Now, enough about linguistic nuances. Let’s talk about the iPhone 12, or the whole series. And just for disclaimer, everything you read below is based on leaks and speculations, so keep the proverbial pinch of salt handy.
Four iPhone 12 series models
So, Apple is expected to launch a total of four iPhone 12 models this year, with all of them packing an OLED display and offering 5G support, a first for Apple. The smallest one will feature a 5.4-inch display and might debut as the iPhone 12 Mini. There will be two 6.1-inch model – one of which will feature slightly toned down hardware and will succeed the iPhone 11, while the other one will be jampacked with top-of-the-line specs and will act as the true successor for the iPhone 11 Pro.
Lastly, there will be a 6.7-inch variant that will be the “Max Pro” model of the iPhone 12 series with top-tier specs and an eye-watering price tag. As for the naming scheme, it goes like this – iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Familiar design with ‘flat’ flavor
As far as design goes, rumors suggest that Apple will retain the iPhone 11’s aesthetics but will tweak it slightly by making the sides flat for the iPhone 12 series. Leaked images of product dummies also hint at a triple rear camera setup that will now be assisted by a LiDAR sensor. Here’s how the alleged iPhone 12 dummies look like in real life:
Leaks also suggest that the iPhone 12 will start at $649, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max will raise the price bar to as much as $1,400. You can check out more details about everything we know so far about the iPhone 12 series in our detailed coverage here.
We have been getting some interesting iPhone 12 rumors from Twitter. The latest leak has been posted by user @a_rumors111, where he reveals a complete pricing list of the upcoming iPhone lineup, with the corresponding storage options.
We start with the smallest and more affordable 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini, which is supposed to start at $649 with a base storage of 64GB, while the 128GB version and the 256GB versions would cost $699 and $799, respectively. The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 would start at $749 in its 64GB version, while the 128GB version would be $50 more expensive, and the 256GB version would be priced at $899.
The higher-end 6.1-inch 12 Pro and 6.7-inch 12 Pro Max won’t have a 64GB version, as they would both start at 128GB in storage space. The 12 Pro would start at $999 for the base 128GB version, that’s two times more than last year’s iPhone 11 Pro base model. The 256GB version would arrive with a $1,099 price tag, and the 512GB storage option would cost you $1,299.
Finally, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is expected to start at $1,099 for the base model with 128GB in storage, followed by the 256GB, which would cost $1,199 and a whopping $1,399 for the maxed-out version with 512GB storage.
The more expensive iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are expected to take a bit longer to become available, even though preorders are expected to begin on Friday, October 16. These models are believed to include the LiDAR sensors found in the latest iPad Pro, but it seems that none of them will feature 120Hz refresh rate displays.
iPhone 12 PRICING