Apple’s New iPhone 12 Models, HomePod Mini etc.

Apple showed its new iPhone 12 line in a tight, pre-recorded online presentation today. The phones bring the biggest upgrade since the X series, according to cnet.com. The form factor is a blast from the past, though, with the flat metal banding on the sides. The 4 models match leaks, and range from the 5.7 inch screen iPhone Mini, through the 6.1 inch iPhone 12, the 6.1 inch 12 Pro, and the 6.7 inch Pro Max. All the phones have new Corning glass with ceramic crystals which is claimed to be much stronger than ever. Both the screen and back have this material. Apple has improved cam software and sensors. The 12 has 12 rear cams, while both the Pro and Pro Max have 3 cams and LiDar. The 3rd cam is a telephoto, and the 12 Pro gets 4x optical zoom, while the Max gets 5x. The low light shooting and image stabilization is improved. All the iPhones have the A14 chip, which is faster and better than poor phones. 

All feature the new Mag Safe magnetic connector for charging, which is comparable with the Xi system. All 4 phones have 5G, which should make for faster uploads and downloads (in some limited areas, WAY faster…but the carriers don’t have a lot of the faster 5G in many areas yet.) 

The Mini starts at $699, while the iPhone 12 weighs in at $799. The 12 Pro and Pro Max pricing is unchanged from the 11 series, at $999 and $1099 respectively. The 12 and 12 Pro are available for preorder this Friday, and start delivering a week later. The Mini and 12 Pro Max will be available for preorder on November 6th, and deliver the 13th. 

In addition to the phones Apple showed off the HomePod Mini. The new smart speaker looks rather like a white or grey Apple, actually. It has one driver, and a couple passive radiators in it, with software trying to make up for the lower number and size of speakers to give you top quality audio. The HomePod Mini runs Siri, of course, and talks to your iPhone when in close proximity. The key point is it is $99…a world cheaper than the larger, and more costly HomePod…which has been a sluggish seller for Apple. The Mini launches and starts shipping November 16th.