Apple’s iPhone 12 event: the 7 biggest announcements

Apple has just finished its “Hi, Speed” event, where it finally took the wraps off the four new iPhone 12 phones, which have all-new designs and will all support 5G wireless networks. Apple also unveiled the HomePod mini, a smaller and more affordable version of the HomePod smart speaker.

If you want to read the play-by-play of the event, check out our live blog with commentary from Dieter Bohn and Nilay Patel. But if you just want to read the biggest news from the show, we’ve got you covered right here.

Image: Apple

The iPhone 12 has a new design with flat edges that harkens back to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. The standard 6.1-inch iPhone has two rear cameras, and both of them will now support night mode. It, and the entire iPhone 12 line, support 5G. And the iPhone 12 lineup’s screen also has a new “Ceramic Shield” glass cover that Apple claims will make the screen more durable. You can preorder the iPhone 12 on October 16th for $829 ahead of its October 23rd release.

Image: Apple

Apple also revealed a new smaller iPhone, the iPhone 12 mini, which has a 5.4-inch screen and similar specs to the full-sized iPhone 12. You can preorder it on November 6th for $729, and it will be released on November 13th.

Image: Apple

Apple announced a new Max-size iPhone, and its 6.7-inch screen is the biggest on an iPhone yet. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has three back cameras that offer a 5X optical zoom range, a LIDAR sensor for things like improved augmented reality apps and faster autofocus, and a stainless steel outer band. It will be available to preorder on November 6th for $1,099 and will launch on November 13th.

Apple is also launching a 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, which will cost $999 and will be available for preorder on October 16th ahead of an October 23rd release date.

Image: Apple

The new HomePod mini is smaller than the original model with a new rounded shape. Like the full-size HomePod, the mini has touch controls on the top, integration with Siri, and comes in two colors (space gray and white). It’s powered by an S5 chip, which first debuted in the Apple Watch Series 5. The HomePod mini will be out on November 16th for $99, and you can preorder it on November 6th.

Verizon said that it’s now rolling out its nationwide 5G network, which it says will reach 200 million people. Previously, Verizon 5G exclusively used mmWave technology, which can be very fast but has limited coverage. Verizon’s nationwide 5G will take advantage of dynamic spectrum sharing” (DSS) technology, which allows the carrier to run both LTE and 5G side by side.

Apple has reintroduced MagSafe charging, though this time, it’s in the form of wireless charging pads for the new iPhone 12 lineup. There are two different options: the MagSafe Charger for charging one device at a time and the MagSafe Charger Duo for charging two at a time, including a flip-up spot to charge your Apple Watch.

Apple’s iPhone 12 cases also have a magnet inside so you can still use MagSafe chargers and also attach additional accessories like a wallet clip.

Like with the Apple Watch, Apple has chosen to remove the wall charger from the iPhone 12’s box, and the wired EarPods won’t be included, either. The included cable will be USB-C to Lightning.

Correction: We incorrectly reported that the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 5X optical zoom. It actually has a 5X optical zoom range between its three camera lenses. We regret the error.

Correction: Apple originally announced the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini would cost $799 and $699 respectively. The MSRP is actually $829 and $729 respectively. The lower prices only apply after a $30 discount from specific carriers.