iPhone & iOS Everything You Want to Know About iPhone 12 by Sam Costello

3 years ago

iPhone & iOS Everything You Want to Know About iPhone 12 by Sam Costello

The iPhone 12 is the latest edition of Apple's flagship smartphone. While it's similar to previous models, especially the iPhone 11 series, in many ways, it also introduces some big changes that make the world's best smartphone even better.

When Will the iPhone 12 Be Announced?

Apple hasn't said anything officially, but the general consensus is that the iPhone 12 will be announced in mid-October 2020. Apple likes to announce new products in the middle of the month, so the week of Oct. 12 seems likely. Plus, given that Apple tends to position announcements on a Tuesday or Wednesday, our bet is on Oct. 13 or 14.

What Is the iPhone 12 Release Date?

Apple will announce the iPhone 12 release date when it unveils the phone, so we can't say for sure yet. That said, new iPhones are usually on sale 10 days to two weeks after they're announced, so expect the iPhone 12 release date to be near the end of Oct. 2020.

In recent years, Apple has released some new iPhone models right away and then other a month or so later. This happened with the iPhone XS and XR series. They were announced at the same time, but the iPhone XS series came out on Sept. 21, 2018, while the iPhone XR was released Oct. 26, 2018. The same could happen with different iPhone 12 models; our thoughts on that are below.

What Will the iPhone 12 Cost?

The exact price of the iPhone 12 won't be known until it's announced, but rumor has it that the iPhone 12 may cost less than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 starts at US$699 and goes as high as $1449. Some rumors say the iPhone 12 might cost around $50 less for each model, but until Apple says something official, don't count on it.

Prices may run anywhere from $649 to over $1,400 for the top-of-the-line model.

iPhone 12 Pre-Order Information

Apple usually starts taking pre-orders for new iPhones a few days after announcing them. So, expect the iPhone 12 pre-order window to start towards the end of the week it's announced.

The Latest News about the New iPhone

You can get all the latest news about Apple phones from Lifewire; here are more ways to learn about the new iPhone on the way.

New Apple Leak Reveals iPhone 12 Design Shock

iPhone 12 Lineup Naming Rumors

Got a New iPhone? Do These 12 Things First

The Next Major iPhone Redesign May Bring Back Flat Edges

Got a New iPhone? Do These 12 Things First

How Many Models of the iPhone 12 Will There Be?

This is one of the key questions about the iPhone 12. Rumor has it that there will be four models, one more than the three Apple has released for the XS/XR and 11 series. The models will differ based on screen size and some features. The rumored iPhone 12 models are:

iPhone 12: 5.4-inch screen, 5G connectivity.

iPhone 12 Max: 6.1-inch screen, 5G connectivity.

iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch screen, 5G connectivity, LIDAR.

iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7-inch screen, fastest 5G connectivity, high-end ProMotion screen used on iPad Pros, LIDAR.

Key Features of the iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 will come standard with all of the iPhone features we know and love, like Face ID, Apple Pay, AirPods support, and FaceTime. Some of the key new features arriving with the iPhone 12 are expected to include:

5G: The latest and fastest cellular connectivity standard makes its way to the iPhone. While 5G service hasn't rolled out to the whole country yet, it's increasingly available. Currently, 5G generally delivers speeds that are twice as fast, on average, as 4G LTE. In the future, 5G could be 10-20 times faster than 4G.

LIDAR: The iPhone 12 Pro models may include a LIDAR sensor, which is already part of some recent iPad Pros like the iPad Pro 12.9. LIDAR is a depth-sensing technology that is helpful in augmented reality and mapping uses.

ProMotion display: Another technology coming from the iPad Pro to the iPhone 12 Pro models is the ProMotion display, which refreshes faster for smoother and more natural scrolling and animation.

New physical design: Recent iPhone models have had rounded edges. The iPhone 12 series is rumored to recall the more hard-edged design of the iPhone 4 and 5 series.

New processor: Every new generation of iPhone is built around a new, faster processor. Expect the iPhone 12 series to use Apple's latest chip, the A14, to deliver even better performance. Some rumors, however, are saying that this chip could be a less-powerful version in the 5.4 inch model of the phone, dubbed the iPhone Mini by industry insiders.

No EarPods or charger: Not a feature, and not really a benefit to users, but the iPhone 12 series may not come with included corded EarPods headphones or a power adapter to charge the iPhone's battery from a wall outlet. If that's true, it smacks of Apple trying to drive sales of AirPods and accessories.

Wireless charging: A recent rumor indicates that the iPhone 12 will come with a magnetic wireless charger. This would allow for a variety of magnetic accessories for the iPhone, like car mounts.

iPhone 12 Specs and Hardware

Remember, these iPhone 12 specs are just based on rumors for now. We'll update after Apple unveils the iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 Colors

The iPhone 11 Pro came in four colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Midnight Green. Expect the iPhone 12 to come in four colors, too, but rumor has it that Midnight Green is going to be replaced by a deep blue option.

On the other hand, the baseline iPhone 11 model came in six bright colors. It's unclear right now whether the low-priced iPhone 12 models will also offer different colors than the high-end models.

FWIW, the new iPad Air is being offered in a lighter green so Apple could go in that direction instead of the Midnight Green, too.

What Version of the iOS Will Come with the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 will ship with iOS 14 pre-installed.

How To Upgrade to the iPhone 12

Ready to buy your iPhone 12? If you're upgrading from another iPhone, find out if you're eligible for a lower-cost upgrade. Apple also offers an iPhone subscription that lets you upgrade every year, called the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, which might be a good choice for you.

Once you've upgraded, you can sell your old iPhone for cold, hard cash.