Now it’s certain: Apple will bring the next iPhone generation onto the market in October. However, due to the corona crisis, the new iPhone 12 was only presented on Tuesday and not in September as usual. At last month’s event, the IT-croesus from Cupertino presented instead a new version of his Smartwatch and adapted iPad models.
After Apple settled conflicts with modem specialist Qualcomm, the new iPhone is now ready for super-fast, but also controversial, 5G wireless data transmission. This was already leaked in the run-up to the event and, of course, turned out to be true: Apple is backing four new iPhone models, which differ mainly in screen sizes, camera modules and processor performance.
The recording of the Apple presentation:
Video Player from: YouTube (privacy policy, conditions)
The “HomePod Mini” is presented as the first new product. A “smart” loudspeaker that shrinks in comparison to its predecessors, relies on a chip called S5 and the well-known Apple assistant Siri. It can be pre-ordered in the USA from November 6. The competitive price? 99 dollars, in Europe the device is said to cost 96.50 euros.
In the market of smart speakers Apple is fighting against Amazon with its Echo Boxes and Google, which started with Google Home and recently sold the technology under Google Nest Audio.
Tim Cook is back on stage. And he is about to move on to the next product category: the iPhone. “Today marks the beginning of a new era for the iPhone,” says Cook. Because: “We are bringing 5G to the iPhone”. And on all new models.
Let’s start with the classic iPhone 12, with two cameras on the back and bright colors. According to Apple, the OLED display resolves “with twice as many pixels” as the iPhone 11. The “Ceramic Shield” coating is supposed to protect against scratches.
The 5G download speeds that Apple now calls “5G download speeds” are what we’ll spare you at this point. Because: these are all very theoretical numbers. Currently, the 5G coverage in Austria is just under 25 percent. In addition, even experienced mobile network operators assume that a maximum of between 100 and 300 Mbit/s can be achieved in Austria in the medium term. Technologically exciting: The iPhone should automatically switch to 4G if there is no 5G demand, thus saving the battery. In addition, the new iPhones will be accompanied by the new A14 bionic chip.
Apple also brings “MagSafe” to the iPhone. A wireless charging technology that works with magnets. This is intended to prevent a badly placed smartphone from charging badly. Somewhat surprising, because Apple removed MagSafe on the in-house Macbooks.
Cheapest model at 799 Euro
First prizes are now being presented. The smaller iPhone 12 Mini starts at a hefty 699 US dollars (in Europe it will cost 799 euros). The iPhone 12 is available in the basic version from 799 US dollars (from 899 euros). Which means a plus of 100 dollars compared to the iPhone 11.
And now off to the premium models: Apple shows the iPhone 12 Pro, which among other things is supposed to be very waterproof. 30 minutes in one meter fresh water depth. The display will of course be bigger and get a better resolution than the previous models. With the lossless file format “Apple Pro Raw” Apple wants to address even clearer professional photographers.
This is one of the reasons why the camera gets a new system for optical image stabilization, which in turn should provide a relevant exposure time of up to 2 seconds. What was already suspected in advance: With the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple relies on a new LiDAR sensor for spatial measurement. Whose task? It should make the autofocus more stable and augmented reality applications faster.
The iPhone 12 Pro is available in two sizes, but the screens have been expanded somewhat compared to the previous generation. From 5.8 to 6.1 inches for the smaller model and from 6.5 to 6.7 inches for the Pro Max.
What are the prices for the Premium units? The iPhone 12 Pro starts at 999 US dollars (1149 euros in Europe), the luxury class iPhone Pro 12 Max is available in the basic version from 1099 US dollars (from 1249 euros). Apple plans to start shipping as early as October 23.
— Hector Pascua, Picture: Apple’s new iPhone 12 Pro / Picture: Apple© Apple’s new iPhone 12 Pro / Picture: Apple Apple’s new iPhone 12 Pro / Picture: Apple
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