iPhone 12: Price, 5G, and MagSafe - Apple

The iPhone 12 has arrived, following a slightly extended development timeline due to manufacturing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. As anticipated, this latest iteration of Apple’s smartphone features 5G connectivity. The company is releasing the new phone in a range of sizes, continuing its strategy of adapting to evolving consumer preferences in the mobile device market.

The integration of next-generation wireless technology is the primary highlight of this release. While Apple isn't the first to incorporate 5G into a mobile phone, its adoption is particularly noteworthy given the unusual circumstances of the past year. Recent data from Canalys indicates that only 13% of handsets shipped in the first half of the year were 5G enabled, suggesting considerable room for growth, and Apple’s inclusion of the technology is expected to accelerate its spread.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, began the presentation by welcoming a representative from Verizon (the parent company of TechCrunch) to the stage to showcase the carrier’s UWB implementation of the technology and announce its nationwide availability. 5G functionality will be present across all of the newly announced models. The specific 5G capabilities will differ depending on the geographic location; in the United States, for instance, mmwave support will also be included.

The product line features a complete redesign, drawing inspiration from the iPad Pro, notably with a flat edge design reminiscent of older Apple devices, in contrast to the curved edges of recent models. The device is also 11% thinner and lighter than its predecessor. This new design also allows for the incorporation of a greater number of antennas within the device’s frame.

The display utilizes Corning glass, and Apple collaborated directly with the manufacturer to develop Ceramic Shield, which the company claims is approximately six times more resistant to damage from drops. The smartphone features an OLED display, consistent across the new devices, offering double the pixel density of the iPhone 11.

The device is powered by the previously announced A14 Bionic chip. Apple’s processor includes a six-core CPU and a four-core GPU, which will enhance its performance in mobile gaming. The company also announced that Riot Games’ League of Legends: Wild Rift will be available on the handset. As expected, the standard iPhone 12 model is equipped with a dual-camera rear system, featuring 12-megapixel wide and ultra-wide lenses. Night Mode has been refined across the range and is now also available on the front-facing camera.