Apple 'Hi, Speed' Event: iPhone 14, Apple Watch & More

Less than a month following their previous presentation, Apple held another event today. Anticipation was high that this would be the occasion for unveiling this year’s updated iPhone models… however, Apple revealed four distinct new iPhones, alongside a redesigned HomePod as an added announcement.

If you were unable to watch the event as it unfolded, here’s a summary of the key takeaways:

HomePod Mini

Apple began its presentation with the unveiling of the HomePod Mini, a more compact iteration of the original HomePod speaker.

Apple’s presentation of the HomePod Mini highlighted the potential for multi-room audio setups, encouraging users to purchase several devices for placement throughout their homes. The company reviewed Siri’s functionality within the smart home ecosystem and then revealed a new capability known as “Intercom.” This feature enables users to send an audio message to all HomePod devices from their iPhone, Apple Watch, CarPlay, or another HomePod. According to Apple, placing two HomePod Mini speakers in the same location will result in them automatically functioning as a stereo pair.

The HomePod Mini will be available for $99 and, mirroring the larger model, will be offered in white and space grey finishes. Customers can begin placing pre-orders on November 6th, with initial shipments expected to commence during the week of November 16th.

Four new iPhones

Instead of unveiling a single new iPhone, Apple has revealed a collection of four distinct models.

This expanded lineup, which may present some choices for consumers, includes the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. As you move through the range, the devices offer incremental increases in size, features, and price. For a detailed comparison of the specifications across these four new models, see our side-by-side analysis here.

Key improvements focus on enhanced displays, upgraded camera systems—including night mode functionality for both the wide and ultra-wide lenses—and the integration of 5G connectivity throughout the entire series. The design incorporates angular elements reminiscent of earlier iPhone generations, specifically the iPhone 4 and 5, with a return to flat edges.

The iPhone 12 Mini begins at a price of $699 and features a 5.4″ display, while the iPhone 12 starts at $799 with a 6.1″ display. The iPhone 12 Pro is priced from $999 and also offers a 6.1″ display, distinguished by a stainless steel construction (compared to aluminum in the standard models) and the inclusion of a 12MP telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, starting at $1,099, boasts a larger 6.7″ display. The Pro models also incorporate lidar sensors, enabling capabilities such as rapid autofocus in low-light conditions and 3D spatial mapping.

All of the new iPhones utilize a new “Ceramic Shield” technology, developed in collaboration with Corning, which Apple claims increases the device’s resistance to damage from drops by a factor of four. The iPhone 12 and 12 Mini will be available in blue, green, red, white, and black, while the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max will come in blue, gold, black, and white.

Powering all four phones is Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPad Air announced last month.

Regarding availability, the shipping dates are somewhat staggered. If you have already selected a model, please note the correct date for pre-ordering and shipping: the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be available for pre-order on 10/16, with shipping beginning on 10/23. The iPhone 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max will be available for pre-order on 11/6, and will ship on 11/13.

(Apple also announced that the iPhone 11 will remain available for purchase, with a reduced price of $599.)

MagSafe

The name “MagSafe” has returned! Though in a reimagined form. The title is familiar, at least.

Taking inspiration from a previous charging technology used in Apple laptops, the latest iPhone incorporates a MagSafe system that enables automatic alignment with a wireless charger for efficient power transfer. Furthermore, this system supports the attachment of magnetic accessories, such as protective cases and cardholders.

Alongside this, the company unveiled the MagSafe Duo Charger – a foldable device designed for simultaneously charging both an iPhone and an Apple Watch. They also indicated that a range of MagSafe-compatible accessories from companies like Belkin would soon be available.

The removal of power adapters and earphones from standard packaging

Speculation that has circulated for several months has now been confirmed: Apple will discontinue the inclusion of headphones and a power adapter with new iPhone purchases. The company attributes this decision to concerns regarding environmental sustainability, pointing out the substantial number of compatible charging devices already in circulation – estimated to be in the “billions.” The latest iPhone models will be supplied with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but a wall plug will not be provided.