A look back on the iPhone 12 launch
Almost 6 months on from the iPhone 12 (that means it’s almost 6 months until the iPhone 13), we remind ourselves of what made the launch event so special, and different in a year where the coronavirus dominated headlines and affected all of our lives. It might even provide hints of what to expect at the 2021 Apple Event.
Virtually unchanged
Apple rolled out a number of devices, as they do every year. Not quite on the same scale as Samsung or Huawei, but Apple’s line-up is still growing at a steady rate. If it wasn’t for the lack of crowd, and clever use of the augmented reality environment, you wouldn’t have noticed much difference to the atmosphere in the presentation. Once again Tim Cook and co. smashed it out of the park with a clever and well-rehearsed presentation. You might have thought some of it was pre-recorded…
Everyone loves a mini
Mini Cooper, mini muffins, micro . . .pigs? They say the best things come in small packages. Apple doubled-down on this theory by initially releasing the HomePod mini, followed by the iPhone 12 mini. The HomePod mini packs a punch with quality 360-degree sound ‘experience’ with an almost tangible connection between mobile devices. This is achieved through haptic feedback on the iPhone when held near the HomePod mini.
The iPhone 12 mini on the other hand definitely had skinny jean fans rejoicing. Finally there is a full touch-screen option that fits comfortably in the tighter pocket!
The iPhone 12 range
Along with the iPhone 12 mini, Apple announced the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. ALL with 5G connectivity, ALL with the incredible new A14 chip. The main benefit of the A14 is increased efficiency, accelerating the performance, allowing for better, sharper pictures to say the least. The benefit of a 5G iPhone? Check out our 5G blog for that one.
The new design wasn’t actually all that new. The iPhone 12 range features more ‘flat’ edges, which we have seen before in the iPhone 4, 5 and original iPhone SE. This old, but still new design allows for a larger touch screen, as the useable area can reach closer to the edge. Which is why the iPhone 12 Pro Max can have a 6.7” screen, whilst not being much larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max/Xs Max.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are available in some brand new colours, including a new Navy Blue, Mint Green, along with classic White, Black and (PRODUCT) Red. The only new colour addition to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max is the stunning Pacific Blue, which is essentially a matte Navy Blue colour and after seeing it in the flesh, I can confirm it is the colour to have.
MagSafe
MagSafe is essentially an in-built magnet array that allows for perfect alignment whilst charging, along with accessories that stick to the back of the iPhone for everyday convenience. Did you know QDOS has its own range of MagSafe compatible cases? Find them here.
No more wall adapter
Apple has been ahead of the game in terms of reducing its carbon footprint over the last decade, with the 2020 launch event announcing that none of their new iPhones will ship with a wall plug adapter. Apparently this will achieve carbon savings equal to 450,000 fewer cars on the road per year. Go Apple! If you are from continental Europe and need a wall plug charger, QDOS has one of those too.
Augmented Reality (AR)
The new A14 chip, paired with a new LIDAR scanner and true depth camera means the iPhone can now scan your surrounding environment, which will make AR work very smoothly. We’re not 100% sure what you would use that yet for everyday life, but it was highlighted throughout the presentation, with the visuals on-screen next to the hosts.