AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
.jpg)
Summary
- Apple unveils four iPhones along with HomePod Mini and other products in its much-awaited launch.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook started the "Hi, Speed" virtual presentation with announcing HomePod Mini followed by iPhone 12 series models.
- In order to reduce its carbon footprint, Apple is removing the charger and headphones from the iPhone 12 box.
Apple finally unveiled its new range of 5G network-enabled iPhone 12 smartphones along with HomePod Mini speaker in its virtual presentation. When everyone thought Apple would launch a new iPhone, it came up with four and launched a wide range of other products as well.
The tech giant launched four new redesigned iPhone 12 model line-ups, a HomePod mini and new wireless charging MagSafe options in its highly anticipated "Hi, Speed" virtual event.
At the launch, Apple was expected to announce its audio products such as a pair of over-ear headphones, but instead, HomePod Mini decided to steal the limelight. Right before Apple launched the new range of iPhones, it unveiled HomePod Mini, a smaller version of HomePod smart speakers.
HomePod Mini was in the news for the last couple of weeks. The rumours were that Apple would launch a cheaper version of its smart speaker product.
Did You Watch: What is happening with Apple Shares?
Image Source: © Kalkine Group
Much Awaited Announcement
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the new HomePod Mini at the start of the virtual event. Siri enables this affordable version of HomePod smart speaker, and as the name suggests, HomePod Mini is a lot smaller than HomePod.
Apart from other features, HomePod Mini comes with a new feature called Intercom. It allows the users to broadcast a message to all other Apple products connected to HomePods such as iPhone, Apple Watch, and CarPlay. Apple said in the announcement that the two HomePod could also act as a stereo pair.
Users can connect Amazon Music with HomePod Mini, but it will not support Spotify.
Priced at US$99, HomePod Mini comes in two colours, white and space grey. Pre-orders for HomePod Mini starts on November 6.
iPhone 12 series products launched
Apple released its four new models for the first time with the key 5G feature. Apple also announced that the immensely popular PC game League of Legends, Wild Rift would come to the iPhone later this year.
The four new phones, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, are hitting the Australia market this month. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders will start at Apple stores and Telco from Friday, October 16. The iPhones will go on sale on Friday, October 23. iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available for purchase from November 13.
Enhanced Features
Bigger and fancier display
Along with 5G, iPhone 12 series put the spotlight on its improved display and cameras. The flat sides will bring the nostalgia of iPhone 4 or 5.
With different ranges of features and sizes, Phone 12 series will come with OLED displays and has Apple's A14 Bionic SoC. Apple said that the feature enables "console-quality gaming" in its iPhones.
iPhone 12 Mini starts at US$699 and has a display size of 5.4″. iPhone 12 will begin at US$799 and comes with a 6.1″ size display. iPhone 12 Pro starts at US$999 and has a display of 6.1″. iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at US$1,099 and offers a huge 6.7″ display.
iPhone 12 Pro has a sleek stainless-steel body whereas iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 has an aluminium body. Both the Pro models have an interesting feature such as lidar sensors which enables the iPhones to perform ultra-fast focusing in low-light situations, or 3D room scanning.
Good Read: What is driving Apple to Hit All-time High? Rub-off on ASX 200 Tech Stocks?
A new ecosystem with MagSafe
The new iPhone Pro series will have a feature called MagSafe which allows the system to charge wireless. The easy-to-attach accessories complement the iPhone Pro models.
The new charging ecosystem includes MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger, which can be used for iPhone as well as Apple Watch. These new charging docks come in silicone, leather, and clear cases which can also be used as cardholders.
Commitment to the environment
Another most crucial announcement that everyone was waiting for is that Apple will no longer include headphones and wall power adaptors with its iPhones. The move is considered to be environmentally friendly as the Company says there are already "billions" of compatible chargers in the world.
The new rage of iPhones will provide a USB-C to lightning cable minus the adaptor.
Apple announced that it is working towards a carbon-neutral footprint for its global corporate operations. By 2030, the Company plans to have a net-zero climate impact on its businesses.
From manufacturing to its product life cycle, Apple decides, and its business will be 100 per cent carbon neutral. It started with the Apple announcement of excluding charging adapters in the new iPhone series.
Bottom line
Apple is known for bringing disruption in the market with its innovation in technology and products. Living up to the expectation, Apple launched bigger and fancier Phones with novel features. However, the Company is facing criticism for removing earphones and charging adaptor from its new iPhone 12 series box.
