At Apple’s online-only event on October 13th, 2020, the latest model of the iPhone was unveiled: the iPhone 12. Four models of the phone were shown, and a unique feature was the 5G wireless network accommodation. This will allow for faster wireless speeds and more efficient performance.

Like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, these models will have flat edges instead of the new, sleek rounded ones. It will also come in various colors: black, blue, green, red, and white. The new hardened, ceramic glass cover claims to make the screen more durable and less sensitive to cracking. The device’s sides will be made of surgical grade stainless steel, and the phone will also have improved water resistance. Additional features include a LiDAR sensor for faster autofocus and enhanced augmented reality applications, as well as MagSafe charging.

The new iPhone Pro Max will be Apple’s largest phone to date. This model will have three back cameras and will sell for $1099. Every camera will also have Night Mode, meaning low-light photography will be improved. All models will also include the A14 Bionic chip, the first five-nanometer chip in the industry. The other models that will be available are the iPhone Pro, the standard iPhone, and the iPhone Mini, which boasts similar specs to the full-sized iPhone 12 at a smaller size. It will retail for $699.

Unfortunately, a charging brick and wired headphones will not be included with the purchase of a phone. Apple says this change was made because most consumers own headphones and adaptors already. This will help curb electronic waste, reduce carbon emissions, and avoid the mining and use of precious materials. Without the additional products, the iPhone 12’s box will be smaller.

Additionally, at the event, Apple also announced the HomePod mini, which will be smaller and less expensive than the full-sized HomePod. It will come in space gray and white, be a more rounded shape, and cost $99.

Johanna Murphy‘23, Staff Writer