The news: Following the reveal of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, a number of interesting new details have emerged about Apple’s new handsets.
- Higher starting price than advertised: Apple says iPhone 12 starts at $699: this is only available through a special carrier offer with AT&T or Verizon, currently. Unlocked models of iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 start at $729 and $829 respectively.
- Smart Data Mode: This mode means that 5G will be used only as needed, and seems to be enabled by default. The Verge says that 5G will only be enabled when streaming a movie or doing a video call, but not when checking email or Twitter. Apple suggests this can be toggled off.
- Mysterious side cutout: Apple has confirmed this is a transparent cutout for the faster mmWave 5G frequency (sorry, no Touch ID here).
- RAM: iPhone 12 has 4GB RAM while iPhone 12 Pro has 6GB RAM (confirmed by MacRumors)
- Qi charging is remains at 7.5w: You’ll only be able to get the faster 15w wireless charging speeds when using an official MagSafe accessory.
- MagSafe Duo and Leather Sleeve accessories: Neither of these fascinating products have a release date yet. Apple just says “MagSafe Duo Charger and Leather Sleeve will be available at a later date.”
- Apple ProRAW: A speaker in the Keynote said the feature was coming to iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max before the end of 2020. Apple’s press release more ambiguously claims “Apple ProRAW will be available in a future iOS 14 update.”
- 1080p FaceTime: You can broadcast your face in 1080p over FaceTime on Wi-Fi and 5G (non-iPhone 12s are limited to Wi-Fi only)
- 3 months free of Apple Arcade: Similar to the free year of Apple TV+ last year, Apple is giving buyers of a new iPhone 12 (or other Apple products) 3 months free of Apple Arcade
