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Apple launches four new iPhones, joins 5G revolution
What you need to know:
- Apple's four new iPhones announced Tuesday will be 5G capable of connecting to the fast new wireless networks which are being upgraded worldwide.
- The new models include the redesigned iPhone 12 - successor to the top-selling iPhone 11 launched last year - with a display of 6.1 inches at a starting price of over $799, available October 23
Apple joined the move to 5G on Tuesday, unveiling four new iPhones which use the new standard in what could be a turning point for the high-speed wireless technology.
"Today is the beginning of a new era for iPhone," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said during a streamed launch event from the company's headquarters in California.
"This is a huge moment for all of us. And we're really excited. 5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real time interactivity and so much more."
Apple's four new iPhones announced Tuesday will be 5G capable of connecting to the fast new wireless networks which are being upgraded worldwide.
The new models include the redesigned iPhone 12 - successor to the top-selling iPhone 11 launched last year - with a display of 6.1 inches at a starting price of $799, available October 23
Apple's release comes after testing its 5G usage with more than 100 wireless carriers around the world. Here is a look at the devices:
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 is the successor to the top-selling iPhone 11 launched last year and has a display of 6.1 inches. At a starting price of $799, it will be available October 23 in more than 30 countries.
The handset will be powered by Apple's own A14 Bionic processor with a dual-camera, using what the company called "computational photography," or digital technology to get the best images in all conditions.
Apple said the IPhone 12 will use a "smart data mode" that will assess 5G needs and balance speed and battery life automatically.
iPhone 12 mini
Apple calls the iPhone 12 mini "the smallest, thinnest, and lightest 5G smartphone in the world," with the same features of its larger sibling packed in a smaller form factor.
Using "edge-to-edge display," the iPhone 12 mini is able to offer a 5.4 inch display, larger than that of older models like the iPhone 8 but in a smaller package. Priced from $699, the mini will be available November 13.
All iPhone 12 models also offer connections on multiple 5G bands including the "millimeter wave," described as the fastest 5G technology.
Both the iPhone 12 and 12 mini have Apple's "Super Retina XDR" display for color management, water resistance and wireless charging.
iPhone 12 Pro
With a steeper starting price of $999, the iPhone 12 Pro is packed with the most features, notably Apple's latest camera technology which delivers better night performance.
The handset uses "surgical-grade stainless steel" and a nano-ceramic infused display which the company says is "tougher than any smartphone glass."
The Pro models also connect to multiple 5G bands to reach top speeds of up to four gigabytes per second even in densely populated areas.
Apple claims its Lidar scanning technology offers the ability to measure light distance and use pixel depth information to deliver better augmented reality experiences and improved photos and videos at night.
The iPhone 12 Pro includes a seven-element lens with an ultrawide angle feature giving a 120-degree field of view, along with a 52 mm focal length telephoto lens. It will be available October 23 in more than 30 countries.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The most expensive of the new iPhones, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $1,099 and has the same features as the iPhone 12 Pro with a display of 6.7 inches.
Apple maintains that the largest of its lineup "takes the pro camera experience even further" with improved sensors for low-light conditions and a longer 65 mm telephone lense.