Among the new releases, we can find the lower-end iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini alongside the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. All models are equipped with iOS 14 and the newest 5-nm A14 Bionic Apple processor, offer 5G support (including mmWave spectrum in the US), as well as IP68 water resistance. The new models come with a refreshed flat-edge design and feature a new hardened front cover called Ceramic Shield. 

The only difference between the two lower-end models is their screen size. iPhone 12 comes with a 5.4-inch display and retails for USD 699, whereas the 12 Mini has a 6.1-inch screen and is priced at USD 799. There are five different colour versions to choose from, as well as three internal storage options – 64, 128 and 256 GB. Both models also come with a new dual-camera system featuring a 12-megapixel wide angle rear camera and another 12-megapixel front-facing camera. 

Return of the MagSafe system 

All four releases will see the return of the MagSafe wireless charging system. MagSafe will add magnets around the charging coil, allowing it to line up perfectly with a charger or a phone case.  

Apple’s product offer includes an own-brand charger, a MagSafe Duo Charger than can be used simultaneously with the iPhone and Apple Watch, a leather wallet, and a range of snap-on cases in three different finishes. However, that’s not all, as third-party producers are expected to bring out more accessories.

The tech giant also made a controversial decision not to include a power charger or a set of EarPods with the newest phones in an effort to reduce its carbon emissions. 

Better camera specs and more internal storage in Pro models

When it comes to the higher-end models, the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max feature 6.1.- and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. The starting prices for the 128 GB model are USD 999 and USD 1,099, with Apple also offering phones in 256 and 512 GB capacities.  There are four colour versions available – graphite, silver, gold, or pacific blue. 

Photography enthusiasts are also in for a real treat. The innovative seven-element wide-angle camera on an iPhone 12 Pro boasts an impressive f/1.6 aperture. It’s the fastest aperture on an iPhone to date, which translates to an 87% photo improvement in low-light conditions. The camera also features a 120-degree ultra-wide angle sensor, as well as a 52mm telephoto camera with up to 4x optical zoom. The Pro Max model comes with an even larger 1.7μm-pixel sensor, the ultra-wide lens, as well as a 65mm telephoto camera with up to 5x optical zoom. Apple also announced an update to Night mode, which will be made available on the wide-angle and depth sensors, and offer a time-lapse option. 

With a new feature coming to iPhones later this year, you will also be able to use your new iPhone Pro like a pro-level camera. Apple ProRAW will allow users to edit their photos in RAW format, which will be an absolute godsend to photographers. The Pro range also comes with a brand new Lidar scanner that can measure light distance and use information about pixel depth of a given scene. As a result, the AR experience on the iPhone is about to be improved. It will also become much easier to create the coveted bokeh effect in low-light conditions. 

Source: Telecompaper

#1 Home Screen Widgets

The newest release introduces some significant changes to the iPhone’s home screen which is now far more customizable. Until now, the Widgets feature that was rolled out in iOS 8 has been restricted to the Notification Centre. iOS 14 will offer the possibility to move widgets to your home screen with a single drag-and-drop. You can simply drag your selected widget to any location on your home screen. They will come in different sizes (e.g. the equivalent of four or eight app icons), but this aspect is yet to be confirmed.

#2 App Library

App Library is Apple’s latest solution for more efficient app organization. You will no longer have to go through multiple pages in order to find a specific application. These will automatically be grouped in various smart categories, such as Entertainment, Social, or Health & Fitness. iPhone users are currently able to organize their apps manually by dragging two apps into one folder.

However, the newest feature brings a slight variation: the apps won’t all be the same size. The ones you’ve used most frequently or recently will be bigger than others. Some users might also be happy to hear that they will be able to hide certain apps from their home screens, but they will still appear in their App Library. Want to hide your fast food obsession or variety of online dating apps from others? Don’t worry, your secret will be safe.

#3 App Clips

There are also certain apps that we need to use, but don’t necessarily want to download. The next feature offers a smart solution to this problem, as it will allow you to use a stripped-down version of an app without the necessity to download large files. For instance, you should be able to make quick online purchases without creating login information and committing to a full version of an app.

#4 Picture-in-picture

This feature has been long-awaited by the iPhone users. You will finally be able to reply to messages or use other apps without having to pause your favorite TV show or a gripping YouTube vlog. You will also be able to resize or move videos to different corners of your screen.

#5 Siri

Apple’s voice assistant is also getting an upgrade in the latest iOS version. Siri will no longer take up the entire display – the results will now pop up in a small box at the top of the screen. Apple also claims that Siri is now able to answer more complex questions, provide better translations in more languages, or even send audio messages.

The company is also bringing out a new Translate app that will support 11 languages and include a conversation mode. The best part? You won’t even need an internet connection to talk to someone in a different language!

#6 Messages

Finally, Apple will introduce some new features in the Messages app. For instance, you’ll be able to pin the contacts you talk to most often to the top of the screen. Group conversations will also get certain improvements, including inline replies. You’ll be able to choose to get notifications only when someone in the group mentions you, which is reminiscent of apps like Slack. Memoji will also get updated with 20 new hair and headwear styles, including the 2020 staple – face masks.

What do you think about Apple’s latest announcement? What features are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments and stay tuned for more updates!