In the third event this year, Apple dropped their new iPhone 12 models along with Apple HomePod Mini, MagSafe, and some other interesting udpates to Apple ecosystem. Though the event, taglined as “Hi Speed” comes lesser than month from its previous event, Time Flies, the expectations around the new launches from Apple were high. Given that the new Apple iPhone 12 models were buzzing the air since September, it is only normal that the tech industry to be looking forward to the giant.
Let us see the new reveals from Apple in its October event in short glimpses.
HomePod Mini
After being heavily criticized for its attempt into smart speaker niche, Apple has now revived its HomePod devices with a new HomePod Mini. From being remarked as “The Dumbest Smart Speaker” in 2018, Apple has made it quite an effort to become somewhat an okayish smart speaker in 2020 with its mini model. Though the smart speakers are still Apple-only friendly, the sound quality, privacy, security are the pitching points of the device.
Unlike its predecessor HomePod, the mini version comes in handy at 3.3 inches tall sphere structure to provide a 360-degree audio throw filling your entire room. The interesting advantage of having a pair of HomePod Mini is that you can create a stereo pair for an immersive experience from left and right channels.
Also, the carefully created exclusive Apple Ecosystem helps in pairing up all your iPhone to the HomePod Mini just by bringing your iPhone close to it.
The device is priced at $99 in USA and ₹9,990 in India for both White and Space Grey colors. The HomePod Mini will first be available from November 6, 2020 for ordering.
iPhone 12 models
The biggest update of the event was Apple’s mobile 4 new devices: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max. Right from the September event, speculations about the new iPhone was doing abuzz and the name of the event, Hi Speed was evident enough for the tech enthusiasts to know that the new iPhone was bringing in 5G. With no disappointment to that front, Tim Cook announced the new, first ever 5G supported iPhone models.
Apart from the 5G factor, the new iPhone 12 models received mixed reactions from the tech world. Of course, there were some good upgrades like Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, Ceramic Shield (which promises a 4x times better drop performance), night mode for 12+12MP cameras (inclusive of both front and rear), etc. The display of the iPhone 12, powered by Super Retina XDR is touted as the best iPhone display ever.
However, the internet backlash was mainly targeted at Apple’s move towards carbon neutral by shipping the iPhone without wall chargers and Lighting earbuds for not just the new iPhone 12 models, but also to iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and 2020 iPhone SE. Instead, a USB-C to lightening cable will be provided with the phones.
The iPhone 12 models start at $699 and go up to $1099 for the top-end model and go on sale from November 6, 2020.
MagSafe
The most interesting update of the event was the new MagSafe, a new wireless charging equipment for new iPhone 12 models. MagSafe, the magnetically attached power connectors was earlier launched in 2006 and later succeeded by other Apple products. Now, the tech giant has re-introduced the MagSafe as it bets high on the wireless charging product lines.
The MagSafe accessories can come in more than one variety, like cases, wallets, etc. both from Apple and also authorized third-party providers. The core concept of the accessories is to snap to the back of Apple devices (currently supports only iPhone 12 devices) via magnetic force and provide an enhanced charging experience.
The Apple MagSafe accessories can be expected to be available for sale from later this month or early November.
