LACKLUSTER. The Apple iPhone events are usually the biggest grandest of the year.
No AirPods, No Apple TV, no HomePod 2, not even the rumored StudioPods. I know I'm missing more products.
Like you said, it's an "iPhone" event. Apple generally announces the Watch at these events since they it goes hand-in-hand with the iPhone, and sometimes an iPad.
"As a human being, I want that house. Possibly with a few more walls, but otherwise I'm ready to move in."
Until you need to use the restroom
Joking aside one issue I've seen all over the press is different stories about the capabilities of the cameras across the whole line, causing confusion (and it is confusing)... for example some outlets report that Dolby Vision video recording is available across the whole line, some say only on the Pro models, some 30fps on 12 and 60 fps on Pro. Some don't mention the sensor size diffs...
In my case I love the size of the mini... however I know I'm giving up some camera capability... question is does it really impact the photos materially (which I do not take many of) vs. the size of the device which impacts me all day (have the 11 Pro Max and for my hands and for the gym it's *way* to big)... want to do a pre-order, but this is a case where I'll need to wait and see the reviews and Covid allowing try them in person... or maybe go full Apple fanatic and pre-order a mini, pro and pro max, returning/reselling the ones that don't fit.
For me, Apple got it right again! Bringing the advantage of 5G connectivity in sub-6GHz spectrum only, I view the absolutely logical step, when there’s virtualy no mmWave (and “mmwave ready”) infrastructure, and most importantly, no conclusion on health related concerns of mass deployment of these multiple mimo beamforming mmWave antena arrays in dense populated areas. I love Apple’s rationale and courage to wait!
Cabled charging is faster and more efficient, the latter being a definite issue when traveling and relying on finite power packs. Losing 50% of your available power to wireless charging overhead is just not attractive.
As that’s a physics issue I’m hoping cabled charging stays around for a long time. That said overall MagSafe is a definite plus. The accessory possibilities are intriguing.
Very nice article. I certainly appreciate the AppleInsider staff sharing their personal thoughts about the new product releases. Well done!
Funny, I was going to say exactly this. I really liked the format of this article, especially the individual thought at the end. It's a nice reminder that there's an array of people with different perspectives behind the curtain.
LOL! Last year so many experts as well from low end to high end regular
people with strong opinion declared that Apple is doomed because Android
phone manufactures offering 5G and Apple not. Now, the same people
saying full fledged 5G network is not here yet. So, after a year, who is
right ? Apple is right with the timing of releasing awesome 5G phones
and nailed well with line up. People are excited with $699 Mini and $799
iPhone 12.
LOL! Last year so many experts as well from low end to high end regular
people with strong opinion declared that Apple is doomed because Android
phone manufactures offering 5G and Apple not. Now, the same people
saying full fledged 5G network is not here yet. So, after a year, who is
right ? Apple is right with the timing of releasing awesome 5G phones
and nailed well with line up. People are excited with $699 Mini and $799
iPhone 12.
Apple releasing 5G now takes away a club that competitors could have continued to beat Apple with, regardless of the fact that the number of folks who will immediately benefit from 5G is relatively small. The upside, the 5G situation will only get better and hopefully before the refresh period for iPhone 12 buyers. Apple's 5G adoption also puts more pressure on the carriers to get their act together on 5G infrastructure rollout. The 5G ball is in their court now.
Bottom line is that Apple had to do it. But even beyond the 5G factor, the new iPhones are very attractive and compelling purchases for people who are currently sitting on a 3+ year old iPhone (and of course most any Android phone). The iPhone 12 Mini is a home run and should do exceptionally well with people who didn't update their wardrobes to being dominated by cargo pants and shorts, or carrying a murse.
LOL! Last year so many experts as well from low end to high end regular
people with strong opinion declared that Apple is doomed because Android
phone manufactures offering 5G and Apple not. Now, the same people
saying full fledged 5G network is not here yet. So, after a year, who is
right ? Apple is right with the timing of releasing awesome 5G phones
and nailed well with line up. People are excited with $699 Mini and $799
iPhone 12.
Apple releasing 5G now takes away a club that competitors could have continued to beat Apple with, regardless of the fact that the number of folks who will immediately benefit from 5G is relatively small. The upside, the 5G situation will only get better and hopefully before the refresh period for iPhone 12 buyers. Apple's 5G adoption also puts more pressure on the carriers to get their act together on 5G infrastructure rollout. The 5G ball is in their court now.
Bottom line is that Apple had to do it. But even beyond the 5G factor, the new iPhones are very attractive and compelling purchases for people who are currently sitting on a 3+ year old iPhone (and of course most any Android phone). The iPhone 12 Mini is a home run and should do exceptionally well with people who didn't update their wardrobes to being dominated by cargo pants and shorts, or carrying a murse.
The 5G modem situation last year was pretty ugly, and build-outs were bad -- both reasons, and Apple's Qualcomm situation was probably why this wasn't last year. And, I agree with the whole "club taken away" thing, for sure.
5G Build outs are still bad in the US -- but a bit better -- and the modem situation is MUCH better with lower power demand and a smaller form-factor overall versus 2019.
Possible 2 stupid questions: 1. is sensor-shift stabilization working on all 3 back cameras? I am seeing conflicting information from Apple. 2. Do all 3 cameras share a single sensor or do the cameras have their own sensor?
When the nested briefcases were being opened I was thinking "They are going to reveal a tiny tiny case containing an AirTag," then I was disappointed when I saw the phone.
I’m really loosing interest in Apple as a technology supplier and this release didn’t help their cause any. Cell phones are old hat these days and combined with the fact that I’m. It in an upgrade year I was really hoping to see some real innovation on the Apple Silicon front. Frankly if they couldn’t get the hardware out by now they should have kept there mouths shut at WWDC and waited another year.
In a nut shell I was really hoping to see a revitalization at Apple that would entice me to be a Mac customer again. Instead nothing but ho hum iPhone updates.
Are you sure? I am not familiar with that and so I might be wrong, but it doesn`t seem to be true. https://www.statista.com/chart/19336/the-price-of-the-iphone-around-the-world/
My biggest concern about the iPhone 12 family has little to do with the hardware itself. While I'm not opposed to four different models announced yesterday, plus two more retained from the previous lineup from this chair, some folks that I've already spoken to are puzzled by the variances between the models beyond screen sizes.
I’m inclined to agree with mike. I get what they are doing, and I understand the differences. A much simpler approach would have been to have 3 models (mini, middle, max) with mostly the same camera modules (max can have the larger sensor) so that way it really becomes what size you want and battery capacity. I liked the old way of providing a cheaper phone (last years model discounted) than this new Pro/non-pro approach.
When the nested briefcases were being opened I was thinking "They are going to reveal a tiny tiny case containing an AirTag," then I was disappointed when I saw the phone.
I’m really loosing interest in Apple as a technology supplier and this release didn’t help their cause any. Cell phones are old hat these days and combined with the fact that I’m. It in an upgrade year I was really hoping to see some real innovation on the Apple Silicon front. Frankly if they couldn’t get the hardware out by now they should have kept there mouths shut at WWDC and waited another year.
In a nut shell I was really hoping to see a revitalization at Apple that would entice me to be a Mac customer again. Instead nothing but ho hum iPhone updates.
Apparently everyone except for you knew this was an iPhone event.
WWDC was for developers to prepare software for ASi Macs. Why would they wait another year if the first ASi Mac is due to be released this year still?
Comments
Yeah you proved my point, thanks.
Do you not know how to read?
William Gallagher
"As a human being, I want that house. Possibly with a few more walls, but otherwise I'm ready to move in."
Until you need to use the restroom
Joking aside one issue I've seen all over the press is different stories about the capabilities of the cameras across the whole line, causing confusion (and it is confusing)... for example some outlets report that Dolby Vision video recording is available across the whole line, some say only on the Pro models, some 30fps on 12 and 60 fps on Pro. Some don't mention the sensor size diffs...
In my case I love the size of the mini... however I know I'm giving up some camera capability... question is does it really impact the photos materially (which I do not take many of) vs. the size of the device which impacts me all day (have the 11 Pro Max and for my hands and for the gym it's *way* to big)... want to do a pre-order, but this is a case where I'll need to wait and see the reviews and Covid allowing try them in person... or maybe go full Apple fanatic and pre-order a mini, pro and pro max, returning/reselling the ones that don't fit.
I love Apple’s rationale and courage to wait!
Bottom line is that Apple had to do it. But even beyond the 5G factor, the new iPhones are very attractive and compelling purchases for people who are currently sitting on a 3+ year old iPhone (and of course most any Android phone). The iPhone 12 Mini is a home run and should do exceptionally well with people who didn't update their wardrobes to being dominated by cargo pants and shorts, or carrying a murse.
5G Build outs are still bad in the US -- but a bit better -- and the modem situation is MUCH better with lower power demand and a smaller form-factor overall versus 2019.
Year after year I am astonished by the differences in price. In Spain the basic 12 pro is listed as 1,159€, which is 1,355$ as opposed to 999$ in the US: https://www.apple.com/es/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-12-pro
Is there an explanation for that, apart from greediness? It is cheaper to catch a plane to buy it there.
https://www.statista.com/chart/19336/the-price-of-the-iphone-around-the-world/
WWDC was for developers to prepare software for ASi Macs. Why would they wait another year if the first ASi Mac is due to be released this year still?