What WASN’T Announced
Before we get to the phones–what Apple did NOT announce at their event this week, surprisingly, was the new operating system, MacOS 11 “Big Sur.” Any software updates you see that are numbered 10.something.something are okay to install now. (System Preferences > Software Update). We’ll keep you posted.
Which iPhone?
With the announcement of the iPhone 12 series this week, there are now NINE different iPhone models you can buy or pre-order from Apple, and even more available elsewhere. If you’re due for an upgrade (iPhone will no longer update, is too slow or won’t hold a charge), you may be wondering which to buy (we’re looking at you, iPhone 6 owners). How do you choose?
The phones now range from $399 – $1099 and from 5.4” to 6.7” diagonally (caveat: PHONE size and SCREEN size are not identical, see image below). At the top and bottom ends, the choice is easy:
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If you don’t want to spend a fortune: the iPhone SE (2nd generation, $399) remains a great choice. Small, no FaceID or 5G, but powerful.
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For the latest and greatest: iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max ($999/1099) are the “photographers’ iPhones.” Loaded with new features, including LIDAR for 3D mapping (!).
Most people, though, fall somewhere in between. If that’s you, and you don’t want to wait for next year’s model, consider the non-Pro iPhone 12 in two sizes, mini ($699, pre-order starts 11/6) or regular ($799, pre-order now).
What about an older phone? It often seems like a better deal, since you’ll save at least $100 buying last year’s iPhone 11 ($599). But the 12 series is “future-proofing,” because they’re the first iPhones that can take advantage of MUCH faster 5G networks–IF you live in a place that has them. They also offer more durable screens, better displays, better photos, and a cool feature that lets you connect chargers, cases, even a mini wallet magnetically.
It helps to compare them side by side, which you can do easily (and germ-free) on Apple’s website here. Two of our trusted sources have good articles on how to choose: Tom’s Guide and Wirecutter (scroll down to the bottom for the iPhone 12 comparison).
Finally, one important warning: Apple removed the headphones and charging brick from the box in the iPhone 12, spinning this as an environmental benefit. They do provide a charging CABLE (lightning to USB-C), but it’s not the same type of cable as the older models, so unless you have a newer computer or iPad Pro with USB-C, you can use your old cable (lightning to USB-A) or you’ll also need to purchase an adapter or a charging brick.
Cute Sound. Cute.
Apple also launched a new HomePod mini with a bunch of fun features. It’s a tough call which of the smart speakers is best: Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomePod mini, or Google’s Nest; but personally I find them useful, despite the fact that all of them are hit and miss–often hilariously so–at understanding verbal commands.
