The most recent YouTube App update (15.45.2) has added HDR support for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. YouTube has supported HDR on its iOS app since the iPhone X but has required updates to support new hardware.
To check to see if you are watching YouTube videos at their highest quality, you can simply press the three dots on the top right of the video, and you should see "HDR" options listed on supported videos.
HDR options are also only available on devices released since 2017 that have OLED displays (so that excludes all iPad models and the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR).
Apple has suspended its partnership with Pegatron after it discovered that the major iPhone supplier was committing labor violations at a student workers' program.
Bloomberg reports that several weeks ago Apple found Pegatron had been falsifying paperwork to cover up the violations of Apple's code of conduct for suppliers. Specifically, the Taiwanese manufacturer had misclassified student workers, which allowed some to work nights and overtime. Employees reportedly then "went to extraordinary lengths" to cover up the violations.
"Pegatron misclassified the student workers in their program and falsified paperwork to disguise violations of our Code, including allowing students to work nights and/or overtime and in some cases to perform work unrelated to their major," Apple said in a statement to Bloomberg. "The individuals at Pegatron responsible for the violations went to extraordinary lengths to evade our oversight mechanisms."
Pegatron said the violations took place at its Shanghai and Kunshan campuses in eastern China and that students working night shifts, over-time, and in positions unrelated to their majors were "not in compliance with local rules and regulations." Pegatron has since fired the manager who oversaw the student worker program.
"Upon discovery of this non-compliant activity, we immediately took the student workers off production lines and worked with our customer and third-party experts to make appropriate arrangements for them to return to their homes or schools with proper compensation alongside all necessary support and care," Pegatron said in a statement.
Apple has put Pegatron on probation as a result of the violations, and while supplier's current iPhone business is not expected to be affected, it could lose some iPhone 12 orders to Luxshare next year.
This isn't the first time Pegatron has been accused of worker abuse. A 2013 report by China Labor Watch found evidence of unpaid overtime and underpayment of student workers at Pegatron's Shanghai assembly plant. Other companies in Apple's Chinese-based production chain including Foxconn and Catcher Technology have also flouted local regulations in the past, forcing Apple to tighten standards and audit the companies that manufacture components for its devices.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Pre-orders for Apple's new HomePod mini smart speaker began last Friday, and shipping times have already started slipping into December.
The first wave of HomePod mini pre-orders are expected to arrive in customers' hands on Monday, November 16 at the earliest, but supply constraints have started to hit stock of both white and space gray variants, with the latter color faring worst.
Taking a HomePod mini through Apple's online checkout today, the space gray color delivers between December 2 and December 9 with Express Shipping selected, and selecting Standard Delivery shows delivery dates between December 3 and December 10.
Meanwhile the white color delivers between November 24 and December 2 with Express Delivery selected, and between November 25 and December 3 if choosing Standard Delivery.
The difference in delivery wait times could mean the space grey is proving more popular. On the other hand, it could just be indicative of manufacture and supply chain issues for that particular model. Either way, if you're looking to pick up a HomePod mini as soon as possible, the white color is the one to order.
Lest we forget, pre-orders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max also began last Friday, and while supplies appear to have been adequate enough to meet initial demand, the 256GB iPhone 12 mini in some colors and some iPhone 12 Pro Max colors and capacities will not arrive until later in November or early December for orders placed now.
Apple last month introduced the MagSafe Duo Charger, which features a foldable design with a built-in MagSafe Charger and Apple Watch charging puck. A new video recently shared on Instagram goes hands-on with the accessory.
The video showcases the accessory being used to charge an iPhone 12 and Apple Watch. Similar to the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, the Apple Watch charging puck can be pushed up to allow the watch to be docked on its side, enabling Nightstand mode.
The MagSafe Duo has the ability to wirelessly charge a compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods or AirPods Pro case, and other Qi-certified devices. Priced at $129, the charger ships with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but the recommended 20W power adapter is sold separately for $19. An exact release date has still yet to be announced for the accessory.
Apple today launched a new iPhone 12 Studio page, accessible on the web on mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. The page allows you to customize iPhone 12 models with various MagSafe cases and wallets to see how the color combinations look.
After loading the page, the first step is to choose the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max. Then, you can scroll down to personalize the iPhone by choosing a color for the device, choosing a MagSafe case and color, and choosing a MagSafe wallet and color. You can then name and save a photo of the combination you choose.
The feature is similar to the Apple Watch Studio that allows customers to mix and match various Apple Watch casings and bands.
The hashtag #iphone12studio has gained a new hashflag from Apple. The hashflag may indicate that a new Apple Watch-style studio is on its way for the iPhone 12, but it is not yet known exactly what it will be used to promote.
The new hashflag, first highlighted by Twitter account @hashflagsio, is the first to be used by Apple for something other than an event. Apple launched its logo hashflag for its upcoming Apple event this week, and the company has also launched similar logo hashflags for its previous two events.
The #iphone12studio hashflag is now live, displaying an image of an iPhone 12 Pro Max case and an iPhone 12 Pro case with a MagSafe Wallet.
After the launch of the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019, Apple launched the Apple Watch Studio on the Apple Store. The feature allows customers to combine different Apple Watch case sizes, finishes, and bands to create a unique look. According to Apple, the Apple Watch Studio offers over 1,000 different watch combinations.
The hashtag's tease of an equivalent iPhone 12 Studio may suggest that a similar feature for the iPhone 12 and its MagSafe accessories is on the way. Apple offers a wide variety of color-coordinated MagSafe cases and accessories alongside the iPhone 12, so Apple may be seeking to capitalize on its growing accessories market and allow users to see how different combinations may look.
However, it is strange that Apple has launched the hashflag before announcing the new feature. Ahead of Apple's "Time Flies" event in September, Apple customized the #AppleEvent Twitter hashtag before announcing the event, thereby revealing that the release of invitations was imminent. Whether Apple has intentionally launched the #iphone12studio hashflag early is unknown.
Twitter allows brands to add custom emojis next to hashtags as a marketing strategy. According to Agency Creative, Twitter hashflags can cost upwards of one million dollars, and they are commonly used for large events like the Super Bowl or holidays.
It feels like we've barely been able to catch our breath from Apple news since September, and this week was no exception with Apple announcing yet another virtual event for next Tuesday, November 10, and launching pre-orders for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and HomePod mini.
In addition, this week saw the launch of iOS 14.2 with some new emoji, an Intercom feature, and additional updates, fixes, and tweaks, while we also learned more about some of Apple's MagSafe accessories. Throw in the usual bevy of rumors about future products, and it was quite a busy week.
Read on below for all of the details from this week!
Apple Event Announced for November 10, Apple Silicon Macs Expected
Apple has announced that it will be hosting its third event in as many months on Tuesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, teasing that it has "one more thing" to unveil. Apple will once again be streaming the event online, on both its website and YouTube.
The event is widely expected to mark the arrival of the first Apple Silicon Mac — or perhaps Macs plural. In June, Apple announced that it would be transitioning from Intel processors to its own custom Apple Silicon processors in Macs, promising industry-leading performance per watt. At the time, Apple said that it planned to ship its first Mac with Apple Silicon by the end of 2020, so a release should be rather soon.
Bloomberg this week reported that the first Apple Silicon Macs will likely be new models of the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The report claimed that a new 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon is also in development, but it is unclear if that model will debut next week. Farther down the line, Apple is also said to be working on a smaller version of the Mac Pro, but it sounds like it won't be announced until at least 2021.
For full details on everything we expect to see and could see at Tuesday's event, check out our event guide.
iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max and HomePod Mini Now Available for Pre-Order
Pre-orders are available in more than 30 countries and regions around the world for the two new iPhone models, which will join the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro that went on sale in October. The new iPhones will begin arriving on Friday, November 13, while the HomePod mini should begin arriving on Monday, November 16.
Alongside the start of pre-orders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple also added product listings for the upcoming Leather Sleeves for the various iPhone 12 sizes and the MagSafe Duo Charger, which offers pairs a MagSafe charger for your iPhone with an Apple Watch charging station. Both products are priced at $129, and Apple says they are "coming soon," but has not announced specific launch dates.
iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 Released With New Emoji and Wallpapers, Intercom, and More
In addition to new emoji and wallpapers, iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 include support for Apple's new Intercom feature, which turns the HomePod, HomePod mini, and select other devices into intercoms that can be used throughout the home for convenient communication.
Intercom allows family members to communicate with one another in the home by sending and receiving spoken messages through HomePod speakers or through iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay. Intercom can be activated by saying "Hey Siri, Intercom" to activate it, followed by a message, and it can even be used when people are away from home.
Apple also released a companion HomePod software version 14.2 with Intercom and home theater with Apple TV 4K support, along with watchOS 7.1, tvOS 14.2, and the macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate.
Apple says the iPhone 12 mini can achieve this 12W with a USB-C Power Delivery power adapter that is at or above 9V/2.03A. However, the support document notes that power delivered to any iPhone 12 model at any moment will vary depending on various factors, including temperature and system activity.
The support document also notes that when Lightning accessories such as EarPods are connected to any iPhone 12 model, the MagSafe Charger is limited to 7.5W charging to comply with regulatory standards.
Hands-On With Apple's MagSafe Wallet for iPhone 12
MagSafe is a new feature on all iPhone 12 models that allows for magnetic accessories to be attached to the back of the devices, including Apple's MagSafe Charger for more precise wireless charging.
Mini-LED displays provide many of the same benefits as OLED displays, including higher brightness, improved contrast ratio, and increased power efficiency. The technology is expected to expand to Macs starting next year.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Orders that are preparing to ship are no longer able to be canceled, and soon those orders should be able to be tracked using methods like UPS My Choice and track by reference number in the United States. The first customers who ordered this morning will see their devices arriving on Friday, November 13.
Supplies of the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max have been adequate, though some iPhone 12 Pro Max colors and capacities from some carriers will not arrive until later in November or early December for orders placed now.
Many iPhone 12 mini models appear to be in stock and available for launch day delivery, and for those able to pick up in a store, most iPhone 12 Pro Max and 12 mini models continue to be available for launch day pickup in some areas.
According to spot checks done by Loup Ventures, the 128GB iPhone 12 Pro Max in Pacific Blue appears to be one of the most highly sought after models, alongside the iPhone 12 Pro in the same color.
Apple has held talks with podcast network Wondery about a potential acquisition, reports Bloomberg. Wondery is responsible for popular podcasts that include "Dirty John" and "Dr. Death," among others.
Wondery is looking for $300 to $400 million and has also held talks with Sony Music Entertainment and other companies, though Spotify is said to be "out of the running." At that price point, Bloomberg says that it would mark one of the largest deals in the podcasting market.
A deal is expected to be established in the coming months, but it's not yet clear if Apple will go through with the purchase as things are still in the discussion stage. Wondery has a monthly audience of more than eight million people, which would be a major score for Apple as it aims to ramp up its podcasting efforts.
A Wondery purchase would provide Apple with a library of original content along with a source for ideas that could eventually be turned into television shows. Wondery is already working on TV shows based on podcasts, including a WeWork series that's going to premiere on Apple TV+.
Rumors this year have suggested Apple is looking to buy exclusive original podcasts to better compete with Spotify's podcast offerings. Apple has specifically been seeking podcasts that could eventually be adapted into future TV+ content, and it plans to create podcasts that will augment its TV shows.
Apple competitor Spotify has been focusing heavily on podcasts and has purchased Gimlet Media, known for podcasts like "Reply All" and "Homecoming." Apple has long been a leader in the podcasting sphere thanks to the Podcasts app, which it has been improving in recent years, but Spotify has been making inroads in podcasting.
Apple has already purchased a couple of podcasting companies. In 2017, it bought Pop Up Archive to improve search, and in early 2020, it bought podcasting service Scout FM, designed to turn podcast shows into radio-style stations.
Apple's third fall 2020 event, "One more thing," will be held on Tuesday, November 10. Apple held events in September and October to introduce new iPads, Apple Watches, iPhones, and the HomePod mini, and this November event is expected to be all about the Mac.
The first Macs with an Apple Silicon Arm-based chip will be introduced at the Apple event, and while we're just counting on Macs this time around, it's possible there will be an extra surprise or two. We've rounded up everything we know about the November event below so you know what to expect on Tuesday.
Apple Silicon Macs
Rumors about Apple's planned transition to Arm-based Macs have circulated for years now, and in June at the Worldwide Developer's Conference, Apple made it official. Future Macs will adopt Apple Silicon chips, with Apple doing away with the Intel chips in current Macs.
Apple is designing its own Apple Silicon chips, which are similar to the A-series chips used in iPhones and iPads. The first Apple Silicon chips will be built on the 5-nanometer A14 chips that were introduced in the iPhone, with TSMC to manufacture the chips.
According to Apple, Apple Silicon chips will bring a new level of performance with Macs that are more powerful and more energy efficient for improved battery life. Apple's goal is to deliver the highest possible performance with the lowest power consumption.
Apple's custom chips will provide best-in-class security with the Secure Enclave, and Apple is also designing its own GPUs for better performance with pro apps and games. Apple plans to include Neural Engines and Machine Learning Accelerators to make Macs ideal platforms for machine learning, with Apple also including a high-quality image signal processor, high-performance DRAM, unified memory, and cryptography acceleration.
Apple Silicon Macs will allow for deeper integration between hardware and software, and cross-platform apps that will work on Macs, iPhones, and iPads are coming alongside the shift to the new chip technology. Apple Silicon Macs will be able to run iPhone and iPad apps natively.
Over the course of the next two years, Apple plans to transition its entire Mac lineup to Apple Silicon chips. Rumors suggest the first Macs that will be updated with the new technology will be the 13-inch MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Reliable sources that include Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg have targeted these two models as the first to transition, and we are expecting to see refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models at the November event.
Bloomberg has also said that Apple has a 16-inch MacBook in the works that could make an appearance, but production is not as far along on that machine and it's not guaranteed. None of the new Apple Silicon Macs coming this year are expected to feature a redesign, with Apple continuing to use existing designs.
In 2021, we are expecting redesigned 14.1-inch and 16.1-inch MacBook Pro models with a new look and mini-LED display technology, but the first Apple Silicon Macs will be more modest processor-focused updates. Apple is also working on a new smaller Mac Pro, a Mac mini, and a 24-inch iMac, all of which will adopt Apple Silicon in the future.
Apple hasn't changed its chip technology since swapping from PowerPC to Intel back in 2006, so the shift to Apple Silicon is major news that's going to shape the future of the Mac for years to come. We may only be getting a few Macs with Apple Silicon at the event, but it will give us an idea of what we can expect from the Mac in terms of performance and battery life going forward.
Other Possibilities
AirTags
We've been waiting for Apple's long-rumored Tile competitor AirTags for months now, originally expecting the Bluetooth trackers to come out at the September or October event. An unveiling at a Mac-centric event is possible but unlikely, and there's a good chance we won't be seeing AirTags until next year.
For those unfamiliar with AirTags, they're small trackers that are equipped with Bluetooth and are designed to attach to important but easily lost items like wallets, cameras, and keys. AirTags (and the items they're attached to) can be tracked right inside the Find My app alongside iPhones, iPads, and Macs, so you can keep an eye on all of your important belongings in one place.
AirTags details have been leaking since the release of iOS 13, but we're still not sure what the AirTags will look like. Based on some simple images found in iOS, they could be small, circular tags with built-in Bluetooth and ultra-wideband support. Ultra-wideband, a feature first introduced in the iPhone 11 lineup, is key because iPhones that have a U1 chip will be able to track AirTags with much more accuracy than Bluetooth alone.
If your keys fall down the couch cushion or your wallet gets kicked under the bed, for example, the iPhone will be able to locate the exact part of the room where they're located. This kind of functionality will make AirTags more accurate and more useful than other Bluetooth trackers on the market.
AirTags might attach to items with rings or adhesive, and the bottle cap-sized trackers are rumored to come with a keychain that has a leather pouch on it, which may be one of the attachment methods.
There have been mixed rumors on charging methods. One rumor has pointed towards a built-in rechargeable battery that works with an Apple Watch-style charging puck, while another suggests the AirTags will run on a replaceable CR2032 battery. Either way, it sounds like they'll last for a good amount of time rather than featuring a non-replaceable battery.
Anything that you lose will show up on the Find My map with an associated address, and when the iPhone is close to a lost item, you might see an augmented reality map with specific positioning that makes it easier to find the missing item. AirTags will also be able to play a sound when triggered in the Find My app.
With iOS 13, Apple introduced a feature that's designed to let Apple products communicate with one another when offline, letting a lost iPhone ping off of someone else's iPhone it comes into contact with even without a cellular or WiFi connection. This function will likely come to AirTags as well, letting millions of iPhones and Apple devices all around the world track lost items.
Apple is adding to its AirPods lineup with high-end over-ear headphones that could be called the "AirPods Studio," which will join the AirPods and the AirPods Pro, and there's a slim chance that the AirPods Studio could see a mention during the November event after missing the September and October events.
It's quite possible that AirPods Studio are another product that Apple is holding until next year, so while we can hope to see the new headphones, it's not guaranteed.
Mockup based on alleged leaked version of the AirPods Studio
The AirPods Studio will have superior sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation to minimize ambient noise. Other features include equalizer adjustment options available through an iOS device or a Mac, and head and neck detection, which would presumably work like the ear detection in the AirPods but would be able to tell if the headphones are on the head or pulled down onto the neck, pausing content.
An orientation feature may let the AirPods Studio detect the left and right ears for routing audio channels, and there will be no right or wrong side for wearing the headphones.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on two designs for the AirPods Studio. One is a higher-end premium model made from high quality materials like leather, while another is more fitness focused and made from breathable, lighter weight materials.
Alleged leaked images of the AirPods Studio show headphones with long oblong ear cups and gray fabric padding at the top of the headband, with the headphones sporting a retro-style look.
Both versions of the AirPods Studio are expected to include magnetic ear cups and headband padding that can be swapped out for a customizable look, similar to Apple Watch bands. There's no solid word on what the AirPods Studio will cost, but rumors have suggested Apple may sell them for around $349.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Throwboy to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Mac, iPhone, or iPod pillow from Throwboy's Iconic Pillow Collection, which features soft plush versions of classic Apple products.
There are five pillows in the Iconic Pillow Collection, each of which mimics an original Apple product: the Apple II, released in 1977; the first Macintosh, released in 1984; the iMac G3, which was released in 1998; the iPod, released in 2001; and the iPhone, released in 2007.
Throwboy started on Kickstarter a couple of years ago, and the campaign was successful enough that Throwboy has continued to offer Apple-themed plush pillows for Mac fans alongside other pillow options. The Iconic pillows are available for $39.99 each on the Throwboy website, with the entire collection able to be purchased for $189.99.
Each Iconic pillow features intricate embroidered detail to ensure that it looks like its hardware counterpart. We've reviewed the Iconic pillows in the past and have been impressed with their plushness, softness, and the realistic designs brought to life in plush form.
Design details include the iPod's iconic click wheel on the iPod pillow, a rainbow logo and floppy disk drive on the 1984 pillow, a disk drive, speakers, and paneling on the iMac G3 pillow, a Home button and speaker for the iPhone, and an embroidered keyboard and display for the Apple II.
All of the pillows are made from a plush material in the appropriate color for each device, so there's no mistaking what each one is meant to be. The Apple II and original Macintosh are a light beige color, the iPhone is black and gray, the iPod is white, and the iMac G3 is white and aqua.
Size wise, Throwboy's pillows are ideal for a couch or chair, and they also work on a shelf, so Apple cans can use them anywhere. Each pillow is soft, squishy, and comfortable to hold or lean against.
We have 10 Iconic Pillows to give away to MacRumors readers. Each winner will be able to pick their favorite pillow at the conclusion of the giveaway. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (November 6) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on November 13. The winners will be chosen randomly on November 13 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
For those that don't win, Throwboy is offering a 15 percent off discount on any order which can be claimed with promo code "macrumors1."
Walmart today introduced new deals on numerous models of the new Apple Watch SE, starting at $229.99 for the 40mm GPS model, down from $279.99. Across all models, you'll find $50 in savings on both GPS and cellular devices. These sales are being matched at Target.
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Apple introduced the new Apple Watch SE this year, offering all of the essential Apple Watch functionality in a slightly less costly package. The Apple Watch SE is almost identical to the Series 6, but it does not have ECG or blood oxygen functionality, as those health features take hardware that Apple did not include in the lower-cost option.
Reigns: Beyond is the fourth game in the popular Reigns series from Nerial and Devolver Digital, and takes the decision-based game to space.
As an intergalactic indie rockband, plot your rise to "stardom", traveling from planet to planet and gig to gig on your quest for fame and fortune. Play local (and not-so-local) clubs throughout the galaxy, recruiting alien band members along the way, and rock out across the cosmos! But make sure you're managing your ship's resources and keeping your crew in check while on this stellar tour because one wrong decision may leave you lost in space!
The game features over 60 characters and 1400 decision cards for a unique experience in every new game, as well as an original soundtrack by Sam Webster.
From the creators of "Love You to Bits" and "Bring You Home," Alike Studio presents All of You. The game is a family-friendly puzzle adventure with highly visual and accessible gameplay.
Explore strange places filled with fun characters, exciting surprises, and many treacherous dangers – all to find every one of your chicks.
Players follow the journey of a clumsy chicken traversing the world in search of her lost chicks. Gameplay revolves around pausing time to control the environment and unveil the correct path for the main character.
Both new games are available now on Apple Arcade.
Belkin's new Car Vent Mount PRO with MagSafe for iPhone 12 models is now available to order through Apple's online store, with pricing set at $39.95 in the United States. Apple is quoting delivery in the first week of December as of writing.
The mount has a built-in clip that attaches to a vent in a vehicle, and MagSafe allows an iPhone 12 model to be magnetically attached with ease. An integrated ball joint allows the iPhone to be flipped from portrait to landscape with one hand. The mount has a slim profile with cable management on the back for storing a Lightning cable, but note that the mount itself does not function as a charging pad.
The Car Vent Mount PRO is not yet available to order through Belkin's own website, and we're still waiting on its BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe, which is expected to be available in "winter 2020."
Apple's selection of leather cases for all iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models are now available on the Apple Store. Amid concern that the MagSafe Charger may damage cases, Apple has directly addressed the issue and included an image on the storefront of how the charger may imprint the case over time.
The final image of every Apple Leather Case on the Apple Store depicts how the appearance of the case may change over time when regularly using the MagSafe Charger or other MagSafe accessories.
After the launch of Apple's silicone cases for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, some users began noticing that the MagSafe Charger quickly left a circular imprint on the case.
An Apple Support document subsequently admitted that the MagSafe Charger might show circular imprints from contact with the accessory. Now, the Apple Leather Case item description explicitly states:
Interaction with MagSafe accessories will leave slight imprints (as shown in the last image of the gallery). If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use an iPhone 12 | 12 Pro Silicone or Clear Case.
Considering that Apple has gone as far as to directly show how the MagSafe accessories can permanently imprint its cases, it seems highly likely that the company expects many users to experience the issue. Customers should therefore be aware of this behavior ahead of making the purchase.
Apple's online store has listed the MagSafe Duo Charger and Leather Sleeve with MagSafe for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max as "coming soon" for $129 each in the United States. An exact release date has yet to be announced for the accessories, which still cannot be pre-ordered at this time.
MagSafe is a new feature on all iPhone 12 models that allows for magnetic accessories to be attached to the back of the devices.
Featuring a foldable design with a built-in MagSafe Charger and Apple Watch charging puck, the MagSafe Duo can wirelessly charge a compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods or AirPods Pro case, and other Qi-certified devices. The charger ships with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but the recommended 20W power adapter is sold separately for $19.
The Leather Sleeve covers all sides of iPhone 12 models, with a cutout on the front for the Lock screen clock. On the inside, the sleeve has a pocket for a credit card or ID, and it also comes with a strap that can be attached for easy carrying. The sleeve will be available in four colors: Baltic Blue, Pink Citrus, Saddle Brown, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max through its online storefront and the Apple Store app. Pre-orders are available in more than 30 countries and regions around the world for the two new iPhone models, which will join the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro that went on sale in October.
Priced starting at $699 (or $729 for the SIM-free model) for 64GB of storage, the iPhone 12 mini is Apple's most affordable iPhone this year. It shares the same feature set as the iPhone 12, but it comes in a smaller 5.4-inch form factor that's ideal for those who prefer a more compact device.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is Apple's largest and most expensive iPhone this year, coming in at 6.7 inches with a $1,099 starting price point. It's similar to the iPhone 12 Pro, but with a larger form factor and upgraded camera technology. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the same three-lens camera setup with LiDAR, but it has a larger sensor that offers better performance in low light.
All of the iPhone 12 models have a new flat-edged design that's similar to the iPad Pro with OLED edge-to-edge displays, Face ID, faster A14 chip technology, and 5G connectivity. In the United States, the entire iPhone 12 lineup supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks, while in other countries, sub-6GHz 5G connectivity is available.
Those who want an iPhone 12 mini or an iPhone 12 Pro Max that are hoping to get a device on launch day should place a pre-order right away because supplies are likely limited. Some iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models sold out shortly after pre-orders for those devices launched, and since Apple held the iPhone 12 mini and Pro Max back until a later date, it's possible supplies of the smallest and largest iPhone 12 models are more limited.
Major U.S. carriers including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile are accepting pre-orders for new devices, as are other carriers around the world. Major online retailers such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are also accepting pre-orders today.
In the U.S., customers can purchase the new iPhones from the four major carriers through the Apple online store or Apple Store app, or choose a SIM-Free option. Purchase options include carrier payment plans, the Apple Upgrade Program, Apple Card Monthly Installments, or paying in full. Cases for the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max are also available today, as are Leather cases for all iPhone models.
Along with new iPhones and cases, Apple is accepting pre-orders for the smaller and more affordable HomePod mini as of today, with the new, compact speaker available for purchase for $99 from the online Apple Store and the Apple Store app.
Customers who place an order for launch day delivery can expect to begin receiving their devices on Friday, November 13, the official launch date for the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max. HomePod mini pre-orders will begin arriving on Monday, November 16.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research note, seen by MacRumors, that details his expectations for next year's iPhone lineup, tentatively dubbed "iPhone 13," including some positive shipment predictions based on a number of factors.
According to Kuo, the iPhone 13 will come in the same four model sizes as this year's iPhone 12, but with some major improvements to the camera technology. Specifically, Kuo says the Ultra Wide cameras on the two high-end models will be significantly upgraded to f/1.8, 6P (six-element lens) with autofocus. All the current iPhone 12 models are equipped with f/2.4, 5P (five-element lens) Ultra Wide cameras with fixed focus.
Looking further ahead, Kuo says he also expects all the new 2022 iPhones (tentatively called the iPhone 14 series) to be equipped with the same improved Ultra Wide camera with f/1.8, 6P and autofocus. Kuo states that Largan is likely to become the major supplier of voice coil motors (VCM) for the improved Ultra Wide cameras. It is expected that Largan will obtain about 70% of the VCM orders for the iPhone 13 under the advantages of vertical integration of lens production and VCM, versus 50% of the iPhone 12 series' Ultra Wide angle lens.
Kuo believes that shipments for the iPhone 13 will increase year-on-year and offers a positive outlook for the supply chain due to several factors, including a more robust 5G infrastructure in 2H21, a return to the traditional September timeframe for iPhone mass production and sale, and the aforementioned significant camera improvements to iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 rumors from other sources have been thin on the ground, although the notch on Apple's 2021 "iPhone 13" lineup may be smaller, according to one leaker. Display analyst Ross Young has also claimed the 2021 devices will come in the same sizes as the iPhone 12 models, and will sport 120Hz-capable ProMotion displays, improved camera sensors, and sub-6GHz 5G connectivity.
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