It’s official: Apple is unveiling the iPhone 12 range on October 13. Well, it hasn’t mentioned the phones by name but it’s holding an event then, and we fully expect the new handsets to be in attendance.
And this could be a big year for the iPhone, as we’re expecting a lot of changes with the iPhone 12 – more even than in a typical year.
Below you’ll find the ten big changes that we’re expecting with the iPhone 12 range. These things haven’t been confirmed, but the majority of them have been extensively rumored, so they’re very likely happening.
1. 5G finally
From the Samsung Galaxy S20 to the Huawei P40 and even more affordable handsets like the OnePlus Nord, we’re seeing a lot of 5G phones, but so far no iPhone models are among them.
That’s all expected to change with the iPhone 12 range, as Apple is finally thought to be launching a 5G iPhone. Most rumors suggest that every main model will support 5G – though there may be 4G versions of some of them too.
The addition of 5G will allow users to take advantage of the very fastest possible mobile data speeds (assuming they also have 5G coverage and a 5G plan).
2. Four phones rather than three
iPhone 12 series potential design renders (Image credit: Everything Apple Pro)
The iPhone 11 range includes the standard model along with the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, but with the iPhone 12 range we’re expecting four models – an iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and – probably – an iPhone 12 Mini, though some earlier rumors mentioned an iPhone 12 Max instead.
Either way, it amounts to one more option, which when coupled with the possible choice of 4G or 5G, and the recent iPhone SE (2020) as another option, means the iPhone range could be bigger than ever this year, with loads more handsets to choose from.
3. New screen sizes
We mentioned above that there’s likely to be a fourth iPhone model – and that of course means a new size option, but in fact some of the other sizes could be changing too.
Rumors suggest that a basic model, likely dubbed the iPhone 12 Mini but possibly just the iPhone 12, will have a 5.4-inch screen, while the next model up (probably called the iPhone 12, but possibly called the iPhone 12 Max if the smaller model takes the standard name) is thought to have a 6.1-inch screen.
Then there’s the iPhone 12 Pro, which will probably be 6.1 inches as well, just with better specs, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is said to have a 6.7-inch screen.
For comparison, the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 11 Pro is 5.8 inches, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max is 6.5 inches.
So if the rumors are right then Apple will launch the biggest iPhone ever with the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, and the smallest numbered iPhone in years with the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini.
4. Two cheaper options
There was only one cheaper iPhone 11 model (Image credit: Future)
The extra iPhone model also means there should be two relatively cheap options to choose from, rather than the single basic iPhone 11 model offered in 2019.
This year, there’s thought to be both the iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12, providing two choices for anyone who doesn’t need or can’t afford a Pro model.
Some leaks even suggest that the iPhone 12 Mini could start at just $649 (roughly £500 / AU$910), which would make it cheaper than the iPhone 11 – though still not exactly affordable. For real affordability you should consider the iPhone SE (2020), or a phone not made by Apple.
5. A new chipset
This isn’t a surprising change given that each new generation of iPhone has a new chipset, but it is still a potentially big one, as it could make the iPhone 12 range a lot more powerful.
Apple is expected to equip the phones with its A14 Bionic chipset, which we’ve already seen in the iPad Air 4 (2020). Early benchmarks suggest this is around 20% faster than the A13 Bionic found in the iPhone 11 range, and when you consider that those are still very powerful phones, that should mean the iPhone 12 range is exceptionally speedy.
You might not even initially have a use for all that power, but it should help keep the phones future proofed.
6. A new color
A concept image of the possible new color (Image credit: Max Weinbach / EverythingApplePro)
You might not think of a new color as a big change, but it fundamentally changes how a phone can look so we’d say it counts, and the iPhone 12 range may get one in the form of a navy blue or dark blue shade.
However, some rumors suggest this might be reserved just for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Whether the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini would then get a different new color is unknown.
7. A 120Hz screen
There has been lots of disagreement among leakers as to whether any iPhone 12 models will have a 120Hz screen, with the most recent information suggesting that there will be a 120Hz screen – but only on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
A 120Hz refresh rate can make motion feel smoother, so that interacting with your phone overall feels smoother and slicker. It’s a feature we’ve seen on a number of Android handsets such as the OnePlus 8 Pro, but not yet on an iPhone.
So it could make a big difference to how using an iPhone feels, but if it’s really only coming to the iPhone 12 Pro Max then you’ll probably have to spend a lot to get it.
8. A LiDAR scanner
An example of what the iPhone 12 Pro camera could look like (Image credit: Phone Arena)
One big new feature that’s rumored for the iPhone 12 range is the presence of a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner, though – as with the 120Hz screen – reports suggest this might only be present on the more premium models – probably either just the iPhone 12 Pro Max or both that and the iPhone 12 Pro.
In any case, a LiDAR scanner is something we’ve already seen on the iPad Pro 2020, but which isn’t yet available on phones. It’s essentially an advanced method of judging depth and distances, which could allow for improved portrait mode and augmented reality experiences on the iPhone 12 range.
Apple has been hyping augmented reality for years, and with the new phones it could become that bit better and more useful.
This has been extensively rumored and could serve a number of purposes – it could cut costs, as well as making for smaller and lighter packaging which would be cheaper to ship, thereby cutting costs even more.
Plus, with many people likely already having a compatible power adapter it might not be missed by many, and would cut down on environmentally damaging e-waste. So there are a lot of reasonable reasons for it.
10. An iPad-inspired design
While the iPhone 12 range probably won’t have a complete design overhaul, it does look like there will be some significant differences to the iPhone 11 range, with the new phones reportedly being inspired in part by the iPad Pro 2020, along with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5.
Specifically, the main change looks to be a flatter, squared-off metal frame, in place of the rounded edges on current models.
Visually that would leave the phones looking a little different, but it could make for a very different in-hand feel, and not necessarily for the better. We’ll have to wait and see though.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
