Apple usually announces new iPhones at the beginning of September. And while the company definitely held an event last month, it was to announce the Apple Watch 6 and SE as well as the new iPad and iPad Air. The October event will likely launch the iPhone 12 and its siblings, including an iPhone 12 Mini.
Even if you aren’t intending to buy an iPhone 12, it’s a good idea to delay the purchase of a new iPhone. New iPhones mean that there will be discounts and clearance prices on old models and if you time it right, you could actually score a pretty good deal.
iPhone 12 prices will be cheaper, more expensive, exactly the same
There are four new iPhone models expected. Just like the iPhone 11 generation, there will likely be an iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max alongside a smaller phone called the iPhone 12 Mini. Prices for the new iPhones are expected to stay the same, be more expensive and be cheaper. Sounds confusing, but let me explain.
Currently the base iPhone 11 costs $699, the base 11 Pro costs $999 and the base 11 Pro Max costs $1,099. The new iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are likely to stay at the exact same price as their older iPhone 11 counterparts. Meaning if you intended to buy an 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max, in about a week, you should be able to snag an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max for the exact same price.
The iPhone 12 Mini is expected to cost $649 (that’s $50 cheaper than the iPhone 11) and the iPhone 12 is likely to come in at $749 (that’s $50 more than the 11). These prices, however, are not quite supported by the latest leak.
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iPhone 11 should drop in price
For years, Apple has kept the previous year’s models around and sold them at a discount. Currently you can get 2018’s iPhone XR for $599. After the iPhone 12 event, there is a good chance that Apple may keep the iPhone 11 around and drop its price to $599.
As far as the iPhone 11 Pro, it’s harder to tell if Apple will keep selling it or the iPhone 11 Pro Max after the new iPhones are announced. When the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro were announced last year, the company stopped selling the iPhone XS ($385 at Back Market) or XS Max ($624 at Back Market).
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‘But I just bought a new iPhone’ or ‘I need to buy a new iPhone now’
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a new iPhone right now. If you have a broken phone and need a new one, don’t wait for Apple to announce new iPhones. That said, Apple’s typical return window is 14 days. Usually (this isn’t always the case) Apple extends that return window to 30 days when a new product/updated product is announced. Meaning, if you just bought an iPhone 11 for $699, and Apple starts selling them for $599, you can get that $100 back or return the phone outright. Be warned that if you opened a new line with a carrier and are returning a phone, you’ll need to check with them about canceling the new line.
Also, if you got your iPhone through a carrier or non-Apple retail store, find out what their return policies are.
The iPhone SE is the exception
Earlier this year, Apple announced the $399 iPhone SE. And it’s highly unlikely that Apple will be announcing a new iPhone SE next week. That said, if you do buy an iPhone SE directly from Apple and a new version is announced, you are still in that 14-day return window and should be fine.
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.
