$399 for iPhone SE: Apple unveils iPhone 12 mini, new phones come with 5G

DUBAI: Apple announced four iPhone 12 models and two iPhone 12 minis, all of which are 5G-capable. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini comes in a  new design packed with features, including A14 Bionic, an advanced dual-camera system, and a Super Retina XDR display with the Ceramic Shield front cover.

The 5G feature ushers in a new era for the world’s most coveted smartphones. The newly-designed iPhone 12 models feature edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR displays for a brighter, more immersive viewing experience, and a new Ceramic Shield front cover, providing the biggest jump in durability ever on iPhone.

A14 Bionic chip

The A14 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone, powers every experience on iPhone 12, and coupled with an advanced dual-camera system, delivers meaningful new "computational photography" features, with what Apple says is the highest quality video in a smartphone. iPhone 12 models also introduce MagSafe, offering high-powered wireless charging and an all-new ecosystem of accessories that easily attach to iPhone. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini will be available in five aluminum finishes — including blue, green, black, white, and red.

Pre-orders for iPhone 12 begin Friday, October 16, with availability from Friday, October 23. iPhone 12 mini will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, November 6, and in stores beginning Friday, November 13, the company said.

As it happened:

Earlier reports:

The California-based company is expected to announce an iPhone 12 that could tap into faster 5G networks. It's a new feature designed to bump sales during the company's busiest sales quarter. Will Apple deliver on this promise?

Keep refreshing this page for the latest updates. The event is nearly one month later than normal — and comes as the pandemic has disrupted Apple's rhythm for designing and churning out its biggest-selling product.

Release date

Today (tonight from 9pm in Dubai, October 13, 2020) the iPhone 12 range is widely expected. As usual, the company is hosting the pandemic-era virtual event. And as usual, no confirmation from Apple either about any of the supposed leaks. But the rumour mill has it that the handsets will be launched.

Pre-event leaks: 4 new models

Leaks about of what's reportedly going to be announced. First, the number of phones to be announced: four. That's according to one remarkable leaker, Evan Blass. He has posted what appear to be official Apple renders for all four new iPhone 12 models.

He claims (similar with the various rumours) the new models will be called the following:

Again, nothing's confimed — that is from about 9pm Dubai time (10am in California). The supposed renders only show off the fronts and backs of the devices. There's no clear view of the new squared-off sides, which are supposed to resemble the iPhone 4 design, according to the most popular leakers. But the images do give a good idea of what to expect from the unveil.

New colours

Several details about the upcoming phones had been shown: the new blue color on the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max (replacing last year’s “midnight green” hue). Dark gray, white, and gold color options are also set to return. The pictures also give the best look yet at the new LIDAR sensor that will be featured on both devices. (It’s the dark circle underneath the right camera.)

Phone 12 Mini: From $699?

The latest leak prices the four models a bit differently, putting the iPhone 12 Mini at $699. We'll confirm this for you.