Ready for the iPhone 12?

Apple CEO Tim Cook hosted a virtual conference Tuesday. Photo courtesy YouTube

Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team hosted a virtual event Tuesday via YouTube to talk about the highly anticipated release of the iPhone 12.

This will be Apple’s first 5G enabled smartphone, which is said to enable a faster data flow. 5G may not be a high priority to all consumers, but for the gamers, or people who like to stream movies and videos, it will be 10 times faster than 4G. “This is a huge moment for all of us,” Cook said.

Although a majority of the United States  does not have 5G access now, it is expected to gradually grow throughout the country to become the new normal.

The rumors were true that there will be four different models of the 12th generation iPhone: the iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. The mini will not be the only difference; the 12s will no longer come with charging cables or earphones, stating that Apple is trying to be environmentally friendly and focusing on lower carbon emission from production and materials.

The 12 will have a 6.1-inch screen, slightly lighter in weight, an A14 bionic processor, and improved water-resistant technology, allowing submersion in water for as long as 30 minutes. There will be a change in color options, now offering blue, gold, graphite and silver.

The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are for the consumers who enjoy high-quality camera functions, now with three cameras on the back. The mini will start at prices as low as $699; the 12 $799; 12 Pro $999; and 12 Pro Max $1099. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be available for pre order on Oct. 23, and the Mini and 12 Pro Max will be available for pre-order on Nov. 13. Apple is also launching a mini version of its HomePod, for handling home electronics, starting at $99.

Earlier this year Apple, along with the many other corporations, had to shut down stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. China, where thecoronavirus started in late 2019, caused the slowing and temporary shutdown of Apple product productions. With the launch event being completely virtual, unlike previous launches, and setting the release date about a month later than usual, Apple was able to resume production in time to ship products ahead of the virtual event. The company still held an event in September to announce a new Apple watch, iPad, and AppleOne subscription.