Apple debuted several new products on Tuesday in addition to its new 5G iPhones. The new arrivals include the HomePod mini smart speaker, revived “MagSafe” brand name for a new line of magnetic chargers, and other accessories. Here are the most significant new items coming to an Apple Store near you soon.
HomePod mini
Apple debuted a smaller, cheaper version of its HomePod smart speaker that integrates with Apple’s speech-controlled Siri digital assistant. Software in the round-shaped speaker adjusts the audio according to the type of music being played, Apple said. Putting a pair of the new speakers in the same room will automatically act as stereo speakers. And the speaker can work as an intercom with iPhones and other Apple devices.
The speaker, which works with Apple Music, will be compatible with music services from Pandora and Amazon in “coming months,” Apple said. The company did not mention compatibility with Spotify, the largest streaming-music service.
The new speaker will cost $99 and be available November 16 with pre-orders starting on November 6.
MagSafe
Apple revived the brand name of its old magnetically connecting laptop chargers, MagSafe, for the iPhone line up this year. The new iPhone line has magnets embedded in the back case that can link up with a series of accessories such as a wireless power charging mat for $39 and a leather wallet for $59. Apple said third-party accessory makers would also be allowed to make compatible connecting gadgets.
IPhone 12 5G
After debuting three new models in 2019, this year Apple had four new phones, all with 5G compatibility.
The new iPhone 12 mini, the smallest and cheapest new model, has a 5.4-inch screen and starts at $700. Apple says it’s the smallest and lightest 5G phone available. The regular iPhone 12, slightly larger with a 6.1-inch screen, starts at $800.
For its more expensive Pro models, Apple went with slightly larger displays than last year while shrinking the bezels around the edges. The iPhone Pro has a 6.1-inch screen, up from 5.8-inches, and starts at $1,000. The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with a 6.7-inch display, up from 6.5-inches, and costs $1,100. The new Pro phones got much improved cameras, with a telephoto lens that can zoom in up to 5X, up from 2X in last year’s models.
Compared to last year’s models, the new iPhones have a boxier design with flat sides. Apple also said it would no longer include headphones or a power adapter with every phone, in a nod to helping the environment by reducing plastic waste.
Pricing was unusually varied among U.S. Carriers. At T-Mobile or for an unlocked phone from Apple, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 cost $30 more than the list prices of $700 and $800.
And Verizon and AT&T also offered among the most generous trade-in offers in several years on new iPhones. Customers of AT&T and Verizon could get a free iPhone 12 with qualifying trade-in if added to an unlimited data plan. At Verizon the deal was only for new customers, while AT&T made the offer to new and existing customers.
