Apple has revealed the iPhone 12 Pro, the premium version of its new handsets.
In addition to the features found on the normal iPhone 12, the Pro models comes in a range of more expensive finishes. It also has a vastly improved camera, keeping the three lens system found in last year’s Pro models.
The pricing of the new phones costs the same. The normal Pro will start at $999, and the Max will cost $1,099.
They will be available for pre-order on 16 October, and go on sale a week later, on 23 October.
Together with the two versions of the cheaper handset, and the two sizes of Pro, Apple unveiled four new handsets during its “Hi, Speed” event, more than ever before.
The design of the phone also means that it can introduce the largest display ever in an iPhone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.7-inches – 0.2-inches bigger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max – while keeping much the same design, Apple said.
The new finishes found on the iPhone include a new “pacific blue”, in addition to the silver, “graphite” and gold that have been found on existing handsets, Apple said.
The company improved the performance of all three lenses – wide, normal and telephoto – when doing both photo and video, Apple said. It focused particularly on the performance in the dark, which is vastly improved when compared to the previous iPhone 11 Pro, Apple said.
But it also introduces an entirely new sensor, too, known as LiDAR. That can scan the environment in three dimensions to better understand depth and distance, which can be used for much faster autofocus when taking photographs.
It will also allow augmented reality features. Apple showed how it would be able to scan a room, and allow companies to virtually add objects to that room, for instance.
Just like the iPhone 12, it will be the first of Apple’s handsets to get 5G connections. Apple said that represents a “step change” in the performance of its mobile networks, and could allow new features.
It will also get the “MagSafe” accessories that were revealed with the iPhone 12. They include new charging pucks as well as wallets that snap onto the back.