Article Summary
Update: October 23, 2020 The new iPhone 12 smartphone lineup has been announced and the first models arrived on store shelves October 23. You can read more about it in our full coverage of the iPhone 12 launch event. This page may contain out-of-date information.
The newest iPhone models are coming soon even though the usual September launch date has been pushed back. Early leaks show that new features include 5G connectivity, a depth-sensing camera and a 120Hz screen refresh rate. The new iPhone supports faster charging, but you'll have to buy a new charger since there won’t be one included in the packaging. WhistleOut Canada summarizes the most likely changes, ranks all rumoured models by how likely they are to show up and gives your pricing and pre-order details the moment they go public. All details below are based off speculation until the official announcement by Apple of next-generation iPhone models.
Apple iPhone 12 Rumours
We’re still weeks away from the iPhone 12 launch event, but industry experts (including WhistleOut writers) have been tracking the leaks, rumours and projections about the newest Apple iPhone models. Last year’s iPhone 11 set a high bar for content creators with up to three rear 12MP cameras, but some experts are speculating a four-camera array is possible for this year. Will the iPhone 12 be larger than the iPhone 11? Smaller than an iPhone SE? Will it have a folding display like the Samsung Galaxy Z series?
iPhone 12 Models
There are few gadgets that warrant more speculation than new iPhone models. Below are all of the iPhone 12 models that have been rumoured alongside WhistleOut's projections about how likely they are to be announced.
Rumoured Apple iPhone 12 Models
| iPhone 12 Model | Display Size | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Mini 4G | 5.4" | |
| iPhone 12 Mini 5G | 5.4" | |
| iPhone 12 4G | 6.1" | |
| iPhone 12 5G | 6.1" | |
| iPhone 12 Pro 5G | 6.1" | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G | 6.7" | |
| iPhone SE 5G | 4.7" |
All models listed above are speculation and details may change for launch.
Apple has previously released new models while keeping old ones around (like the popular iPhone XR) as low-cost alternatives, and this year we expect Apple to replace all but two models: the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE.
It’s likely that Apple will retain the base model iPhone 11 rather than release any 4G variant of iPhone 12. A smaller, "Mini" edition of the base model iPhone 12 has been rumoured and expected to be about the same size in your hand as the diminuative iPhone SE. We expect to see an iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 with the same size profile, as well as a larger iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G added to the family.
The refreshed iPhone SE released earlier this year has proven a successful low-cost option for Apple fans. It’s possible that we’ll see a 5G variant of the iPhone SE with the new A14 chip inside in the months ahead. However, some rumours indicate the new iPhone 12 Mini will be even smaller than an iPhone SE despite the larger display. If true, this would spell the end of the iPhone SE line.
iPhone 12 Preorder and Release Dates
Apple postponed the iPhone 12 launch event until at least October due to complications that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. The event is rumoured to take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, with iPhone 12 preorders opening the following Friday, October 23. The first iPhone 12 smartphones should ship before the end of the month, but we may not see some premium Pro models until November. An iPhone SE 5G refresh could arrive sometime in 2021.
iPhone 12 Prices
iPhone 12 prices are expected to be slightly higher than comparable iPhone 11 models currently priced from $999 to $1,999. Because the US/Canadian conversion rate is nearly the same as it was a year ago, we are likely to see a marginal price increase in Canada too.
- The base model iPhone 12 costs $1,129 CAD retail
- The iPhone Mini costs $979 CAD
- The iPhone 12 Pro starts at $1,399 CAD
- The top-tier iPhone 12 Pro Max costs $1,549CAD
Prices listed are estimated retail prices for the base models and go up with larger storage options. Prices may vary.
Does iPhone 12 have 5G?
We expect all iPhone 12 models to include 5G connectivity. Almost every major smartphone manufacturer has released a 5G device by now, so Apple needs to include 5G network access in their new flagship iPhones just to keep pace with the competition. The real question has been how many of the new models will support 5G.
The new A14 processor that powers the iPhone 12 lineup will likely have 5G circuitry built in. Excluding 5G from any models would then require Apple to cripple any 4G iPhone 12 variants.
WhistleOut expects that all iPhone 12 models will launch with 5G
while the base model iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2020)
stick around to provide low-cost options.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11
Besides a faster processor and 5G circuitry inside, some of the biggest changes to the iPhone will be visible on the outside. Early blueprints show squared-off edges to make gripping the iPhone 12 more reliable. The infamous “notch” will be smaller on the iPhone 12 making this the first major revision to its size since first appearing on the iPhone X way back in 2017. A fourth depth-sensing lens is rumoured to appear on the iPhone 12 Pro giving this year’s models yet another way to stand out in the crowd.
There’s one rumour many iPhone fanatics are hoping won’t come true: packaging designs for the iPhone 12 indicate there will not be any earbuds or charging brick included with new devices. A new 20W charger necessary for the iPhone 12’s high-speed charging will be available for separate purchase. Then again, it’s not unreasonable to exclude these accessories when so many households now have countless chargers and USB cables lying in junk drawers.
Best Carriers for the iPhone 12
The newest iPhone 12 is going to require the best 5G network. WhistleOut Canada compared Rogers 5G, Bell 5G and Telus 5G to find that Telus and Bell offer the largest coverage. However, all three networks should be available in more than two dozen markets across Canada by the end of the year. For more answers to your most common questions about 5G, check out our full 5G in Canada guide.
Every major wireless provider in Canada supports current iPhone models. If you plan to stick with a 4G LTE iPhone for a while, then we recommend you save some money by sticking with a midrange carrier like Koodo, Virgin Mobile, Fido or Freedom Mobile. Read our full guide covering the best deals on every model of iPhone available across Canada.
Still in development: Come back as we'll be updating prices as they are published by carriers.
- iPhone 12 Mini 5G Plans: 128GB - 256GB
- iPhone 12 5G Plans: 128GB - 256GB
- iPhone 12 Pro 5G Plans: 128GB - 256GB - 512GB
- iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G Plans: 128GB - 256GB - 512GB
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