Daily US Times: Apple has unveiled its iPhone 12 handsets and confirms those will be its first to work on faster 5G networks.
The US firm has also extended the range to include a new “Mini” model that has a smaller 5.4in screen.
The company bucked a wider industry downturn by increasing its handset sales over the past year.
But some experts say the new features of the new model of iPhones give Apple its best opportunity for growth since 2014, when it revamped its line-up with the iPhone 6.
Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook said: “5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity and so much more.”
There has also been a cosmetic refresh this time round, with the sides of the new models getting sharper, flatter edges.
The higher-end iPhone 12 Pro models also get a new sensor to help with low-light photography and bigger screens than before.
However, for the first time none of the devices will be bundled with charger or headphones. Apple said the decision was to help reduce its impact on the environment.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, commented: “Tim Cook [has] the stage set for a super-cycle 5G product release.”
He added that about 40% of the 950 million iPhones in use had not been upgraded in at least three-and-a-half years, presenting a “once-in-a-decade” opportunity.
In theory, the iPhone 12 Mini could dent Apple’s earnings by encouraging people to buy a product on which it makes a smaller profit than the other phones. But one expert thought that unlikely.
Marta Pinto from IDC noted: “Apple successfully launched the iPhone SE in April by introducing it at a lower price point without cannibalising sales of the iPhone 11 series.”
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