iPhone 12 Launch D-3... Pre-orders Start in US on 16th, What About Korea?

"iPhone 12 and Pro from the 16th... Mini from November 6"
"Prices start at $699 and $799 respectively"

iPhone 12 rendering image (Source=EverythingApplePro)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The unveiling of the iPhone 12 series is just three days away. As the first iPhone to be released with 5G and with four models launching simultaneously, there is growing interest in the release schedule and pricing for each model. Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 12 series at an online event on the 13th (local time), and this year, South Korea is expected to be included among the first wave of release countries, raising expectations among domestic Apple fans.

What are the iPhone 12 prices and domestic release schedule?

On the 9th (local time), IT tipster Ice Universe tweeted that "the iPhone 12 Mini will start at $699, and the iPhone 12 will start at $799." Considering that the iPhone 11 started at $699 (with a domestic retail price of 990,000 KRW), the price of the most affordable model is similar. Contrary to forecasts of $749 for the iPhone 12 series, the price is expected to be set $50 higher, potentially exceeding 1.1 million KRW.

He explained, "Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will begin on the 16th or 17th, while pre-orders for the iPhone 12 Mini will start on November 6, and for the iPhone 12 Pro Max on November 13 or 14."

The release schedule for the smallest 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini and the largest 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max models is delayed until November, which is expected to somewhat disperse demand. Speculation that some models of the iPhone 12 series would have delayed release dates has been circulating steadily since the first half of the year.

In South Korea, the iPhone 12 series is expected to officially launch at the end of this month, with pre-sales starting on the 23rd. Although slightly later than in the U.S., this is an advancement compared to the past when Korea was usually included in the third wave of releases and launched more than a month later, giving Korean fans earlier access.

Apple appears to be aiming to increase its market share by introducing the first 5G iPhone in Korea. As of the end of August, the number of 5G subscribers in Korea surpassed 8.65 million. Domestic carriers are expected to launch aggressive marketing campaigns targeting iPhone users who have delayed upgrading, competing fiercely for 5G subscribers.

What are the specifications of the iPhone 12?

iPhone 12 rendering image (Source: EverythingApplePro)

The iPhone 12 series will be released in four models: the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Mini is sized between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8, and there are forecasts it might be released as an LTE model. All four iPhone 12 models feature OLED displays and have edges reminiscent of the angular design of the iPhone 4. According to Bloomberg and others, the notch design on the iPhone 12 will be retained, but the notch size on the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and Max models is expected to be significantly reduced.

The top two models of the iPhone 12 will have triple cameras, while the lower two models will have dual cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro and Max models will include a ToF 3D sensor. This allows high-quality 3D photo capture and augmented reality (AR) functionality, using a front TrueDepth camera system similar to that used for Face ID. The lower-end models are expected to be equipped with ultra-wide and wide lenses.

The iPhone 12 is expected to be powered by Apple's A14 processor. Apple's partner TSMC began producing the A14 chipset using a 5-nanometer process starting in Q2. The A13 chipset was manufactured with a 7-nanometer process, so the A14 chipset is likely to be faster and more power-efficient. Ice Universe predicted that "the iPhone 12 Pro models will support a 120Hz refresh rate."

With the inclusion of 5G components, a price increase is inevitable, but to maintain a price level similar to last year, chargers and wired earphones will be excluded. Reducing accessories allows for smaller packaging, which lowers shipping costs. The EU Parliament has also introduced a resolution urging the standardization of chargers to reduce electronic waste, so by excluding chargers, Apple can claim to be supporting this initiative. Instead of chargers and earphones, the iPhone 12 package is expected to include a premium, more durable Lightning cable.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.