Apple released iOS 17.4 not that long ago and while we already have iOS 17.4.1 out in the world, we're still learning about what that earlier update had to offer. And while Apple mentioned nothing of it in the iOS 17.4 release notes, it would appear that the update brought with it a stealthy charging boost for those using iPhone 12 series devices.

Apple announced that its best iPhones, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro would support 15W wireless charging via the Qi2 standard back in September of last year and then we saw the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models receive the same support via a software update towards the end of the same year. But now it seems that Apple has expanded that same 15W wireless charging capability to the iPhone 12, too.

While the iPhone 12 already supported 15W wireless charging, that was only available via Apple MagSafe-compatible chargers. Those chargers tend to be costly due to the Apple licensing and technology used, leaving standard wireless chargers to limp along at a sedate 7.5W charging speed. But now anyone who uses a Qi2-capable wireless charger will be able to enjoy the same 15W speeds without any of the additional cost associated with MagSafe.

Faster than ever

Qi2 chargers are essentially MagSafe chargers but without the Apple component which means that they are cheaper to make and as a result, cheaper to buy for consumers. But they still offer the same 15W wireless charging capabilities — and there's scope for the speeds to increase beyond that in the future, too.

Now, Macworld reports that its testing shows that despite Apple keeping mum, the iOS 17.4 update did indeed bring Qi2 compatibility to the iPhone 12.

"Since iOS 17.4, Macworld tests have shown that clamped on to Qi2 chargers the iPhone 12 matches the charging speed of fully Apple-certified MagSafe chargers and even shows up the 15W-only charging animation—yet Apple makes no mention of this support in the iOS 17.4 release notes," the report explains.

Macworld goes on, saying that its testing showed that Qi2 chargers are just as fast, if not faster, than Apple's MagSafe chargers.

"In our tests, we first used an Apple MagSafe Charger, which was able to power up an empty iPhone 12 Pro Max to 30 percent in 38 minutes and to 50 percent in 70 minutes," Macworld explains when detailing its testing. "Using the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger, we powered up an iPhone 12 Pro Max to 30 percent in 33 minutes and to 50 percent in 64 minutes."

Despite all of this, it's still important to remember that the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini will top out at just 12W when wirelessly charging, so this change isn't a silver bullet for that little limitation.

It isn't clear why Apple hasn't so far mentioned that this change was made as part of the iOS 17.4 update. But with the same update making wide-sweeping changes to the way the App Store works in the EU and opening the door to third-party app stores, it's probably fair to say that the company had bigger fish to fry that week.

There are already tons of Qi2 chargers on the market after a slow start to the standard and we can expect more chargers to be announced throughout 2024 and beyond, too.

More from iMore

• Satechi's Qi2-capable magnetic wireless chargers are travel-friendly and already here
• With CES already in full swing, Belkin announces two QI2 chargers
• These old iPhones are getting Qi2 wireless charging, now we just need some chargers

Have you ever wondered how water-resistant an iPhone is? Well, this iPhone 12 spent 3 months at the bottom of a Northern Californian river and still works.

AppleInsider reports that a reader named Lee reached out to tell the story of the iPhone 12 he discovered covered in algae after spending months at the bed of a river.

Lee told AI that he was cleaning the Stanislaus River, looking for salmon, and instead of a fish, he found an iPhone “coated in a layer of algae amongst some rocks.”

“Lee cleaned up the iPhone 12 and set it aside to dry out for a few days. On November 16, he managed to power it on after connecting a charger.”

That’s pretty incredible, considering Apple only rates the iPhone 12 with IP68 water resistance, meaning the iPhone should survive a water depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Lee powered on the device, and as the iPhone had no passcode, he was able to see that the “most recent item in the Photos app was a video captured on the river on September 4, suggesting it had been submerged there for three months.“

While he hasn’t been able to find the person who lost the smartphone, Lee is reaching out to contacts in the Phone app to see if he can find the iPhone’s long-lost owner.

Survival skills

To think an iPhone has spent at least 3 months at the bottom of the Stanislaus River is absolutely mindblowing. While no one should attempt to test the water resistance of an iPhone, it’s an incredible tale that shows just how durable the iPhone 12 and newer models are.

Apple added a Titanium chassis to the best iPhones this year, and the iPhone 15 Pro has the same IP68 rating as the iPhone 12 in question here. Lee’s story is a testament to Apple’s hardware design that these smartphones are so durable despite being a glass sandwich.

More from iMore

• iPhone 15 Pro: Everything you need to know
• iPhone 15 Pro Max review: One month with Apple's best-ever iPhone
• Why I don't regret upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 has arrived to some fanfare, with some big updates arriving during Apple’s most recent Wonderlust event. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, is rounding the bend to its third birthday, and that means that those with slightly longer three-year contracts are getting those ‘time to upgrade!’ messages from their carriers.

If you are one of these people, then you are likely already thinking about getting yourself an iPhone 15 — or, you’re wondering what upgrading to the latest handset will bring to the table that makes it that much better than your old one. Well, with features like Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a brand-new 48MP camera, you can expect some massive upgrades over the phone in your pocket. It’s also the same price that you’ll have paid for your iPhone 12 on launch, and with a trade-in, it might even be free — feels like a no-brainer to us.

Here is the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 12 put up against one another so that you can make the final decision.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Specs

While there are a couple of similarities between the two models like OLED screen size and chassis width, thickness, and weight, for the most part, the specs of the iPhone have been completely refreshed in the new iPhone 15. The new features and specs announced at the most recent event make for some truly impressive reading, and it only justifies an upgrades from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15 even more.

As we can tell from the spec list above, the iPhone 15 is a cut above the iPhone 12 in more ways than one. The A16 Bionic chip under the hood is the same as the iPhone 14 Pro’s, making it a whole lot more powerful than the iPhone 12 and its A14 Bionic chip. Then there’s that monster of a 48MP camera at the back, quadrupling the megapixels that you would’ve found on the slightly older iPhone — you won’t even be able to compare the pictures without cringing.

There are more extra features to bring you across as well, like the 2000 nits peak brightness display, and a vastly improved front camera. On top of that, it’s a brand-new phone, so while the battery life might not be improved on paper, it's not suffered three years' worth of battery rotations that will have likely tanked its prognosis. If you’re coming from an iPhone 12 contract, you’ll soon notice the difference.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: What’s new

There is a whole three years between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 12, so you’d expect some new stuff to have come along the way in the generations that filled the gap. The iPhone 15 has taken most of the improvements of these generations, and then added it’s own as well — when you pluck the iPhone 15 out of its box, these are going to be the features that are new to you.

Dynamic Island

Coming fresh off the iPhone 14 Pro, Dynamic Island gets rid of that horrible notch at the top of your screen, replacing it with a camera hiding a black digital pill. The contents of that pill change depending on what’s going on in the background — you can use it to check what music is streaming over AirPlay for example, or see tracking details for a takeaway order on UberEats. 

It’s a well-implemented alternative to the standard screen notch that covers the tops of iPhones of old, and you’ll soon notice it if you jump over from the very much-enotched iPhone 12.

Camera

This is going to seem like a massive jump if you’re coming from the iPhone 12 — there’s a new 48MP camera on the iPhone 15 which will really up the photo quality from the iPhone 12 that’s in your pocket. When you look at the raw numbers, that’s quadruple the megapixels from your old phone, and the differences will be very noticeable.

There are also some new features coming to the portrait mode, which use machine learning to do some really clever stuff. First off, portrait mode can now detect multiple subjects in frame, and then you can select which one to apply the bokeh effect to. You cando this to a photo after it’s been taken — even if it wasn’t initially a portrait mode photo, which is cool. Place the two cameras side by side and you’re going to notice a massive difference in photo quality.

USB-C

On the bottom of the iPhone 15 is the biggest change to the outside of the iPhone — the inclusion of a USB-C port. Gone is the Lightning port of old, and in with the industry standard oval of dreams. That means you’ll be able to use a wider range of devices with the iPhone 15, including external displays and external DACs for Apple Music Lossless. You won’t even need a new wall adapter, as the USB-C port on the other end will plug straight in.

Alas, some of the USB-C features of the Pro models aren’t coming over to the 15, like faster charging and quicker data transfer, but it does mean you’ll only need one cable for your iPad, MacBook, and new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C — unless you’ve got an old pair of AirPods. Old iPhone accessories will need updating too, as they’ll all be for the Lightning standard. Think games controllers like the BackBone One, and numerous docks that you might have. It will have it’s teething issues for users, but overall it is a net good.

Battery packs and other accessories will be fine, however — as long as there’s a USB port you can plug into, there won’t be any issues.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Processor

The iPhone 12 had, at its time, a very solid processor at its core in the shape of the A14 Bionic. Now, however, the game has very much been changed with the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15. As said up top, that’s the same chip that shipped in the iPhone 14 Pro, a very powerful phone indeed, so you know you’re going to get something slick and snappy.

That A16 should also bring better battery life with increased efficiency, as well as being better for some light gaming. If your iPhone 12 isn’t feeling quite as powerful as it used to, then the iPhone 15 is the way to go.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Colors

The new colors for iPhone this year really shake things up, with some very fetching pastel shades. 2023’s color lineup consists of Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink, and each one is a lighter, classier shade than the colors we might have seen before. There are some notable absences — PRODUCT(RED) for one, which is a massive shame.

The iPhone 12 came in some slightly different, more saturated colors, including Blue, White, Black, Green, and PRODUCT(RED). They were more vivid colors, perhaps, but this year’s make the iPhone look more refined and subtle to go with its more curvaceous frame.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Battery life

iPhone battery life is always a tricky one to guage, given that Apple very rarely talks exact numbers about its battery life figures. The most we get is something along the lines of ‘All Day Battery Life’ which, given that most people’s definition of ‘all day’ means something a little different, is tricky to quantify. What we can say, however, is that the battery life in brand new iPhone 15 is going to be far better than the battery life of the iPhone in your pocket that at this point has gone through three years of battery cycles.

Battery life on the iPhone 12 on launch was fine, if not good, and it’s likely that the iPhone 15 will be much the same. When numbers did come around for the iPhone 12, it was around 20 hours while watching video — although it was likely slightly less than this in actual use. The iPhone 15 is most likely going to match the stats, but we won’t know for some time.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Should you upgrade?

Now that we have a better idea of what all the different iPhones look like, we can make a more informed decision as to what you should do with your aging iPhone 12. It goes without saying that the iPhone 15 is the better phone of the two, with a massive bump in specs, and most notably, camera megapixels.

The iPhone 15 has loads of extra features too, from the Dynamic Island that now sits at the top of the screen, to a new sleeker chassis. Dynamic Island is particularly good because it not only gets rid of the unsightly notch at the top of the display, but also because it adds a new, interactive portion to the top of the screen. You can track takeaway deliveries, check what music is playing and where, and even watch timers tick down — all whilst doing something else.

The USB-C port is also a big upgrade, although you won’t get some of the benefits like the Pro models get. It does trim down the cables you need to take on a trip, and if you get a pair of the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, you’ll be able to use your iPhone’s battery to charge them up.

The interesting part is that upgrading, especially if you’re coming from an iPhone 12, is the price. You’d expect that a massively upgraded iPhone would come at a higher price than you paid three years ago for your now outdated iPhone, but that’s not the case. Instead, you’ll find that the iPhone 15 costs $799, the same price that you’ll have paid for your 12.

Combine that with the fact that you’ll be able to upgrade with trade-in and save, if your phone is in good condition then you could get the phone for free with selected carriers. Upgrading doesn’t just make sense from a specs point of view, but a monetary one too.

The iPhone 15 will ship out to those who preordered on September 22, and you can still preorder an iPhone 15. You will find that your shipping date will be slightly different, however, as launch stock seems to have completely evaporated since preorders went live.

Apple has pledged to issue a software update for the iPhone 12 in France after the country deemed the radiation levels put out by the phone were too high, a move other countries are now looking to follow in light of the revelation.

As we reported last week, France has moved to ban the sale of the iPhone 12 in the country and has even threatened to recall devices in circulation unless issues that were spotted in radiation tests are addressed. As revealed by Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s junior minister for the digital economy, radiation levels coming from the iPhone are above the radiation threshold allowed in the country. 

In response to this, Apple confirmed to iMore that multiple worldwide bodies cleared the phone on release and that it was contesting the ruling. Though the iPhone 12 was discontinued by Apple ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15, this isn’t the end of the story. Apple has now confirmed it will roll out a software update in France to fix the problem, a move that may also be required in other countries. 

Further concerns

As reported by Reuters, Belgium’s state secretary for digitalization has asked Apple to update iPhone 12 software in other EU territories. The software update in response to concerns was initially planned to only launch in France, but Germany is also in contact with France to emulate the same tests they conducted. Italy and the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure are doing the same, with the intent of pursuing the same software changes. 

A Belgian representative has followed these footsteps but also reported that initial tests into the iPhone are ‘reassuring’. This all comes from a change made to French regulations in 2020, allowing them to consider radiation levels for things like hands, which will be in contact with the phone frequently. When taking into account a specific part of the body for testing, it is called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). 

France’s tests concluded that the iPhone 12 exceeded acceptable levels though no adverse effects have been attributed to this spike in radiation levels. As software changes can allow the phone to fit within normal levels, it seems unlikely to affect the launch of the iPhone 15 - especially considering Apple will have extensively tested the device before it reaches the market. 

Apple has been ordered to stop selling the iPhone 12 handset in France because regulators there claim that the radiation levels it emits are above the threshold that’s deemed to be safe. 

The news was revealed by Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s junior minister for the digital economy, who told the newspaper Le Parisien in an interview that was published on Tuesday 12 September.

According to Jean-Noel Barrot, the radiation watchdog in France, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), has been in touch with Apple to notify the tech giant of its decision to ban sales of the iPhone 12. If Apple doesn’t address the issue, all iPhone 12s in the country could be recalled.

This announcement came after the ANFR ran a series of tests that found the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) the smartphone was emitting was higher than is legally allowed in France. 

Apple responds

Jean-Noel Barrot told the press that a software update would be necessary to fix the issues with the phone. But if Apple doesn’t take action then the watchdog says it will escalate the issue and pass its findings onto regulators in other EU countries. According to Reuters, the BNetzA network regulator in Germany has said it might launch similar tests, and the OCU consumer group in Spain is also calling for a halt to sales. 

Since this news broke, Apple has confirmed to iMore that the iPhone 12 handset has been certified as compliant with SAR regulations all over the globe and has given ANFR both Apple and third-party results as proof. It has also confirmed that it will be engaging with AFNR further as well as contesting the results from the review. 

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) that’s being questioned here is a measure of the rate of radiofrequency energy that’s absorbed by the body from a device. Even though there’s been no direct link shown between mobile phone use and adverse health effects, there are still radiation limits in some countries. France's focus on the issue is the reason iPhones in the country still ship with earphones despite Apple dropping them a few years back. Laws in the country state smartphone vendors must ship their phones with a hands-free device such as headphones in the box, in order to protect young people from radiation. 

The issue of selling the iPhone 12 in the country is muted somewhat given Apple discontinued the model this week when it unveiled the iPhone 15, a recall of devices could be a much more serious matter though, and one Apple seems keen to halt. 

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event news and reactions now that Wonderlust is over. Don't miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.

With Apple’s iPhone 15 line expected to launch around the end of the month after its expected debut at the September 12 event, there’s quite a lot of excitement to see what the next iPhone has in store for us. However, some of what makes that new iPhone so exciting is what’s included in iOS.

Though I’ll likely love the new camera and appreciate the addition of a USB-C port, the thing that will be most noticeable in the first few weeks is the introduction of iOS 17. In a futile effort to temper my expectations, this is why I’m planning on fully testing out the new version of iOS before making a commitment to upgrade to one of the new iPhones.

What makes the iPhone 15 exciting to me?

As I haven’t upgraded in a few years, my iPhone 12 is starting to feel a little clunky. Apps are loading a little slower, storage is filling up with seemingly nothing, and the battery life is getting worse. It’s inevitable that the phone you once bought is now slow and outdated, seemingly overwritten with new tech and design choices by a new model. If you’re an iPhone owner especially, a new one released every year only doubles down on this.

And this is before I explain why the iPhone 15, or even the iPhone 15 Pro Max, will suit me. A brand new chip, a 48mp rear camera, a rumored 2TB of storage, and a USB-C port. If everything that has been rumored turns out to be true, we’re in for a very special iPhone. 

The iPhone 12, on the other hand, lags behind with a 12MP camera, A14 chip, and 64GB of storage. Given that iOS takes up nearly a tenth of that storage size already and modern apps are only becoming more refined but in bigger downloadable chunks, the storage alone is a good excuse for something new. 

With rumors of a new orange iPhone 15, I’m looking forward to replacing my red iPhone 12 with something that may be more vibrant. Though I love red, I’m ready for a new color. 

With varying price points for each new phone, I worry the hype of the event will convince me to pick up the iPhone 15 Pro Max — something I’m not entirely sure I even need. It will likely have a nicer camera, better storage, and a more impressive chip but this may be a bit overkill for me, especially when I consider the price. 

As is expected when you get anything new, there’s a ‘honeymoon’ period that happens just after buying an iPhone. That big new iOS update is part of the shine each year, and I’m planning on thoroughly testing it out before settling on my phone choice.

I’m definitely buying an iPhone this year, partially due to my phone contract ending, but I’m hoping that trying out iOS 17 on my iPhone 12 to start with, will let me go in with a more level head. 

What makes iOS 17 so exciting for me

Part of the reason I see myself getting caught up in the hype around iOS 17 is just how many great features are packed into it. Though a seemingly small change, interactive widgets on the home screen will make a big difference to using my iPhone daily. Instead of being sent to your music or video app after tapping on a widget for instance, you can directly interact with the media from your home screen to play something else. 

As well as this, Contact Posters adds a touch of customizability to your friends and family, allowing you to set up profiles for callers with unique images, text, and colors. The calling experience looks different from iOS 16 immediately. And if it’s as fun to use as the redesigned lock screen, which first appeared in iOS 16, it could be a runaway hit for many users. 

But perhaps the feature I’m most excited about is the StandBy mode.  If you place your iPhone in landscape mode when connected to power, you’re greeted with a unique screen that displays widgets of information. This could feature the time, your calendar, notifications, or anything else you need to use. As you plug it in before bed, for example, you can have a much-improved alarm clock to wake you up when needed.

Ultimately, iOS 17 improves upon how you interact with your iPhone, making it feel different with new ways to customize your experience, alongside aesthetic changes, and some much-needed accessibility options. 

The new version of iOS tends to drop just days before the launch of the next iPhone almost every year. StandBy mode and the new contacts system are such big aesthetic changes to how iPhones operate that they will inevitably be part of the next device. As well as this, I anticipate videos on accessibility features and how they will help the average person. This genius FOMO marketing always makes me feel like my upgrade was worth the price. 

For this reason, I’m going to free up storage in my old iPhone 12 and take the time to learn how my life can benefit from everything it has to offer. 

Hopefully, those few days of iOS 17 on my soon-to-be-sold iPhone could be enough to stave off the allure of Apple’s most expensive phones. At least for a few days.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to be announced at Apple's upcoming September 12 event. Now, we're being told that Apple is ready to bring one of the iPhone 12's colors back from the dead.

Just like previous models, the iPhone 15 is set to come in multiple colors, and a new leak claims that one of those will be borrowed from the iPhone 12. That's a model that was released in 2020 but is still available as one of Apple's budget options.

If the report is true, Apple will offer the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in a familiar green color, likely joining the previously rumored black, yellow, blue, and pink options.

Green with envy

The new-old color was first tipped by X leaker Majin Bu who shared a photo of what appears to be a USB-C port and assembly already finished in that green color. Other images also show a mocked-up device in that color, while the leaker noted that "it looks like it will be very similar to the green already seen on the iPhone 12 series."

The X post was further backed up by a reply by leaker @URedditor who simply added a short and sweet "yep" by way of confirmation.

Alongside the colors that have already been rumored, we can likely expect Apple to ship its customary (PRODUCT) RED version.

As for confirmation of all of this, we won't have to wait too long now. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series' are expected to be announced during an event on September 12 or September 13, while preorders are likely to open on September 15. That would then mean that iPhones will officially go on sale on September 22 if Apple follows its tried and trusted release cadence.

Apple has today announced the expansion of its Self Service Repair program to include eight additional European countries. The move means that customers can now take matters into their own hands and repair common issues on a handful of popular devices without ever leaving the comfort of their homes.

The new expansion brings the Self Service Repair program to iPhone and Mac owners in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K. starting today. Customers will be able to use genuine Apple parts and tools to perform work on their own devices for the first time.

All fixed

The new repair program covers the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups as well as Apple silicon Mac notebooks, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

"The Self Service Repair Store provides access to more than 200 individual parts and tools, as well as repair manuals," Apple said via press release. "The program enables customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices the opportunity to complete their own repairs, using the same manuals, parts, and tools as Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers."

Those who want to get in on the self-repair action can rent a tool kit from Apple for $49, with shipping included for free and customers able to keep the tools for a week. After that, they'll need to be packed up and shipped back to Apple.

The Self Service Repair program doesn't currently support iPads, Apple Watches, or other Apple devices but that could change in the future.

Anyone who wants to have a go at repairing their own device can check out Apple's repair manuals and order their Apple parts and tools via the Self Service Repair Store now. Alternatively, people can still take their iPhones and Macs into a local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider instead.

For the first time in several months, you can now buy a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro directly from Apple, with prices starting from just $759 ahead of the expected iPhone 14 launch later this year. 

The welcome restock, noted by MacRumors, means you can now buy an iPhone 12 Pro refurbished from Apple in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB in all four color options, with delivery available for early next week and in-store pickup. 

The refurbished discount makes for savings of up to $180 on an unlocked iPhone. 

Buy refurbished?

If you want to buy an iPhone straight from Apple but don't want to pay through the nose for Apple's best iPhone, the iPhone 13, or even an iPhone 12, then picking up a refurbished version is a great way to save a bit of money. 

Every refurbished iPhone comes with a new battery and outer shell (so you basically get a new iPhone anyway), a one-year warranty, free delivery and returns, and more. 

Each iPhone undergoes functional testing, gets genuine Apple replacement parts where needed, and a thorough cleaning. It will also come with iOS 15 and support for iOS 16 when that arrives later this year. Oh, and you all get a brand new box with all the necessary accessories and cables. Just remember, the iPhone 12 doesn't come with a charging brick. 

The refurbished market is a great option for people who don't need Apple's latest and greatest iPhone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is yet to arrive on Apple refurbished.

Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 Pro in October of 2020, slightly delayed because of the impact of the pandemic on its supply chain. It was the first iPhone to adopt 5G and runs on the iPhone A14 Bionic chip. It also supports Apple ProRAW with major camera upgrades and a new design over the iPhone 11.  

What you need to know

• Chris Evans had to replace his beloved iPhone 6s last month.
• The replacement, an iPhone 12, isn't proving popular.
• Evans says his new iPhone is just too heavy and he's using his pinky to support it.

Captain America (Or Steve Evans to his friends) loved his iPhone 6s. It was with him through everything the universe could throw at him, including Thanos. But it finally gave up the ghost recently and the iPhone that's replaced it just isn't cutting it. In fact, he really doesn't seem to like it at all.

Evans reported the loss of his beloved iPhone 6s last month, replacing it with a new iPhone 12. But he was quick to point out the new device's deficiencies when Collider caught up with him to talk about his latest movie. And while Evans does miss the Home button, that isn't his biggest gripe. Captain America says his iPhone 12 is just too darned heavy. And even he's having to use the pinky trick to stop it from falling to its death.

"I feel like my new phone is too heavy. I know that makes me the oldest dinosaur in the world, but the problem is... It's right here. It's right here. I'm going to talk some sh*t right now. Because as I hold it, you use the pinky to brace it, and it feels too heavy. It's too heavy," Evans ranted in his interview. I've been using the pinky trick for years because my hands are inhumanly small, but I can't imagine that's a problem Evans suffers from — and the fact even he struggles makes me feel a lot better!

On the subject of that Home button, Evans says that everyone telling him to get an iPhone SE is missing the point. He just wants "something from before to work until it doesn't work anymore." Seems fair enough, really. The iPhone 6s weighed in at 143g, while Evans' beefy iPhone 12 comes in at 164g.

It isn't clear exactly which iPhone 12 Evans opted for, but he might have fared better with the iPhone 12 mini if that isn't the route he went. I'm still figuring out why he didn't go the iPhone 13 route as well, but maybe even one of Hollywood's elite can't bring himself to pay for Apple's best iPhone to date.

Why do you need a MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 case? After all, each of the best iPhone 12 cases will work with a MagSafe charger as long as it's wireless-compatible. But to get that secure magnetic attachment with the MagSafe charger and use other great MagSafe accessories, you'll need a MagSafe case. Note that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 cases are interchangeable, since the phones share the same dimensions. Here are some of the best MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 cases you can buy.

Quick List

Q&A

The best MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 cases for you

You need more than just a great iPhone 12 case. You'll need a MagSafe case on your iPhone 12 in order to take full advantage of the iPhone's MagSafe feature. 

Any of the cases on this list will work beautifully with Apple's MagSafe charger, other MagSafe chargers, and MagSafe accessories. Unlike regular wireless-compatible cases, MagSafe-compatible cases have a circle of magnets inside. This creates a stronger connection to the MagSafe charger and MagSafe charger alternatives. This helps guide your iPhone to just the right spot, snapping it into place. Also, if you want to use MagSafe accessories like the MagSafe wallet, only a MagSafe-compatible case will work. As noted, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are the same size, so cases are interchangeable.

You can't go wrong with Apple's own designs; I like the look and feel of the Apple iPhone 12 Silicone Case with MagSafe. The case is slim, perfectly form-fitted to the iPhone 12, and has the Apple logo on the back. It comes in a nice variety of colors.

For more of a trendy look, check out the Sonix Case for iPhone 12 with MagSafe. It's lightweight but protective and looks adorable. Choose from a number of colorful and fun designs.

What you need to know

• Apple is in legal trouble in Brazil because of its iPhone.
• It must pay a customer $1,000 because its phone doesn't come with a charger in the box.
• A judge ruled that Apple had illegally carried out a "married sale" of separate devices.

Apple is to pay $1,000 to a customer in Brazil who sued the company because their iPhone didn't come with a charger in the box.

From Tecmundo:

A judge said that Apple's decision to remove the charger from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 packaging was "the sale married by concealment or 'inside out', abusive and illegal commercial practice, in accordance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Code."

Apple, in its defense, had stated that it was clear the iPhone did not come with a charger and that it had removed the charger for environmental reasons. Apple says the decision to remove the charger from the iPhone 12 saves it 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, around 10% of Apple's annual footprint.

Apple has already been fined by authorities in Brazil over the issue.

What you need to know

• Apple has added the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro to its Certified Refurbished store.
• Customers can save as much as $180 by choosing to buy a refurbished phone.

You can now grab some decent savings on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro directly from Apple itself.

Apple is now selling the new iPhone 12 lineup on its Certified Refurbished store, the company's store that contains used Apple products that have been meticulously refurbished and sold in like-new condition.

There are a ton of model, color, and storage options on the store now but here are some examples:

• Refurbished iPhone 12 64GB - Black (Unlocked): $619.00 (Was $729.00, Save $110.00)
• Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro 128GB - Gold (Unlocked): $759.00 (Was $899.00, Save $140.00)
• Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro 512GB - Pacific Blue (Unlocked): $1,019.00 (Was $1,199.00, Save $180.00)

Apple's refurbished products are available to order now, with shipping times as soon as two days with express shipping. if you don't want to shell out the $8.00 for express shipping, regular shipping will get you the product in as soon as a few days. You can even get some models shipped to your local Apple Store for pickup.

Apple's Certified Refurbished program is one of the company's best-kept secrets in the used device industry. Customers who take advantage of the program get a "like new" device with AppleCare with savings of up to 15% on the purchase.

Of, course, if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you'll want to take a look at the iPhone 13 lineup instead.

Henry Ford once said you could purchase a Model T in any color as long as it was black. Generations later, the same lack of choice greeted anyone looking to score one of the first iPhones. Circa 2007-2009, you either bought the current model or waited until a new one was announced.

Apple in 2022 offers many more choices, of course, starting with the recently introduced iPhone SE (2022) and extending to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone SE (2022) seems like the way to go for those with a small budget. Starting at $429 for the 64GB option, it's the least expensive iPhone you'll find through Apple on its online store. And yet, in your search for the best iPhone, you might want to factor in more than price.

iPhone SE (2022) vs. iPhone 12

Whether through Apple or a third-party, you have plenty of options when it comes to trading in an older iPhone for something new. For example, Apple is currently offering up to $650 on various iPhone models going back to the iPhone 8.

Let's be conservative and assume you can only get $150 for your trade-in. That puts you within striking distance of both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, both still being offered after first being announced in 2020.

Don't have a trade-in? You can still find steep discounts on older flagship iPhones that, once again, would push the price near or below that of the latest iPhone SE. Once again, we're talking about the Phone 12 or iPhone 12 mini here, but there are also discounts occasionally now on the iPhone 13 series — although probably not enough to match the price of the iPhone SE (2022).

There's nothing inherently wrong with the iPhone SE (2022). If you're a fan of Touch ID and want a 4.7-inch display, it's the only choice available. However, if you want to stretch your budget, you might find the better option is to go with the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini.

Let's look at six key elements and see which iPhone comes out on top.

The iPhone SE (2022), like the iPhone 13 series, comes with the industry-leading A15 Bionic processor compared to the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic processor. It's an important difference. And yet, unless you plan on being a heavy mobile gamer, it might mean very little in your situation.

Advantage: iPhone SE (2022)

Don't you hate when your iPhone battery dies? With the iPhone 12, you'll get up to 17 hours of video playback between charges versus 15 hours on the iPhone SE (2022). That's two more hours to enjoy your favorite series on Apple TV+ or Netflix.

Advantage: iPhone 12

Adding juice to the iPhone's battery is much more convenient on the iPhone 12 series, which supports MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers. The iPhone SE (2022) offers none of this.

Advantage: iPhone 12

When comparing the displays found on the iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 12, there's more to the story than screen size. The displays found on the iPhone 12 (6.1-inches) and iPhone 12 mini (5.4-inches) aren't just bigger than the one of the iPhone SE (2022) (4.7-inches). They're also better. The iPhone 12 offers an OLED Super Retina XDR display compared to the LCD Retina HD display found on the iPhone SE (2022). That means more pixel resolution, more robust contrast ratio, and better brightness. Those displays are also stronger with a Ceramic Shield front.

Advantage: iPhone 12 — unless you are set on a smaller display.

Some folks primarily purchase an iPhone to take photos and videos. Even though the iPhone 12 series is nearly 1 1/2 years older than the iPhone SE (2022), it's the former that stands out the most.

Consider that the iPhone 12 comes with a dual 12MP camera system (Wide and Ultra Wide) with Night mode and 2x optical zoom out. This compares to the iPhone SE (2022)'s single 12MP camera system (Wide only), no Night mode, and no optical zoom out. The older phone also offers HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 fps and Audio zoom. On the front-facing camera, the iPhone 12 again comes out on top. It offers 12MP photos versus the iPhone SE's 7MP.

Advantage: iPhone 12

The iPhone SE having Touch ID over Face ID found on Apple's flagship devices isn't just about authentication. With the latter, you also get facial recognition, Animoji, and Memoji.

Advantage: iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 series laps the newer iPhone when it comes to water resistance. The former offers resistance to a depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) only provides protection to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.

Advantage: iPhone 12

It's also important to note the iPhone 12 series provides spatial audio playback and support for Dolby Atmos. On the iPhone SE (2022), you only get stereo.

Advantage: iPhone 12

This brings us to the price. Without discounts, there is no doubt you'll pay more for an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini versus the iPhone SE (2022). However, because the iPhone 12 is older, there are discounts, especially through Apple resellers.

Advantage: iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022) vs. iPhone 12: Not a simple choice

As you can see, buying the latest iPhone isn't necessary the best way to go, at least when it comes to the all-new iPhone SE (2022). Hopefully, this quick read will help you make a better informed choice.

What you need to know

• The global 5G rollout is increasing cellular speeds everywhere.
• New data from OpenSignal shows that 95 out of 100 markets saw average download speeds increase between 2019 and 2021.
• A number of iPhone and iPad models can take advantage of 5G connectivity.

The iPhone and iPad are only going to get faster around the world as the global 5G rollout continues.

According to new data from analytics firm OpenSignal, in 95 of 100 markets, smartphone users are experiencing faster average download speeds when comparing 2019 to 2021. Markets that launched 5G early are experiencing a boost in the global speed rankings, including countries like South Korea.

National average download speeds have also broken the 100 Mbps barrier for the first time. South Korea is also a winner here, reaching average download speeds of 129.7 Mbps at the end of 2021.

All of these advancements are boosting cellular performance of the latest iPhone models. Apple originally rolled out 5G support in the iPhone with the iPhone 12 series in 2020. The company then brought 5G to the iPad Pro and the redesigned iPad mini. When the company launched the iPhone 13, it added even more bands to support 5G in even more countries.

Apple is also rumored to be hosting an event on March 8 where the company will announce a new iPhone SE with 5G support, a new iPad Air (which may also finally get 5G support added), and at least one new Mac.

What you need to know

• Apple and Ericsson's patent dispute continues to roll on.
• The Swedish company has filed further actions against Apple in Brazil and Belgium.
• It is seeking an injunction against an Apple distributor in Brazil.

Ericsson has filed more claims against Apple in both Brazil and Belgium as the company's patent war with Apple rages on.

As reported by Foss Patents:

According to the filing, Ericsson is seeking a preliminary injunction against Allied Technologia because it distributes Apple products that Ericsson says infringe on patents owned by the firm.

Ericsson continues to ramp up its litigation assault on Apple, following a disagreement between the two over licensing of 2G, 3G, and 4G technology. A deal signed in 2015 between the two had expired, and talks to sign a new deal that included 5G technology have broken down.

Apple's uses 5G in its best iPhones including the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 but like most smartphone makers it relies on patents from companies like Ericsson. While Ericsson is seeking various injunctions against Apple, the main goal of the suits as a collective is to get a licensing deal figured out. Apple has filed several countersuits against Ericsson which claim it infringes upon patents owned by Apple, but which state the company (Apple) is willing to drop all lawsuits if Ericsson will do the same.

What you need to know

• Apple stopped selling iPhones with headphones in the box with the iPhone 12.
• France required the company to continue offering them to customers because of a law protecting children from radiation.
• A new environmental law looks set to end the practice of selling iPhones in a unique double box.

A new report claims that official iPhone vendors in France are preparing to stop selling the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 in their unique double boxes, after the country passed a law to reduce waste in smartphone packaging last year.

Consomac reports that official reseller Fnac is advising customers that due to new environmental laws in the country they will no longer be required to sell Apple's iPhone with EarPods from January 24. As such, Consomac infers that Apple will also stop providing them with their iPhones in the next few days, iMore has reached out to Apple for confirmation of this. At the time of publication, Apple's website still lists Lightning EarPods as included in the box of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

The strange situation in France emerged shortly after Apple released the iPhone 12, following its controversial announcement that it would be dropping the charging brick and Lightning EarPods in order to vastly reduce the size of the packaging and shipping footprint of the device.

A law in France passed to try and shield young people from exposure to electromagnetic waves meant that Apple had to continue including its EarPods with the iPhone. This meant phones came in a unique double box, as depicted in the header image from TheiCollection.

Consomac explains that the new environmental laws remove the obligation to include headphones.

MagSafe was introduced with the iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories like chargers have grown in popularity in the years since. MagSafe chargers are an improvement over regular wireless chargers for several reasons. First of all, they can charge your iPhone or above with 15W of power if used with a 20W or higher wall charger. Secondly, the ring of magnets clicks your iPhone into place, so you know it won't slip off the charger.

The added speed and peace of mind make MagSafe chargers quite appealing, and there are tons to choose from. We've narrowed down some options for you, depending on your situation and your taste. Here are the best MagSafe chargers for you.

Which MagSafe charger should you buy?

The reason we included so many different kinds of options here is because there's no one-size-fits-all solution. If you're just looking for a simple MagSafe charger, Apple's own is a slim, quick, no-frills option. Many of us at iMore that do own an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods prefer to use one of the 3-in-1 chargers. Charging all the devices together in one spot is a major convenience. 

The UGREEN Magnetic Battery 10,000mAh Battery Pack with Foldable Kickstand is a travel essential, in case your iPhone runs low on power. You wouldn't want to have your translator/map/wallet/camera run out of power on the go, wouldn't you? Charge up your friends' phones too with the USB-C ports. Plus the kickstand makes it both an airplane and a nightstand companion.

What you need to know

• A new stolen iPhone trick allows thieves to disable Find My and erase the device entirely.
• People are stealing iPhones and sending text messages to the stolen number pretending to be Apple, tricking them into giving up their Apple ID credentials.

People stealing iPhones is absolutely nothing new, unfortunately. But people using Find My to disable their devices is usually a good port of call because it prevents them from being accessed or set up anew. A new trick shared by one unfortunate iPhone owner shows that thieves are finding new ways to get around things like Find My — and it's all too easy.

An India Today report tells the story of Vedant, someone who lost his iPhone 12 before going through all the usual steps — including trying to use Find My to locate it.

A few days went by and it was assumed that all hope was lost. Then, Vedant received an SMS suggesting the iPhone had been found and that tapping a link would display the location. The link looked legit because it contained 'icloud' and 'findmy,' but it wasn't.

After tapping the link Vedant was asked to log in, which they did — giving the new owner of the iPhone their Apple ID and password.

The link was from the person that had the iPhone in their possession and they were able to use the Apple ID credentials to disable Find My on the iPhone. They got Vedant's phone number by putting the SIM into a new device and calling themselves, which explains that part of the mystery. What's less clear is why the number the link came from also appears to be the number Microsoft uses to send its two-factor authentication codes via. Likely, the number was spoofed — another sign that the thief was no amateur.

With Find My disabled, the iPhone could be wiped and set up as a new device using anyone's Apple ID — just as if it had been bought legitimately.

Normally this is where I say to make sure that you have two-factor authentication enabled, but that would likely have failed to do its job here, too — Vedant would have entered that into the fishing site and handed it to the thief along with the username and password.

The real moral of the story? Check and double check links before accessing them and consider using a password manager that will alert you if you're entering details into a site other than the one you saved them from. Remember, a secure iPhone is the best iPhone!

What you need to know

• Apple is being sued by a group of students in China.
• It's over the lack of charger in the iPhone 12's box.
• They say Apple is misleading consumers.

Apple has been sued by a group of students in China because the iPhone 12 doesn't come with a charger.

A case filed against Apple was noted by the Shanghai Law Journal this week. A translated version of which states:

The group filed a suit against Apple in May, asking for a charger, $16 for breach of contract, and legal fees.

Agents for Apple told an online court in September that the packaging of the iPhone 12 Pro was clear that it didn't come with a charger, only a USB-C cable, a practice Apple continued with its new best iPhone, the iPhone 13. The group refuted the claims made by Apple that selling a phone without a charger was common practice and that because it came with a USB-C to Lightning cable, the charger wasn't compatible with older chargers sold by Apple.

The group claimed that Apple was using the argument of protecting the environment as a gimmick to help sell its new range of MagSafe products and said that Apple was committing mobile phone sales fraud. The case "is still at the stage of supplementary evidence and written material."

Apple unveiled its new iPhone in September, continuing the trend of not including a power adapter with its flagship iPhone. It also removed the plastic wrapping from boxes for the first time.

What you need to know

• Apple has reportedly scaled down orders for chips that would be used in older iPhones.
• Chip orders for the new iPhone 13 have increased, says DigiTimes.

Apple has reportedly scaled down the number of previous-generation iPhone chips being ordered from TSMC while scaling up orders for the A15 Bionic.

Apple's brand new iPhone 13 lineup uses the A15 Bionic chip, as does the new iPad mini tablet. According to a new paywalled DigiTImes report, Apple is now leaning into its new products and ordering their A15 Bionic chips in great quantities as it tries to keep up with demand. PRedictably, orders for older A14 Bionic chips are slowing.

Apple killed off iPhone 12 Pro Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max during its September iPhone 13 event, both of which used the A14 chips. Apple will also likely expect to sell fewer iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini devices now that they have been superseded by the newer models, reducing the need for chips yet further.

The news comes as Apple continues to battle product shortages, caused in part by a global parts shortage that is causing anything from cars to game consoles to be difficult to get hold of.

Apple announced the iPhone 13 lineup during a streamed event last month, with all four new models going on sale on September 24. Anyone ordering an iPhone 13 now could be waiting weeks to get their hands on one, while the new iPad mini is similarly supply constrained.

The DigiTimes report also notes that Apple's overall 2021 order strategy has not changed for 2021.

What you need to know

• Apple has launched a new offer for a free pair of AirPods for customers in India.
• The offer is good for customers who purchase an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini.
• The promotion will run from October 7 to November 4.

If you're in the market for an iPhone 12 in India, Apple has an offer for you.

Spotted by MacRumors, Apple customers in India can snag a free pair of AirPods if they purchase an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini. The promotion begins on Thursday, October 7, 2021, and will run through Thursday, November 4, 2021.

As Apple explains, the offer for free AirPods refers to the 2nd generation AirPods with Charging Case. Customers can choose to upgrade to the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case or AirPods Pro for an additional charge if they would like. This is similar to educational offers that Apple has run in the past for students.

Customers in India can learn more about the terms and conditions for the offer below:

Apple seems to be looking for ways to offload its last generation iPhones with the added bonus of some AirPods. The company is also rumored to be releasing a new generation of AirPods this fall, so the offer could be a way to bring down inventory levels of the current generation AirPods as well.

These two iPhones, though no longer the newest on the market, are still exceptional devices. They are quite similar, boasting lots of power and offering most of the same functions. However, they do have some stark differences that may sway your choice when choosing one or the other.

While the iPhone 13 is definitely one of the best iPhones you can buy, the iPhone 12 is still a good phone for a lot of people. After all, not everyone absolutely needs every shiny new toy. However, the iPhone 13 definitely has a lot of solid upgrades that make it a better choice if you don't mind spending a little extra dough.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Breaking it down

While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 look similar on the surface, a lot of the minute differences come from the new camera system. Of course, there are other things too, like the new A15 Bionic chip over last year's A14, as well as better battery life.

When the iPhone 12 originally came out in 2020, it surprised many people. We ended up with a new flat edge design that harkens back to the iPhone 5 days, MagSafe accessory compatibility, and 5G support.

For the most part, these things have carried over to the iPhone 13 as well, but things start to differ mostly when it comes to the camera. After all, the Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) that debuted exclusively with the iPhone 12 Pro Max has now made its way into the entire iPhone 13 lineup, among other things.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Big advances

Since the iPhone 12 is 2020's model, it's using the older A14 Bionic chip. With iPhone 13, we now have the faster A15 Bionic, with a new 6-Core CPU that packs in two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. The end result is an iPhone that is 50% faster than the competition, including its own predecessor. It even has a 4-core GPU that gives you 30% faster graphical power. In short, the iPhone 13 is the fastest iPhone yet.

The other big difference lays within the camera system. While the iPhone 13 still retains a dual camera like the iPhone 12, the configuration is now diagonal instead of vertical. The iPhone 13 also has Sensor-shift OIS (instead of the regular optical image stabilization), which originally debuted with the iPhone 12 Pro Max only. This means that the camera sensor is stabilized rather than the lens, which provides better image stability and improved photo quality. The iPhone 13 is also capable of Smart HDR 4 instead of Smart HDR 3, so your photos come out brighter and more vibrant, skin tones look more realistic, and just a higher quality overall.

On top of that, the iPhone 13 includes Apple's new Cinematic mode for video, which lets you record people, pets, and objects with a depth-of-field effect like in Portrait mode. But Cinematic mode keeps the subject in focus automatically at all times, even if they're moving, and you can adjust the focus point and bokeh even after capture. Cinematic mode works with Dolby Vision HDR, and you can record 4K up to 60FPS.

There is also the new Photographic Styles feature, which allows you to selectively apply adjustments to certain areas while preserving colors elsewhere, like skin tones. These styles get saved based on your preferences and may be applied to all future photos.

On top of all that, the iPhone 13 has a slightly larger battery, so you get about 2.5 hours more than the iPhone 12. It also starts at 128GB of storage, going up to 512GB, while the iPhone 12 base begins at a measly 64GB and only goes up to 256GB.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: Which should you buy?

For most people, it's pretty clear that the iPhone 13 is the better choice at this point. From the A15 Bionic chip to the improved dual camera system, longer battery life, and even increased storage, it's the more advanced camera. And if you often use your iPhone for photography, the Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles are great tools to have in your arsenal. Plus, it now comes in pink!

The only way to get a more advanced smartphone would be to order the soon-to-be-released iPhone 14. 

However, if you like to save some money and get discounts, and don't particularly need the new bells and whistles, the iPhone 12 is still a great phone. It will last at least several years, runs iOS 15 perfectly, and will run iOS 16 just as well — plus it's no chump when it comes to mobile photography. 

What you need to know

• Apple has launched a new service program for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
• The program covers the phone for an issue that can affect sound when making a phone call.
• Customers can get the repair done free of charge.

Today, Apple has launched a new service program that covers iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro users who experience issues with the sound when they make or receive calls. The company says that the issue is limited to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, so the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max is not part of this program.

Of course, if your phone is eligible for the program, Apple will make the repair free of charge.

If you are experiencing the issue, you can get it fixed directly through Apple or one of the company's third-party service providers. Below are all of your options (as provided by Apple):

• Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider
• Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store
• Contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service via the Apple Repair Center.

While some iPhone 12's are about to go to the repair shop, Apple is preparing to announce the next generation of the iPhone. According to multiple reports, Apple is set to host a virtual event on September 14 where it will announce the iPhone 13. Additional announcements are also possible, including the 3rd generation AirPods, 9th generation iPad, and Apple Watch Series 7.

Preorders for the iPhone 13 are expected to go live on September 17 with a release date of September 24.

What you need to know

• 9 Bahraini activists were reportedly targeted by their government using Pegasus spyware.
• A zero-click iPhone exploit was used to target the group between June 2020 and February 2021.
• At least one activist was in London when they were targeted, but a different government might have been behind this.

A new Citizen Lab report says that nine Bahraini activists had their iPhones successfully hacked by their own government using NSO's Pegasus spyware using a zero-click exploit.

Research released today states:

Worryingly, this exploit appears to be effective against both iOS 14.4 and iOS 14.6 as zero-day exploits, the also seem to bypass a recently-added iOS security feature:

CL says FORCEDENTRY can circumvent BlastDoor. The company confirmed to the group that it was investigating the use of FORCEDENTRY on iOS 14.4 and iOS 14.6 using the crash and phone logs of some of the targets.

CL says activists "included three members of Waad (a secular Bahraini political society), three members of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, two exiled Bahraini dissidents, and one member of Al Wefaq (a Shiite Bahraini political society)." According to the report two of the hacked activists now live in London, and one was in London at the time their iPhone was breached, however, this may indicate a different government was behind the hit:

Citizen Lab says that five of the hacked devices matched the numbers on a list of potential targets of NSO's Pegasus Spyware customers that came to light earlier this year. From that report:

Citizen Lab says that the government of Bahrain "appears to have purchased NSO Group's Pegasus spyware in 2017." The extensive report details Bahrain's history of state surveillance and censorship, concluding:

NSO Group has previously stated it is not responsible for the actions of its customers, and that it can and will withdraw access to its products if it finds the technology is being misused. Unconfirmed speculation indicates Apple may have patched the exploit used by Pegasus in a recent version of iOS 14.

When Apple launched the iPhone 12 lineup, there was a noticeable difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models. No, I'm not talking about the camera, materials, or other features — I'm talking about the color.

At launch, the iPhone 12 came in five brilliant colors. Of course, one was white, and one was black, but the three other colors were a fresh look for Apple devices that was super appreciated. Apple went on to launch a purple iPhone 12 a while later. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max got four colorways, three of which were the same old colors they have been offering for years: Space Gray, White, and Gold. By far the most interesting was the new Pacific Blue color, which is the color I have seen the most of in the wild — everyone I know who got an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max got the Pacific Blue one. Could it be that color attracts people? Yes! That's not a secret.

Apple's history with color

We all know that the iPhone started as space gray/black (although the first iPhone was black and silver), and when they started offering the white color with the iPhone 4, it was a pretty big deal. A white iPhone 4 was my first iPhone, and one of the biggest reasons I bought it was the fact that every other smartphone was a black brick.

Of course, a couple of years later, Apple did dip its toe into offering more colors with the iPhone 5C, which was marketed as a cheaper iPhone for consumers. Of course, we know now that the iPhone 5C was a bit of a failure, but that's more to do with the phone itself and less to do with the color.

After that experiment, it would be years before Apple expanded past the space gray, white, gold, and rose gold that became somewhat standard around its iPhone lineups. The iPhone XR was the next big splash of color and was a nice breath of fresh air. The iPhone XR also was a great phone that sold quite well.

Since then, Apple has offered a colorful lineup for its base model iPhones, but the Pro-tier iPhones have to be relegated to a more muted color palette. Even the Midnight Green and Pacific Blue options are kind of bland compared to the vibrant colors of the iPhone 12 lineup. So why does Apple keep holding back colors from its pro devices?

A colorful theory

I'm not going to claim to know I have any real inkling into why Apple makes the decisions it does when it comes to color, but there is a general sense that pro devices are meant to look sleek, blend into surroundings, and not clash with the decor of an office or workspace. The minimalist movement in design is still in full swing, which means a lot of tech stays in neutral colors. After all, if you have a Mac mini hooked up to a couple of monitors, and those monitors are black, having a mint green Mac mini may look out of place.

The problem with that theory is that it pigeonholes many other people who love color and use pro devices into a drab and dreary world of whites, grays, and blacks. Heck, some people might not even know they like color until they try it. When the iMac (2021) was announced, I truly thought the colors were odd. I was so used to iMacs being gray and black that the colors looked awful. However, I bought a blue one, and once I got it on my desk, I completely changed my mind.

Give us options

The fact of the matter is people love options. Whether you're a pro or not, new colors on devices are exciting. We've heard rumors that a colorful MacBook Air could be launching as early as next year. While I applaud Apple for getting some color into its MacBook lineup, I would highly encourage them to consider doing the same for the MacBook Pro in the future as well.

Not every pro is the same, so stop making your pro devices the same.

What you need to know

• Earlier this week RealMe unveiled a new charging technology that looks an awful lot like MagSafe for iPhone 12.
• Turns out it might be quite a bit faster.
• RealMe's CEO has teased that MagDart is actually 440% faster than MagSafe.

Earlier this week Realme unveiled its new 'MagDart' technology, which looks an awful lot like MagSafe for iPhone 12.

Turns out, the new technology might be a whole lot faster than iPhone 12, as teased by Realme's CEO on Twitter.

Whilst Sheth didn't specifically name iPhone 12 and MagSafe, it really seems there's only one charging technology he might be referring to. As we reported earlier this week:

Whilst it had reportedly been confirmed that the new MagDart tech would be more powerful than MagSafe's 15W and that it would be the fastest magnetic charger in the world on launch, I don't think anyone expected MagDart to be 440% faster.

A big possible caveat here is that there are actually two new chargers from Realme, one that's identical to MagSafe, and another which is a massive brick featuring a cooling fan. It's highly possible Realme is comparing its larger more powerful charger to MagSafe, rather than the regular one.

The new Realme Flash phone, which will feature MagDart, will ship with a curved screen, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

You can see right away the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 charger and the mophie 3-in-1 charging stand are similar in function and appearance. They can both serve to charge three devices in a convenient, upright position that allows you to see and use your devices as they charge. Both will serve to reduce the clutter of different adapters and charging cables that usually litter your desk or nightstand. The major difference here is that one device has a built-in MagSafe charging connection, and the other doesn't. We'll lay out how that affects utility and price.

Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 vs. mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand: Key differences

When it comes to charging power and design, these two products are similar. In one way or another, both provide fast charging for any 12-series iPhone at 15W, and they can both charge an Apple Watch and Apple AirPods at the same time. You will need to buy an Apple MagSafe Charger to charge your iPhone 12 with the mophie unit, however, and therein lies the major difference. As for the other specs, you can see that most of them are similar:

These two products work differently in some ways, but they are very similar in other ways. The Belkin design is more streamlined, with built-in MagSafe charging that requires no assembly or extraneous accessories. It comes with a big 40W wall adapter that may arguably charge the iPhone 12 a tad bit faster than the standard MagSafe Charger. This large adapter does lend the ability to charge three devices at once without any loss of power or speed.

The iPhone and the Apple Watch will be held upright as they charge for easy visibility and usage. The iPhone can be charged in both vertical and landscape mode, while the watch must be charged vertically.

The mophie wireless stand, on the other hand, does require some assembly. To charge all three units at once, you'll need to use a separate Apple MagSafe Charger. The original MagSafe Charger can be installed into the mophie stand to create a MagSafe charging mount for any 12-series iPhone. Like the Belkin, this stand works to charge iPhones in both vertical and landscape orientations.

Another big difference is that the Apple Watch charges in landscape mode on the mophie stand, making it compatible with the Apple Watch nightstand mode, which effectively turns the Apple Watch into a nighttime alarm clock. This is one advantage that the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger does not offer.

Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 vs. mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand: Sheer power

There is very little difference between the Belkin 3-in-1 and the mophie 3-in-1 charging stand when it comes to charging power. Whether through the built-in MagSafe charger on the Belkin or the Apple MagSafe Charger on the mophie, both will charge the iPhone 12 at a full 15W. Some users say that the Belkin unit charges slightly faster because of the 40W wall adapter that it comes with, but not by much.

On both of these units, the Apple Watch charger and the wireless AirPods charging pad charge at 5W, the industry standard for these products. They also both incorporate an AirPods light that will light up white when the AirPods are charging correctly or glow red if the AirPods are not properly aligned. This helps to solve the ever-present alignment problems that come with wireless charging pads.

Overall, no matter which product you choose, the charging experience and power capacity are about the same.

Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 vs. mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand: Convenience versus affordability

Here's the rub; the Belkin 3-in-1 charger may seem like the convenient choice, but it is way more expensive. The price difference may be the kicker that influences your decision here, especially if you're shopping on a tight budget. This may also depend on whether or not you already have a MagSafe Charger.

Let's say you do have an Apple MagSafe Charger at home; if that's the case, then the mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand will run you a full $70 cheaper than the Belkin. That's a lot to pay for convenience. If you have to buy the MagSafe Charger to install into the mophie stand, then you will still be paying at least $30 less for the mophie unit than you will pay for the Belkin. In this case, price could play a big part in your decision.

Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 vs. mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand: Which should you buy?

At the end of the day, choosing between the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO and the mophie 3-in-1 wireless stand comes down to convenience versus affordability. If you already have the Apple MagSafe Charger, you can save a lot of money by simply installing it into the mophie stand and using it to mount and charge your iPhone alongside the Apple Watch and AirPods.

On the other hand, if you don't have the MagSafe Charger available to install into the mophie stand, it might be worth it to spend the extra $30 and get an all-in-one Belkin unit. The Belkin charger comes in one convenient piece that will charge your iPhone 12 right out of the box; no installation or accessories required.

However, it does not charge the Apple Watch in landscape orientation, so this is something to consider if you like to use your Apple Watch in nightstand mode. Either way, both of these ultra-useful products will charge all three of your devices quickly and easily, all while mounting your iPhone in a convenient upright position.

What you need to know

• Anker's new PowerWave Magnetic Car Mount is designed for iPhone 12 devices.
• The mount can e rotated and comes with a USB-C cable for charging.

Anker has announced a new magnetic car mount that wirelessly charges your iPhone 12 while you're on the move. Designed to be used both vertically and horizontally, the mount can either connect to a car's air vent or attach to its dashboard using the included 3M pad.

Being able to just slap your MagSafe iPhone onto the car mount and have it charge seems like something that would be pretty sweet, with Anker also making sure you and your iPhone are safe while it's working. There's a "comprehensive safety suite" of features included that are designed to prevent short circuits, excessive heat, and more.

Currently available for $35 from Amazon, the new mount is perfect for one-handed operation and you'll be able to use Apple Maps and other navigation apps with ease — all while keeping your hands on the wheel.

The PowerWave Magnetic Car Charging Mount is compatible with iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Pro Max and makes use of Apple Magsafe — one of the best iPhone features of the last few years.

Each mount comes with a 4ft USB-C to USB-C cable included, so you just need a power adapter to get things up and running. Charging capability runs at a respectable 7.5W which is more than enough to make sure your iPhone isn't draining its battery when on a long car journey.

What you need to know

• A new Android phone from Realme will be the first to feature magnetic wireless charging like iPhone 12.
• Realme's new smartphone will ship with a new MagDart series of wireless chargers, including a larger model that features a built-in fan.

A new phone from Realme will be the first Android model to feature Magnetic wireless charging just like MagSafe for the iPhone 12.

Two new 'MagDart' chargers were first revealed last week by Gizmochina, one of which looks identical to the MagSafe charger for iPhone 12.

A second charger was also revealed, sporting a much larger square brick design and a built-in fan for cooling.

Realme has now confirmed that its upcoming smartphone will be the first to feature magnetic wireless charging:

According to an exclusive report from GSMArena, the new MagDart wireless charger is a lot like the iPhone 12's MagSafe charging system:

If reports are correct the Realme Flash system might well offer faster-charging speeds than iPhone 12, which can only achieve 15W of power when paired with a 20W adapter that doesn't actually come with the iPhone.

Obviously, the larger charger featuring a fan is a pretty hefty unit and not the sort of sleek, low-profile design you might want from a charger, but it works, it works. The new Realme Flash will reportedly feature a curved screen, hole-punch camera, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

What you need to know

• Apple's new MagSafe battery pack is now available for iPhone 12.
• One user has discovered a wild hack using Apple's existing iPhone dock.
• It can be used to turn one into a magnetic charging stand for your iPhone.

If you've got an iPhone 12 and Apple's new MagSafe battery pack then you don't want to miss out on this awesome hack to turn it into a magnetic iPhone charging stand.

The setup was shared by Parker Ortolani on Twitter, who noted "You can turn the MagSafe battery into a magnetic iPhone stand/dock if you plug it into the lightning dock!"

As you can see from the photos, it involves placing your MagSafe battery pack on an iPhone charging dock, the one sold by Apple is pictured but if it fits there's no reason a third-party option wouldn't work either. With the battery pack in situ you can place your iPhone 12 on the dock magnetically, removing it at will thanks to the MagSafe technology on the iPhone.

This works because the iPhone 12 can be charged through the battery pack using a Lightning cable and passthrough. The new battery pack also supports reverse charging, because it can be charged from your iPhone if your iPhone is plugged in, just put your cable in the phone and not the battery pack. From Apple:

Of course, this is quite an expensive solution for a charging stand if you don't own these products already, but still a neat trick. Wish I'd thought of that.

When MagSafe was introduced with the release of the iPhone 12 series of phones, one of the most anticipated accessories was a magnetic snap-on battery. However, mophie beat Apple to the market with its snap+ juice pack mini, which is not an official MagSafe accessory, meaning it will not charge at the maximum 15W. Finally, Apple has released its MagSafe battery pack, which is integrated with iOS and features no power button or LED lights. Let's check out what's the same and what's different so you can buy the right battery for you.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. mophie snap plus juice pack mini: Let's compare

Though both battery packs attach magnetically to the back of an iPhone, they are different in many ways.

Here is the conundrum for iPhone 12 series owners. Do you want a battery pack that is integrated into iOS and made by Apple, with typical Apple simplicity? Or do you want to save some money, have more flexibility, faster wireless charging, but have a battery pack that may not fit your phone perfectly, especially if you have an iPhone 12 mini? Let's take a look at the similarities and differences of both battery packs.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. mophie snap plus juice pack mini: Color and finish

If you like white, then you will be happy with the color choice for the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack since that is your ownly choice. Of course, with the mophie battery, your only choice is black. If you are choosing what to buy only based on color, then its an easy choice — just pick your favorite.

The Apple battery pack has a matte plastic finish, while the mophie has a fabric finish, which adds some grip. Both should prevent accidental slips as a result.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. mophie snap plus juice pack mini: Features and functionality

Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack features typical Apple minimalism. Simply attach the battery pack magnetically and it begins to charge your iPhone 12 series phone. There's no power button to remember to press, and the amount of battery life is displayed on the iOS battery widget. The MagSafe Battery Pack can also be used as a desktop charger by plugging it in and placing the iPhone on top. In addition, you can use reverse pass-through charging to charge both the iPhone and battery pack at the same time by attaching the battery pack and plugging in the Lightning cable to the iPhone.

The mophie battery pack has a power button that must be pressed before charging can start. It features USB-C charging so it can be used with non-Apple devices. The snap+ juice pack mini also comes with a magnetic ring that you can attach to any Qi-compatible device so the battery pack can attach magnetically, even if it's not MagSafe compatible. However, if you own an iPhone 12 mini, according to mophie, you "will experience a 4.8mm/0.19in overhang from the bottom of their device and will need to remove the juice pack for camera use." iPhone 12 mini users may want to think twice before purchasing the mophie.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. mophie snap plus juice pack mini: Charging speed

Apple users who waited for the MagSafe Battery Pack may be disappointed to find out that you will not receive 15W of charging power when the battery is magnetically attached. Unfortunately, it will only charge using 5W of power. Still, if you plug in the battery pack you will see the 15W of MagSafe charging speed.

The mophie, on the other hand, will charge your iPhone with 7.5W of power when it's attached magnetically or 12W if it's plugged in. That means it's faster than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack when attached magnetically, but not quite as fast when charging while plugged in.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack vs. mophie snap plus juice pack mini: Which should you buy?

The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack may be worth spending $99 if you are already deep into the Apple ecosystem, if you want a battery pack integrated with iOS, and if you want built-in Apple simplicity, with no power button or LED lights to deal with.

If you don't care about reverse pass-through charging, if you want to save some money, and if you don't mind having to turn on the battery pack to use it, then the mophie snap+ juice pack mini may be for you. However, if you have an iPhone 12 mini, think twice because when it's attached, it will overhang at the bottom and you won't be able to use the camera since it blocks it.

Either way, you will be buying a battery pack that will give you power when you need it, wirelessly and magnetically.

What you need to know

• The iPhone 12 is holding its value more than the iPhone 11.
• A new report from SellCell says the lineup is holding its value 10% higher than its predecessor.

Apple products are known for holding their value over time more than many other brands. However, the iPhone 12 is taking that to new heights, even when it is compared to the iPhone 11.

A new report from SellCell says that the iPhone 12 lineup is actually holding its value about 10% higher than the iPhone 11 lineup before it. According to the research, the iPhone 12 has depreciated 34%% on average after six months, whereas the iPhone 11 lost about 44% of its value in that time.

Below are all of the key findings from the report on the value depreciation of the iPhone 12 lineup when compared to the iPhone 11:

• Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 ranges lose on—average—40 – 50% of their value within the first four weeks of launch.
• Post iPhone 12 launch, the iPhone 11 range lost a further 8% of its value within three months and 10% of its value within nine months.
• Despite an initial steep reduction in value, the iPhone 11 range exhibits a steadying in its depreciation, retaining value well.
• The iPhone 12 range improves on the performance of its predecessor. Six months following launch sees the iPhone 12 range losing 34.5% of its value, while the iPhone 11 range lost 43.8% over the same time period. The iPhone 12 range is currently holding 9.3% more value than the iPhone 11 range did six months post-launch.
• The iPhone 12 Mini has depreciated the most from the iPhone 12 range of handsets, losing 41.0% after six months. This is almost 9% more on average than the other devices evaluated.

It's great to hear that the iPhone 12 lineup is holding its value so high, especially since many iPhone 12 owners will be looking to trade in that device for the new iPhone 13 when it is announced this fall. The iPhone 13 is expected to feature major upgrades to the camera system and battery with additional updates to the display and notch.

If you're not looking to upgrade to the iPhone 13 but instead want to take your iPhone 12 to the next level, check out our list of the Best iPhone 12 Cases 2021.

What you need to know

• The iPhone 12 lineup makes up 63% of iPhone sales in the United States now.
• The lineup has surpassed the iPhone 11 lineup as the highest-selling iPhone in the country.

The iPhone 12 lineup has decidedly taken the crown from the iPhone 11.

A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners says that the iPhone 12 lineup now makes up more than 63% of iPhone sales in the United States. The iPhone 11, in comparison, made up about 65% of sales last year at this time.

CIRP says that the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 make up the bulk of the percentage, with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 mini making up the rest. The iPhone 12 mini reportedly only makes up about 5% of iPhone 12 sales.

Josh Lowitz, CIRP partner and co-founder, said that the continued consumer shift to larger, more expensive iPhones will raise Apple's average selling price for the iPhone.

Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone 13 lineup in September, just two months away now. The latest iPhone is expected to feature an upgraded display and smaller notch as well as some notable upgrades to battery life and a massive camera upgrade.

If you don't need the iPhone 13 but want to upgrade your experience with the iPhone 12 this summer, check out our list of the Best iPhone 12 Waterproof Cases 2021.

What you need to know

• A Spanish consumer group has written to Apple to demand compensation for users whose iPhones were slowed down by recent software updates.
• It's claimed that iOS 14.5, 14.5.1, and 14.6 slowed down iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone 8, and iPhone XS devices.

Apple is once again being accused of slowing iPhones down, this time by a Spanish consumer group. It accuses Apple of slowing iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone 8, and iPhone XS devices via the iOS 14.5, 14.5.1, and 14.6 updates.

According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) Apple needs to "justify the lack of performance of recent iPhone models following iOS updates." The letter was first reported by iPhoneros.

The group has joined with three others to ask Apple to explain what's going on following "numerous media" reports of devices being slowed down following software update installation. Reports of poor battery life are also mentioned throughout.

Via machine translation:

The outfit also says that it expects Apple to "establish the best way to compensate consumers." The OCU goes on to say that it believes that the slowing down of devices not only impacts customers, but the environment as well.

Apple has been accused of slowing older devices before and it did indeed cause some iPhones to perform more slowly so as to avoid them shutting down due to poor battery health. In that instance, Apple was concerned that older batteries would not be able to deliver enough power when iPhones ran at full speed. Its fix was to throttle iPhones to prevent their batteries from giving out — something it made a hash of communicating to users.

Anyone with an older iPhone should probably consider replacing its battery as a matter of course. There are some great iPhone deals to be had if you know where to look!

Yesterday we saw the arrival of Apple's new MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 lineup. I've already shared my feelings on the lack of a Lightning cable in the box, but I've been thinking about the battery pack itself. And it dawned on me that this thing could be an absolute game-changer for iPhone 12 mini users.

As much as some people swear by iPhone 12 mini and its diminutive size, many other people complain that the small battery makes it almost unusable by anyone who doesn't spend their days sat beside a power point. Admittedly, most of us have been at home for the past year but that doesn't make the point any less important — small iPhones have small batteries, and it's a case of physics winning despite Apple's engineers often flitting between genius and madness. But what if you could extend that battery life easily, and without wires? You'd have a modular iPhone. You'd have an iPhone 12 mini with a MagSafe Battery Pack slapped on the back.

Apple isn't saying what kind of battery extension we should expect from the MagSafe Battery Pack and to my knowledge, nobody has shared any details of their testing even if they do have one of these things in-hand already. But I'm willing to bet that whatever the battery pack can offer, it'll be more than enough to get iPhone 12 mini owners over the hump and back to a charger before it's lights out. And that could be a game-changer for Apple's miniature iPhone. Not enough to stop it from being killed after the iPhone 13 mini arrives this September perhaps, but still.

The idea of a modular iPhone is new, but it isn't a new concept to those in the Android world. They've tried modular a few times — and failed — but it's an idea that's intriguing for all kinds of reasons. The idea of the naked robotic core is fascinating because it would allow a base, minimal device to be sold and then have users attach their own features and accessories as they see fit. The arrival of a fancy battery pack with magnets is a long way off being the introduction of an iPhone like the long-dead Project Ara, but still. If it makes people with small iPhones happy, it's a start.

Don't yet have an iPhone 12 mini to call your own? We have some great iPhone deals you should probably check out!

What you need to know

• You can charge the MagSafe Battery Pack wirelessly through your iPhone 12.
• This proves that the iPhone 12 supports some version of reverse wireless charging.

Without admitting it directly, Apple has shown that the iPhone 12 lineup definitely supports reverse wireless charging.

Earlier today, Apple quietly released the MagSafe Battery Pack for the entire iPhone 12 lineup. The new battery pack connects to your iPhone 12 magnetically using the new MagSafe connection on the back of the phone.

In a support document also released today, Apple has revealed that you can not only charge your MagSafe Battery Pack by plugging a lightning cable into it but that you can also charge it through your iPhone if you are charging it as well.

The fact that this is possible proves that the iPhone 12 is in fact capable of reverse wireless charging - at least when using MagSafe. That doesn't necessarily mean, however, that you can drop an AirPods case on the back of your iPhone and charge them. The feature seems to be limited to Apple's own battery pack right now.

If you want to find other ways to charge your iPhone 12, check out our list of the Best iPhone 12 battery cases 2021.

What you need to know

• It costs $99.
• Compatible with all iPhone 12 models.
• Ships starting next week.

On Tuesday, Apple quietly released a MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 series. Priced at $99, the accessory comes only in white and begins shipping to customers next week.

The new MagSafe Battery Pack aligns with the magnets inside the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro series. It automatically charges without the need to turn it on or off. With a Lightning cable, you can expect 15W of wireless charging. With a higher than 20W power adapter, you can charge both the MagSafe Battery Pack and your iPhone even faster.

Apple's newest accessory doesn't ship with a cable or adapter. For the MagSafe Battery Pack, the iPhone maker suggests purchasing a 20W or higher USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to Lightning Cable. Each is sold separately.

MagSafe is one of the iPhone 12's signature features. Its introduction last fall resulted in the launch of countless MagSafe-supported accessories by Apple and third-party vendors, including cases, wallets, charging docks, and more.

What you need to know

• iPhone 12 sales aren't slowing down, according to a new investor note from JP Morgan.
• This is happening despite the impending announcement of the iPhone 13.

Sales performance of the iPhone 12 lineup does not appear to be letting up despite the impending announcement of the iPhone 13.

In an investor note seen by AppleInsider, JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee says that the current iPhone lineup is maintaining sales performance despite the expected release of the iPhone 13 in just a few months. Chatterjee points to a recent sales trend survey by Wave7 Research that looked at phone sales in the United States.

According to the survey, consumers don't appear to be holding off on their iPhone purchases even though the iPhone 13 release is expected in September. This performance will equate to Apple holding onto its market share, says the analyst.

The analyst went on to say that even the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is usually seen as an enthusiast model, has maintained sales. The report speculates that its camera and larger screen played a part in the pandemic for those who use their phone for work. It's also probably because time has shown all of us that people just really like big phones. The tepid performance of the iPhone 12 mini has shown us that.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 13 with upgraded cameras, battery, and display this fall. The company will most likely hold an event in September, but it is still unclear if it will be virtual or in-person.

If you want to take your iPhone 12 to the next level of battery life, check out our list of the Best iPhone 12 battery cases 2021.

What you need to know

• Incipio has announced two new MagSafe-compatible cases for the iPhone 12 lineup.
• The Grip and Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case are available now.

Incipio has announced two new MagSafe cases to bring even more magnetic case options to the iPhone 12 lineup.

The first of the cases, the Grip Case, has been upgraded with compatibility for MagSafe charging. Not only does it support the charging technology, but it also protects your iPhone 12 from drops as high as 14 feet.

Check out the full list of features of the Incipio Grip MagSafe case below:

• Syncs seamlessly with any MagSafe charging device to wirelessly power up your iPhone
• Slim & sleek profile with multidirectional grip enhancers designed to prevent slippage in all directions to keep your phone securely in your hand
• Drop protection up to 14 feet from Incipio's new Impact Struts Technology
• Specially designed grips at each corner help keep your new phone from sliding off slick surfaces
• Extended height raised-edge bezel protects screen from impacts on uneven surfaces
• Exceptional scratch resistance and discoloration defense
• Antimicrobial protection that eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria
• 5G compatible for fastest connection possible

The new Grip Case comes in Black and Midnight Navy and is available for $50 on the Incipio website.

The Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case for MagSafe comes in four styles and also protects your iPhone 12 model from drops, but this case only protects up to 6 feet instead of 14.

The full list of features for the Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case for MagSafe:

• Syncs seamlessly with any MagSafe charging device to wirelessly power up your iPhone
• Co-molded hardshell case with shock-resistant bumper to provide long-lasting protection
• Protects against up to 6-foot drops
• Lightweight, easy-grip design perfect for everyday use

The Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case for MagSafe is available in Hollyhock Floral Clear, Spade Pin Dot Iridescent, Daisy Iridescent, and Champagne Glitter Ombre Design and will cost $50 on the Incipio website.

If neither of these cases is your style, check out our list of the Best MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 cases 2021.

What you need to know

• A new report says Apple has sold 100 million iPhone 12 units.
• Counterpoint Research says it passed this milestone in April 2021, two months earlier than the iPhone 11.

A new report says Apple's iPhone 12 has already sold 100 million units as of April 2021.

From Counterpoint Research:

The fact the iPhone 12 crossed this threshold earlier than the iPhone 11 is all the more impressive considering the iPhone 12 did not come out until October, whereas the 11 was released in September.

The report says that demand for 5G and OLED screens has attracted customers and that Apple's average selling price of the iPhone is at an all-time high. The report claims that Apple's higher-end iPhone 12 Pro is preferred by consumers and that the iPhone 12 Pro Max accounts for some 29% of all sales, more than the 11 Pro Max did.

The iPhone 12 is certainly one of the best iPhones in recent memory, yet only has a few months left before it is replaced by the iPhone 13, expected to be unveiled by the company in September. It will reportedly feature a 120Hz display, under-display Touch ID, and a new A15 chip.

What you need to know

• The iPhone 12 is underperforming the iPhone X in China.
• Sales of the new iPhone are 12% lower than that of the iPhone X in its day.

While the iPhone 12 is doing well in China, it doesn't appear to be catching the last iPhone that was completely redesigned.

In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, Goldman Sachs analyst Rod Hall says that the iPhone 12 is underperforming in sales when compared to the iPhone X. Funnily enough, the iPhone 12 lineup is selling...12% lower than the older iPhone when it went on sale in the country.

The data used to come to this conclusion was released by the state-run China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) in May. Hall says that international smartphone shipments in May increased from 2.8 million units in May 2020 to 3.8 million units this year.

However, the analyst says that the iPhone 12 supercycle that some areas are seeing does not appear to be happening in China just yet.

It's crazy to think that, in just a few months, Apple is expected to announce and release the iPhone 13 lineup along with some expected updates to the Apple Watch and more. If you want to make sure your iPhone 12 survives the summer to have a solid trade-in for the iPhone 13, check out our list of the Best iPhone 12 Waterproof Cases 2021.

What you need to know

• LifeProof has announced two new iPhone 12 cases, both featuring 45% recycled plastic.
• One of the new cases supports Apple MagSafe.

LifeProof has announced two new iPhone 12 cases, both of which are made from 45% recycled plastic. That means that not only are you getting a pretty sweet case, but you're helping the planet as well.

Priced start at $49.99, with the SEE case coming in a variety of colors with a clear plastic back. Cases feature 2-meter drop resistance and some of those colors are pretty stunning. But if you want MagSafe support you're going to need the SEE with MagSafe case. That's priced at $59.99 and can be had with both clear and solid-color backs.

Versions of both cases are available for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The SEE cases are available for order now, but the SEE with MagSafe won't be around until the middle of next month. Both feature ultra-thin one-piece designs and look pretty great if you ask me. You can place your order from LifeProof now.

Prefer something a little different? No problem, we've got you – these are the best iPhone 12 cases on the market right now. There is sure to be something for everyone.

What you need to know

• More research says that MagSafe in the iPhone 12 could be a danger to people with cardiac implantable electronic devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.
• The findings come from the Journal of the American Heart Association.
• Testing the iPhone 12 Pro Max, they found MagSafe "can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy."

More research into MagSafe on the iPhone 12, specifically the iPhone 12 Pro Max, has confirmed that Apple's wireless charging tech "can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy."

It comes from research published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association. From the paper's abstract:

The conclusion of the abstract states "Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy." In explaining the findings the report states:

The findings were described as having "several clinical implications", and the paper's authors say the report "highlights the importance of public awareness regarding an interaction between CIEDs and a recently released smartphone model with magnetic charging capability." The paper recommends patients "consult with a heart rhythm specialist regarding recommendations specific to their smartphone and CIED."

This is not the first piece of research on the matter, and Apple itself has acknowledged the risk that the magnets in iPhone 12 could pose to medical devices. From a support document:

What you need to know

• The new Nomad Rugged Case supports MagSafe and Moment lenses.
• The case is available now in Rustic Brown and Black.

Nomad today announced the new iPhone 12 Rugged Case, complete with support for Apple's MagSafe as well as Moment's senses.

The new case looks the part in both Rustic Brown and Black colors, with lenses easily attached via a single 90° turn. MagSafe works just as you would expect as well, charging and holding your iPhone in place thanks to the magic of magnets.

Each case is made from Hortween leather sourced from the USA. Cases sell for $59.95 no matter which iPhone 12 model you're using, too. You can find more information, and place an order, on the Nomad website.

Now that you have a gorgeous leather case, you're going to need a gorgeous iPhone to put into it. These are the best iPhone deals available today and it's definitely time you upgraded that iPhone 6. Go on, you're worth it!

What you need to know

• New figures suggest the iPhone 12 is outperforming the iPhone 11 in terms of popularity.
• It is in more hands than the iPhone 11 was this time last year despite a delayed launch and iPhone SE competition.
• Figures show 54% of iPhone 12 models are the 'Pro' and 'Pro Max' models.

A new report says the iPhone 12 is outperforming the iPhone 11 at a similar stage in its lifecycle based on installed base figures.

From Counterpoint:

Despite a delayed release and competition from the iPhone SE, Apple's iPhone 12 is in more hands than the iPhone 11 was this time last year.

The figures also reveal a very interesting switch, in that 54% of iPhone 12 models are the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max. By contrast, the iPhone 11 was more popular than the 'Pro' version last year.

The top 5 iPhone models in Q1 2021 in terms of installed base were the iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and the iPhone 12. The best iPhone in recent memory, Apple is expected to replace the iPhone 12 with the iPhone 13 later this year.

What you need to know

• The Rise MagSafe Dock is a new charger that uses your existing Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger.
• The dock is priced at $49.99.

MagSafe is proving to be a pretty great way to wirelessly charge your iPhone 12 at 15W, faster than previously possible using traditional wireless charging. There are tons of third-party accessories that take advantage of your existing MagSafe charger and now you can add the Native Union Rise MagSafe Dock to the mix.

Priced at $49.99, the dock elevates and of course charges your iPhone 12 handset, all whole looking the part. The dock is made of metal and comes in any color you want – so long as it's black. It's a good-looking bit of kit, there's no doubt about that.

You will of course need to add your own MagSafe Wireless Charger to the mix, so keep that in mind when planning to make your purchase. Assuming you have a spare, order the new Native Union Rise MagSafe Dock for $49.99 right over here.

The addition of MagSafe is one of the reasons iPhone 12 is the best iPhone you can buy. Why not pair it with something like this dock so it looks just as great when it's charging as it does when it's in your hand?

What you need to know

• New figures claim the iPhone 12 accounted for one-third of global smartphone revenue in Q1 2021.
• Counterpoint Research says Q1 was dominated by the iPhone in terms of both revenue and volume.
• The quarter as a whole was supposedly a record-setting $100 billion quarter globally.

A new report says the iPhone 12 lineup dominated the smartphone market in Q1 of 2021, accounting for one-third of all smartphone revenue.

From Counterpoint Research:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max was reportedly the best-selling US smartphone, and every phone on the list apart from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE was 5G capable.

The iPhone 12 dominated not only in terms of revenue but volume too:

As you can see from the data, according to Counterpoint even the struggling iPhone 12 mini pulled in more revenue than phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21.

Whilst Counterpoint's figures are usually based on estimations rather than sales data, the overall trends show Apple's iPhone 12 is the best iPhone in recent memory, and customers seem to agree.

What you need to know

• A new report says the iPhone 12 has led a record year for smartphone sales in Japan.
• New research indicates Apple took about half of the smartphone market.
• Shipments of 5G phones increased by nearly 4000% in the country in 2020.

A new report says the iPhone 12 helped spur a 4000% increase in 5G smartphone shipments in Japan last year.

From TechNews:

Apple's iPhone 12 reportedly drove some 11 million 5G smartphone shipments, a 4000% increase on 2019's 269,000 units. As the best iPhone in recent years and the first to feature 5G, it's not hard to see why.

Apple reportedly took around 50% of the Japanese smartphone market followed by Sharp, Samsung, Fujitsu, and Sony.

The news follows reports this morning that Apple's iPhone is also finding success in China, from that report:

What you need to know

• Apple reportedly enjoyed "brisk" iPhone sales in China last month.
• Digitimes says the company sold 2.7 million units last month, about 10% of the market share.
• That's up from 8% the month before, and more growth is on the way.

A new report says Apple sold 2.7 million iPhones in China last month, enjoying "brisk" sales of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, including Apple's latest new purple color.

From Digitimes:

Looking ahead, the report cites observer estimations stating Apple's shipments of iPhones in China "are likely to grow by a double-digit rate on year to 8-8.5 million units in the second quarter of 2021."

For context, the report says that in the first four months of 2021 91.27 million 5G smartphones were shipped in China, with cumulative shipments expected to break 100 million through May. April's figures in China were down 34% on the same month last year, but the overall total for the first four months is up 39% on 2020.

Apple announced the aforementioned purple iPhone 12 at its Spring Loaded April event, and according to this latest report, the new color is proving quite popular. From the announcement: