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5 big takeaways from the iPhone 12 launch 🤔

October 17, 2020

New iPhones. A new, pint-size HomePod. And the triumphant return of MagSafe ... this week's "Hi, Speed" event delivered the goods.

Read up on all the new Apple gear, and find out why we're totally psyched about the iPhone 12 mini (and a bit less so about 5G), in this week's news-packed edition of The Weekender.

Oh, and don't worry -- we've got plenty of post-show analysis (and some even fresher Apple news and rumors, too) ...

News and opinion

Apple’s “Hi, Speed” event included the company’s most critical release of 2020: the much-anticipated iPhone 12 series. And a long-awaited cheaper HomePod, too. Here are the most important takeaways from Tuesday’s event to put these new products in context.

Plus, more on all the new Apple products:

Next-gen cellular promises to be significantly faster than the 4G networks we’ve become accustomed to, but don't get too excited just yet.

After late-breaking leaks spoiled the "Hi, Speed" event's big reveals, there must be fear and paranoia inside Apple HQ.

Plus, the latest Apple leaks and rumors:

In an upgrade cycle in which I fully expected the iPhone 12 Pro to win me over, the 12 mini emerged as my absolute favorite iPhone of Tuesday’s “Hi, Speed” event.

This sensor enables the high-end handsets to make an accurate 3D map of the device's location. Here's why that matters.

Deals

In this day and age, it’s amazing that anybody still uses cable. Streaming services can bring all the same shows and more to any device — and at a competitive price. If you’re looking to boost your home entertainment situation, this half-price deal from fuboTV is a must-see.

Whether for birdwatching, sports or simply exploring the world around you, this small yet powerful gadget lets you zoom in on whatever you want. Plus, you can connect it to your iPhone for pix and vids.

Backpacks have evolved for the digital age. The Moovy Bag is essentially a portable power station, with a high-capacity 22,000mAh battery and smart charging built in. There's even a solar version!

Staying in and away from others is part of many people’s daily lives at this point. These three great lifetime subscriptions will help you make the most of the new normal.

Reviews

With a recent study showing the virus that causes COVID-19 can live up to 28 days on glass and stainless steel, it might be time to double down on your disinfectant efforts. Remind me again what iPhones are made of … oh, yeah, glass and metal. Yikes!

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” has long been The Jim Henson Company’s modus operandi, and the second season of Apple TV+ kids show Helpsters is living proof that the strategy works.

The new IQbuds 2 Max aren’t typical noise-canceling wireless earbuds. Sure, they let you listen to music and podcasts, but that’s just the start. They help you hear conversations better by filtering out background sounds.

Planning to preorder a shiny new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro this month? Keep it protected and in pristine condition with great cases and screen protectors from Laut, starting at a mere $19.99.

Plus, more product recommendations: