This week in Apple: iPhone 12 pricing rumors, 'Mini' specs, launch event, more!

This week in Apple news we saw a pretty big leak related to the pricing of the upcoming iPhone 12 devices. If the leaker is accurate, it’s possible Apple’s iPhone pricing won’t be that much different than last year’s pricing.

In other Apple news, we got some more information on possible specs for the supposed iPhone 12 Mini, we found out the official launch date of the iPhone 12 series, we found out about Apple removing competitor’s headphones from its stores, and we saw Tim Cook commemorate the passing of Steve Jobs.

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest.

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• Apple will launch the iPhone 12 series next week: Earlier this week, Apple officially announced the date of the iPhone 12 launch. The company will unveil its latest iPhones on October 13, which is this coming Tuesday. Find out more here.
• Alleged pricing leaks for iPhone 12 lineup: A leaker posted what they claim could be the prices of the iPhone 12 series. You can read all about it here, but here’s the gist: iPhone 12 Mini could be $699, iPhone 12 might be $799, iPhone 12 Pro could be $999, and iPhone 12 Pro Max could be $1,099.
• iPhone 12 Mini spec rumors: Now that we are relatively certain the smallest iPhone 12 model will be known as the Mini, we can extrapolate some of its specs. Thanks to a rundown from Mac Rumors, it appears likely that the Mini could have a 5.4-inch notched display, a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle dual-lens rear camera, a ~2,300mAh battery, and access to Sub-6GHz networks for 5G connections. It will also very likely have the A14 processor, just like the rest of the upcoming iPhones.
• Unfortunately, not all iPhones will land together: Possibly due to the pandemic, it’s looking more and more likely that only some of the iPhone 12 models will be available soon after the launch. According to the most recent rumors, the iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max might not be available to buy until November. That’s cutting it awfully close, Apple!
• HomePod updates finally on the way, maybe: It looks like a HomePod Mini is in the works — and it might only cost $99. According to new rumors, the HomePod Mini could debut alongside the new iPhones next week. The full-sized HomePod 2, though, probably won’t land this year.
• Apple stops selling competitor’s audio products: Earlier this week, Apple stopped selling audio products from Bose, Sonos, Logitech, and other brands. While the company didn’t issue any formal reasoning for this change, it’s highly likely that it has to do with rumors of a new HomePod on the way as well as AirPods Studio headphones. It appears Apple is done with inviting other brands to play in Apple Stores since it will have a robust selection of its own products.
• Tim Cook commemorates the passing of Steve Jobs: This past Monday was the ninth anniversary of the passing of Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs. Current CEO Tim Cook posted an inspirational quote from Maya Angelou and said some nice words about his friend and colleague.
• Apple TV Plus free subscriptions extended for some: Apple might be giving out holiday presents a little early as some folks who got the year-long free trial to Apple TV Plus might see that offer extended by a further three months. This would push the need to pay for it back until 2021. Nice!
• Bruce Springsteen doc will be an Apple TV Plus exclusive: A new documentary about musician Bruce Springsteen will air on Apple TV Plus on October 23. “Letter To You” examines Springsteen’s career and features him recording in a studio with his E Street Band for the first time in 35 years.

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are reading this Apple news article on an iOS device and thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.