You remember 2020, right? It was a weird, blurry year of Zoom calls and staying indoors. Most of us lost track of time entirely. So, when people ask what year did the iPhone 12 come out, the answer is 2020, but the "how" and "when" were a bit of a mess compared to Apple's usual clockwork schedule.
Usually, Apple drops new phones in September. Like, every single year. But 2020 threw a wrench in those plans. Production lines in Asia slowed down, travel was restricted, and Apple had to push things back. It was the first time in years that we didn't get a new iPhone announcement in September. Instead, we got the Apple Watch Series 6 and some iPads. We had to wait until October 13, 2020, for the actual "Hi, Speed" event where Tim Cook finally showed off the 12 series.
The Staggered Launch Chaos
It wasn't just a late start; it was a split finish. Apple didn't just release one or two phones. They dropped four. And they didn't all hit the shelves at the same time. Honestly, it was a little confusing if you were trying to buy one on day one.
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- iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: These were the first out of the gate. Pre-orders opened on October 16, 2020, and they actually hit stores on October 23, 2020.
- iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max: You had to wait almost a full month longer for the smallest and biggest versions. Pre-orders for these started November 6, and they officially came out on November 13, 2020.
Think about that. If you wanted the massive Pro Max or the tiny Mini, you were stuck waiting while your friends already had the standard 12 in their hands. It was a strange rollout for a strange year.
Why the iPhone 12 Was a Massive Deal
The iPhone 12 released in 2020 was more than just another incremental update. It was a "pivot" year for Apple. They moved away from the rounded, pill-shaped edges we’d seen since the iPhone 6 and went back to the flat, industrial look of the iPhone 4. It felt fresh. It felt modern.
But the biggest thing? 5G. The iPhone 12 was the first Apple device to support 5G networks. Verizon’s CEO Hans Vestberg even got on stage to say "5G just got real." Whether 5G was actually life-changing back then is debatable—most people didn't even have 5G coverage in their neighborhoods—but it made the phone feel future-proof.
Then there was the screen. For the first time, the "base" model got an OLED display. Before this, if you bought the standard iPhone 11 or XR, you were stuck with an LCD screen. The iPhone 12 brought that punchy, high-contrast Super Retina XDR tech to everyone, not just the "Pro" buyers.
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The Box Controversy
We can't talk about the iPhone 12 without mentioning the "missing" charger. This was the year Apple stopped including the power brick and EarPods in the box. They said it was for the environment—smaller boxes mean more phones per shipping pallet, which lowers carbon emissions.
People were annoyed. Really annoyed. You were paying $799 or more for a phone and then had to spend another $19 if you didn't have a USB-C brick lying around. It set a trend that almost every other manufacturer eventually followed, but man, the internet was on fire for a few weeks over that one.
A Quick Look at the Family
When the iPhone 12 came out in late 2020, it offered a size for basically everyone.
- iPhone 12 Mini: A tiny 5.4-inch screen. It was adorable, but the battery life was... not great.
- iPhone 12: The 6.1-inch sweet spot. This was the one most people actually bought.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Same size as the 12, but with a stainless steel frame and a telephoto lens for better zooming.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: A literal giant with a 6.7-inch screen and a better main camera sensor that used "sensor-shift" stabilization.
Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth It?
It's 2026. If you're looking at a used or refurbished iPhone 12, you're probably wondering if it's a brick by now.
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Actually, it’s still surprisingly capable. The A14 Bionic chip was way ahead of its time. It still runs the latest iOS versions (like iOS 19 or the rumored iOS 20) quite smoothly. Since it was the first 5G iPhone, it doesn't feel as "old" as the iPhone 11, which is stuck on 4G.
The main downside today is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries degrade, and since the 12 series didn't have the best battery life to begin with—especially the Mini—you’ll likely need a battery replacement if you’re buying one second-hand. But for a budget-friendly way to get into the Apple ecosystem, it’s a solid choice.
Actionable Steps for iPhone 12 Owners
If you're still rocking an iPhone 12 in 2026 or thinking about buying one, here’s how to make it last:
- Check your Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it’s below 80%, spend the $89 or so to have Apple swap the battery. It’ll feel like a brand-new phone.
- Use MagSafe: The 12 was the first to introduce MagSafe magnets on the back. If you aren't using a MagSafe wallet or charger, you're missing out on the best feature of that design.
- Optimize Storage: The base model only had 64GB. That's nothing by today’s standards. Use iCloud Photos or Google Photos to offload your 4K videos so you don't run out of space for apps.
The iPhone 12 release year of 2020 marked a major shift in how Apple designs and sells phones. From the flat edges to the 5G connectivity, it set the blueprint for every iPhone we've seen since.