So you're wondering when did the iPhone 12 come out? Funny enough, I had this exact question last year when my cousin asked if her "new" iPhone 12 was outdated. See, she bought it secondhand without checking the release date first. Big mistake? Well, let's break it down.
The Official iPhone 12 Release Timeline
Apple announced the iPhone 12 lineup on October 13, 2020 – much later than usual because of pandemic delays. I remember waiting months longer than expected, checking rumors daily. Here's how the rollout actually happened:
| Model | Pre-order Date | Official Release Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | October 16, 2020 | October 23, 2020 | First to hit stores |
| iPhone 12 Pro | October 16, 2020 | October 23, 2020 | Same initial release as base model |
| iPhone 12 Mini | November 6, 2020 | November 13, 2020 | 3-week delay after announcement |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | November 6, 2020 | November 13, 2020 | Largest model launched last |
That staggered release caused real confusion. My friend pre-ordered the Pro Max thinking it'd arrive in October, only to wait extra weeks. Annoying? Absolutely.
Why the iPhone 12 Launch Date Matters Today
Knowing when did iPhone 12 come out affects your buying decision right now. Think about it:
- A phone released in late 2020 has already missed 4 major iOS updates
- Battery health on used units degrades faster after ~3 years
- Repair costs spike as Apple phases out support
Just last month, I helped a neighbor replace her iPhone 12 battery. The repair cost $89 – almost 15% of what she'd pay for a newer refurbished model.
iPhone 12 Pricing Then vs Now
Remember walking into an Apple store in 2020? Here's what those shiny new devices cost:
| Model | 2020 Launch Price | Current Refurbished Price | Price Drop (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) | $699 | $329 | 53% |
| iPhone 12 (64GB) | $799 | $389 | 51% |
| iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) | $999 | $499 | 50% |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max (128GB) | $1,099 | $599 | 45% |
But prices vary wildly. Gazelle has 12 Minis for $299 while Back Market lists "fair condition" units below $250. Personally? I'd avoid anything under $350 unless you want battery issues.
Real talk: The Mini's value plummeted because Apple discontinued it. Great if you love small phones, terrible for resale. My colleague sold his for just $200 last month.
Should You Buy an iPhone 12 Today?
Let's be brutally honest about owning a 2020 device in 2024:
The Good Stuff Still Holds Up
- 5G connectivity works perfectly with modern carriers
- A14 Bionic chip runs iOS 17 smoothly (for now)
- Ceramic Shield glass really is tougher – dropped mine twice without cracks
The Not-So-Good Reality
- Battery life was mediocre even when new (my Pro Max barely lasted a day)
- No high-refresh display – scrolling feels choppy next to newer iPhones
- iOS support ending soon (probably with iOS 18)
I tested an iPhone 12 alongside my brother's iPhone 15 last weekend. The difference in screen responsiveness? Painfully obvious.
How iPhone 12 Compares to Newer Models
Wondering if you should skip the iPhone 12 release date entirely? Let's compare:
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Current iOS Support | Ends 2025 (est.) | Ends 2026 | Ends 2027 | Ends 2028 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 11 | 15 | 18 | 20+ |
| Camera Upgrade | Baseline | Sensor-shift OIS | Action Mode | 48MP main |
Notice the battery jump? That alone makes newer models worth considering. Charging my iPhone 12 twice daily got old fast.
Who Should Actually Buy an iPhone 12 Now?
- Budget-focused buyers – if you need iOS under $400
- Light users – just texting and social media? Fine
- Secondary device users – great backup phone
But avoid if you game, shoot lots of video, or hate charging mid-day. Seriously – my nephew regrets buying one for Fortnite.
Critical Things to Check Before Buying
Considering an iPhone 12 after learning its release date? Don't get scammed:
Must-Ask Questions for Sellers
- "What's the exact battery health percentage?" (Settings > Battery)
- "Does Face ID work perfectly?" (repairs cost $200+)
- "Original charger included?" (Apple removed these in 2020)
Red Flags I've Learned to Spot
- "Refurbished" units selling below $300 (often fake parts)
- Models still on iOS 14 (likely activation-locked)
- Scratches near the camera lens (affects photo quality)
Pro tip: Always meet sellers at carrier stores. Verizon staff helped me verify an iPhone 12 wasn't blacklisted last month.
iPhone 12 Software Support Status
Since we're discussing when did iPhone 12 come out, its software lifespan matters. Here's what to expect:
| iOS Version | Release Year | iPhone 12 Support? | Key Features Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 14 | 2020 | ✓ Launched with | App Library, Widgets |
| iOS 15 | 2021 | ✓ | Focus Modes, Live Text |
| iOS 16 | 2022 | ✓ | Lock Screen Customization |
| iOS 17 | 2023 | ✓ | StandBy Mode, Contact Posters |
| iOS 18 (est.) | 2024 | ✓ Likely | AI features, Design overhaul |
| iOS 19 (est.) | 2025 | ✗ Unlikely | Unknown |
Crucially, security updates will stop around 2026. My banking app already warns about unsupported OS versions.
Practical advice: If you buy an iPhone 12 today, budget for replacement in 2025. By knowing when iPhone 12 came out, you avoid expecting 5+ years of use.
Answers to Common iPhone 12 Questions
People searching when did iphone 12 come out usually have follow-up questions. Here are real ones I get:
Did the iPhone 12 release date affect Apple's sales?
Massively. Despite the late October launch, Q4 2020 saw 78M units sold. The pandemic actually boosted demand as people upgraded for video calls.
Why does the iPhone 12 launch matter for repairs?
Apple prioritizes parts for newer models. Since the iPhone 12 release date was over 3 years ago, genuine batteries/displays are getting scarce.
Can I still buy new iPhone 12 units?
Officially? No – Apple discontinued them in 2022. But some retailers still sell sealed inventory at inflated prices. Not worth it in my opinion.
How does the iPhone 12 release date compare to Android rivals?
It beat Samsung's S20 series to 5G but launched months after cheaper 5G Androids. Timing mattered less than Apple's ecosystem pull.
Final Thoughts on iPhone 12's Release Timing
Knowing when did iPhone 12 come out changes everything. October 2020 feels ancient in tech years. But here's my takeaway after using one for 18 months:
- Worth buying today? Only as a budget stopgap under $350
- Biggest weakness? Battery life and upcoming obsolescence
- Hidden upside? Perfect size for small hands (especially the Mini)
Last week, a student asked me if they should get an iPhone 12. My answer? "Only if your alternative is a 3-year-old Android." Harsh but true. That 2020 release date now puts it firmly in "budget legacy device" territory.
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