The 8 most important features of Apple's new iPhone 12 lineup, from 5G to new designs

The biggest update coming to the iPhone is support for 5G, the next-generation wireless standard. Apple's iPhone 12 lineup will be compatible with millimeter wave 5G in the United States, the higher frequency version of the network that should enable dramatically faster speeds.

Most carriers, however, are still in the process of building out these networks. Both AT&T and Verizon, for example, only offer their super-fast 5G networks in small parts of select cities across the US. So while major carriers do technically offer nationwide 5G coverage, the difference in speed compared to LTE likely won't be noticeably for some time.

That said, introducing 5G to the iPhone 12 makes it so that when faster 5G networks are widespread, the iPhone 12 will be able to support it.

Apple didn't update the iPhone's design much between the iPhone XS and iPhone 11, other than adding new color options, finishes, and a different camera module.

But the iPhone 12 is getting a more dramatic redesign compared to its predecessors. As rumors had indicated before Apple's unveil, the iPhone 12 now has flat steel edges much like those found on the older iPhone 5.

Compared to the iPhone 11, the iPhone 12 is 11% thinner, 15% smaller, and 16% lighter despite having the same 6.1-inch screen, according to Apple.

In addition to the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, Apple is also bringing new size options to its lineup. This includes the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini, which is the smallest iPhone that Apple has offered in years other than the 4.7-inch iPhone SE. The Pro Max is also available in a bigger 6.7-inch size option.

The new phones give Apple's new iPhone family more flexibility at a time when smaller-sized phones have become increasingly rare. The bump up to a 6.7-inch screen on the Pro Max model also helps keep the newest iPhone competitive with phones from Samsung and other rivals that have grown in size in recent years.

All told, the design changes, new color options, and refreshed screen size should make the iPhone 12 feel like more of a dramatic change than in years past for those who plan to upgrade.

Americans spent $3.4 billion to fix their smartphone screens in 2017, according to a SquareTrade study reported by MarketWatch. Now, Apple says it has remedy that should make its latest lineup more durable.

Apple is introducing a new Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max that it says should quadruple the devices' drop resistance. The protection stems from a new high temperature crystallization step in the screen's development process, the company says.

One of the few surprises at Apple's event was the unveiling of two new MagSafe chargers: one for the iPhone, and another meant to charge the iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time.

The chargers feature magnets that help the device snap seamlessly onto the back of the iPhone so that users don't have to fumble with placing them in the correct spot as they would on a standard wireless charger.

It's not just chargers; Apple is also launching cases and wallets designed to snap right onto the back of the iPhone as well. Third-party accessories makers will be able to create add-ons that leverage the MagSafe technology too.

Apple introduced Night Mode to the iPhone 11 last year, and now it's taking that feature one step further with the iPhone 12.

Night mode now works on the ultra-wide angle camera, the lens that allows you to capture a broader field-of-view than the standard lens, as well as the front-facing camera on all models of the iPhone 12.

Those who opt for the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max will also be able to take advantage of Apple's LiDAR sensor, which measures depth by detecting how long it takes for light to reflect back from an object.

Apple initially pitched LiDAR as being helpful for augmented reality applications when it introduced it on the iPad Pro earlier this year.

But on the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, Apple is also touting how the sensor can improve everyday photography. The additional depth sensor makes it possible for the Pro-level iPhones to take Portrait Mode images in Night Mode and autofocus on subjects more quickly.

If you're planning on buying the iPhone 12, don't expect to find a pair of EarPods or a power adapter in the box. By omitting these items, Apple is making an effort to create more sustainable packaging for the iPhone.

In terms of the materials it would conserve, Apple executive Lisa Jackson said during the event that it would be like removing 450,000 cars from the road per year.

Apple is selling its wired EarPods and USB power adapters for $10 less to accommodate, at $19 each.

As is usually the case, Apple's latest iPhones are powered by the company's newest processors. Apple claims that this year's A14 Bionic chip should offer an 80% increase in performance and is 50% more powerful than competing smartphone chips.

It's unclear how much of a difference you'll notice compared to a recent phone like the iPhone 11. But those upgrading from aging models that are around three years old or more will likely notice a significant speed boost.

Overall, the new iPhones seem like worthwhile option for those who are looking to upgrade from a device like the iPhone 8 or iPhone 7. If you have one of those models, you've been missing out on new features like Face ID, an edge-to-edge screen, and dual cameras. The addition of 5G alone doesn't seem like reason to upgrade, but it'll future-proof your phone to ensure that it says relevant once 5G becomes widespread.