iPhone 12 Mini, Pro Max preorders start tomorrow: When, where, how to buy Apple’s new phones – CNET

In just a few hours, the new iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max, will be ready for you to nab. You can already buy the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, but Apple held back the release date of its largest and smallest iPhones, until now. Preorders begin Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 a.m. PT with orders and in-store availability coming the next Friday, Nov. 13. 

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro went on sale in October, shortly after Apple announced the four new iPhone models. The pair of phones are among CNET’s highest-rated phones ever thanks to the addition of 5G, several camera upgrades, MagSafe accessories and a new design.

Apple has staggered iPhone releases in the past, but this is the first time we’ve seen different prices for specific models, based on whether you’re buying it SIM-free from Apple or specific to a carrier. With so many models (here’s how to tell them all apart) and different sale dates, this is certainly Apple’s most confusing iPhone launch yet.

Read more: iPhone 12 drop test result are in: Ceramic shield is as tough as it sounds

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Our in-depth review of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

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We lay out everything you need to know about buying an iPhone 12, including the full pricing options across carriers, models and configurations. And if you’re switching to a new iPhone 12, make sure you go through our checklist on your current iPhone. 

When can I buy the iPhone 12?

This year, Apple is staggering the release of all the iPhone 12 models. That means the timing of preorders will be based on the model you want. 

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: Right now. Preorders have already started to arrive at the same time as in-store availability. However, shipping time for either model is slipping to early or mid-November, depending on the specific model. 

iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max: Preorders begin Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 a.m. PT. Availability and sale date on Nov. 13.

What are my iPhone 12 color options?

• iPhone 12 Mini: Black, red, white, green, blue
• iPhone 12: Black, red, white, green, blue
• iPhone 12 Pro: Gold, silver, graphite, blue
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: Gold, silver, graphite, blue

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How much does the iPhone 12 cost?

iPhone 12 Mini 

The iPhone 12 Mini is the smallest of the lot, with a 5.4-inch display. It’s also the least expensive model.

• 64GB: $699 
• 128GB: $749
• 256GB: $849

Order (starting Nov. 6) from Apple | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile| Xfinity Mobile | Visible | Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Sam’s Club

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch screen and two rear-facing cameras and is available in a handful of bright and fun colors.

• 64GB: $799
• 128GB: $849
• 256GB: $949

Order from Apple | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Xfinity Mobile | Visible | Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Sam’s Club 

iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro also has a screen size of 6.1 inches, but it has a stainless-steel housing, three rear-facing cameras and a lidar sensor for improved AR functions.

• 128GB: $999
• 256GB: $1,099
• 512GB: $1,199

Order from Apple | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Xfinity Mobile | Visible | Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Sam’s Club 

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch screen, the largest ever in an iPhone. Like the smaller version, the Pro Max also has three rear-facing cameras, and a lidar sensor for improved AR.

• 128GB: $1,099
• 256GB: $1,199
• 512GB: $1,399

Order (starting Nov. 6) from Apple | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Xfinity Mobile | Visible | Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Sam’s Club

Buy from Apple in just a few taps

Naturally, you can buy directly from Apple. Pro tip: Use the Apple Store app on your iPhone to speed up the process. You can pick out your exact model, go through the approval process with your carrier for the upgrade and even sign up for Apple Card or agree to the iPhone Upgrade Program terms. It’s a smooth experience all around, especially when it comes to preorders and you’re in a hurry to checkout so you can get a phone on launch day. 

Wireless carriers

Buying the new iPhone through a wireless carrier can have the added benefit of deals and promotions, but often the deals require you to switch carriers or add lines to your account.

AT&T

Through Nov. 5, new or existing AT&T customers can get a credit of up to $800, which amounts to a free iPhone 12 by trading in an iPhone 8 or newer, and sign up for one of AT&T’s new unlimited plans. Starting Nov. 6, the promotion drops to a $700 credit, or a free iPhone 12 Mini. 

Verizon Wireless

Verizon’s iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max promotions are fairly aggressive, with the carrier offering a free iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max to those who add a new line to an existing account, or those who switch from another carrier. It’s a BOGO offer — buy one, get one — but it’s still a great deal.  You’ll also need to use the carrier’s Get More unlimited plan to qualify. As for the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Mini, you can get one with the same type of BOGO promotion, but you won’t have to sign up for the Get More plan. 

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is running several different promotions throughout the iPhone 12 launch. For the 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max launch, if you switch to the carrier or add a line to your account, you can get a free iPhone 12 Mini or free iPhone 12 with “eligible” device trade-in. Existing Sprint or T-Mobile customers who have been with either carrier for at least five years can get $200 off a new iPhone. 

Xfinity Mobile

New customers who port their number over to Xfinity Mobile will get $250 off an Apple device, while existing customers will get a $250 prepaid debit card.

Visible 

When you buy either iPhone 12 model and port your number in from another carrier, you’ll get a free pair of Bose headphones. In addition to the headphones, you’ll get a $100 MasterCard virtual account with the purchase of an iPhone 12, or $150 with the iPhone 12 Pro. 

Retailers 

Sometimes big-box retailers like Best Buy or Walmart offer the best deals and promotions. If nothing else, they serve as a backup plan if you’re looking for launch day availability.

Walmart

You can save up to $200 on the iPhone 12 when you preorder from Walmart. It appears the discount only applies to purchases made with a qualifying device payment plan on AT&T and Verizon Wireless. 

Target

Target is offering up to $800 off an iPhone 12 with the trade-in of an eligible device, or a $250 bill credit you sigh up with AT&T and port in a number. 

Best Buy

Best Buy is effectively mirroring each carrier’s offer, such as a free iPhone 12 for AT&T customers. 

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club isn’t offering any sort of promotion on the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro right now, but we expect that to change once the Mini and Pro Max go on sale. 

We will continue to update this post as more carriers and retailers announce their plans.