From small perks like iMessage and Memojis to innovations like cutting-edge cameras and retina displays, Apple’s assets have kept the company at the top of the technology market for years. The lineup for the iPhone 12 and Mac series from the November 2020 release boasts some of the most significant updates yet, with developments such as the A14 Bionic chip and M1 processor that are well worth the upgrade.

The iPhone 12 series consists of four models: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All use the A14 Bionic chip, which has a 40 percent faster CPU than the previous A12 chip, and offer 5G speed, the fastest connection currently available from any iPhone model, according to Apple.

Speed, performance and user interface were all factors junior Shaun Baek considered before switching from a Google Pixel to the iPhone 12.

“I felt that Apple was something I could use for a longer time than my Pixel phone… everyone knows that with things like iMessage and FaceTime, there’s kind of that ‘Apple bubble,’” junior Baek said. “I missed that. So that’s why I came back.” 

In terms of design, the iPhone 12 follows the dual and triple camera patterns of the iPhone 11 series. But instead of the rounded edges that almost all iPhones since the iPhone 6 have had, the 12 has a square design similar to that of the iPhone 4 and 5, according to Business Insider. 

All four models are offered in classic white and black. iPhone 12 and 12 Mini also come in Product® Red and the new mint green and dark blue; iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max come in gold and a new color called “Pacific Blue.”

Some other improvements include increased water protection, drop performance and display quality. However, some users note that these improvements are similar to ones already offered in previous models, including junior Natalie Ho, who upgraded from an iPhone 8 to the iPhone 12, 

“I don’t really see a difference between iPhone 12 and the models from the previous years,” Ho said. “I think the only difference is if you had an iPhone 8 or under. If you want to go for a cheaper option, iPhone 11 or X would be perfect, too.”

As for computers, Apple’s 2020 Mac lineup was highly anticipated due to the introduction of the new M1 chip. Previously, all Mac products used Intel Core processors, the same processor type that most Windows OS computers use. M1 is Apple’s first processor specifically designed to be compatible with macOS. 

According to the Apple website, “Until now, a Mac needed multiple chips to deliver all of its features — including the processor, I/O, security and memory. With M1, these technologies are combined into a single system on a chip (SoC), delivering a new level of integration for more simplicity, more efficiency and amazing performance.”

Junior Keyana Ayaz upgraded from an older model of MacBook Air to the 2020 release due to concerns about the speed and durability of her old computer.

“Since I’m in PNN, I have to do a lot of editing,” Ayaz said. “This one is a lot faster, and the battery life is a lot longer.”

The lineup includes the 2020 MacBook Air and 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, as well as a new Mac mini desktop computer. With the drastic improvements in CPU, graphics, battery life and overall performance, the M1 chip alone makes an upgrade to a 2020 Mac a worthwhile investment.