Apple releases the iPhone 12 Mini and Pro Max variants amidst a wireless-charging controversy

Apple announced 4 new variants of the iPhone 12 series at its latest Special Event. However, only 2 of them (the 12 and 12 Pro) have been on sale thus far. The OEM has now corrected this, however, by allowing customers to order the Mini and Pro Max versions for the first time.

The Pro Max is more of an option for those looking for the classic phablet, as it is the only new iPhone to rock a 6.7-inch display. The Mini, on the other hand, is well-named as it is designed around a display that revives a compact form-factor. The former starts at US$1099 for a 128GB internal storage SKU, whereas the latter starts at $699 - if you want to go through a carrier in the US. Otherwise, its price for a 64GB SKU will be $729.

However, whether a new iPhone of this size or another is bought, it may present a problem for users presuming that they may be able to keep certain items from their existing battery of accessories going in their new 12 life. MacRumors has reported that devices of this new series are refusing to function with wireless chargers that are not of Apple's own new, in-house MagSafe variety.

This may be seen as a cynical attempt by the OEM to phase out older standards such as Qi in favor of its own proprietary system. Howeve, in reality, it may just be an error on the part of software or design developers, and not even necessarily those from Apple. The latest version of iOS 14 (v14.2) may have a fix for this issue, however.