No, Apple stopped making new iPhone 12 units; any stock comes from prior production or refurbished programs.
The question comes up every launch season: is the 2020 handset still on the line? Apple removed the model from its store in September 2023 when newer phones arrived. Since then, production for fresh retail units ended. What you see today is old inventory, certified refurbished batches, or reseller allocations. That’s the baseline right now, and it shapes price, warranty, and parts availability.
Production Timeline And What It Means
Apple keeps a tight, annual cadence. When a new generation lands, older tiers slide down the stack or bow out. The 6.1-inch device from 2020 stayed on sale through 2022 and part of 2023, then left Apple’s storefront alongside the next wave. Trade channels still carry it for a while, but the factory lines switch to new chips and frames. That’s why retail stock varies by region and carrier.
| Year | Apple Store Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Launched | Arrived with A14 chip, 5G, OLED, MagSafe. |
| 2021 | Kept In Lineup | Sat below the 13 range at lower price tiers. |
| 2022 | Still Sold | Mini variant ended; standard model persisted for budget slots. |
| 2023 | Removed | Left Apple’s site after fall releases; channels sold through remaining stock. |
| 2024–2025 | Not Sold By Apple | Resellers and refurb programs only; no new factory runs. |
Is Apple Still Making The iPhone 12: Retail Reality
Short answer stays the same across regions: new builds aren’t rolling. Retailers may still list sealed units, but those came off lines before the model left Apple’s catalog. Certified refurbished units fill the gap for buyers who want a lower price with fresh battery and a warranty. Grey-market listings also exist; check serials and return terms.
Why Production Winds Down
Apple retools lines to stamp the new flagship and the carry-over tier. That cutover improves yield, lowers complexity, and keeps suppliers focused. Spare parts continue to ship for repairs, but phones rolling off lines shift to the new series. This pattern stretches back years across iPhone families.
What About The France SAR Story?
In September 2023, France paused sales over lab readings tied to off-body tests. Apple pushed a software tweak in iOS 17.1 to meet that test method, and sales resumed in affected markets. The update is documented by Apple under “Software update for iPhone 12.” You can read the note here: iPhone 12 and SAR testing. That event didn’t restart production; it only aligned settings for the EU test protocol.
How To Buy Safely If You Still Want One
Plenty of people like the size, squared sides, and MagSafe ecosystem. If you’re shopping now, focus on condition, battery health, and warranty. Below are the usual paths and the tradeoffs you’ll face when chasing the 2020 model today.
New Old Stock Vs. Certified Refurbished
New old stock is rare and priced above value. Certified refurbished gives you a fresh battery, a new outer shell in programs, and a direct warranty. Apple’s own certified channel appears for select models from time to time; third-party refurbishers run year-round. Returns are your safety net.
Carrier Deals And Fine Print
Some carriers activate the device if bands and eSIM support line up. Watch for lock-in terms and credits spread over long contracts. If the price looks unreal, the strings are long. Also check 5G band support in your country; the 2020 radio works across many bands, but not all promo features on new networks.
Longevity: Software, Parts, And Repairs
Support length drives value more than the sticker price. Apple ships iOS updates to a broad set of phones. While no one outside Cupertino can promise an exact end date, the 2020 A14 platform is still inside the support window today. Security patches and app compatibility remain strong. For hardware, Apple and authorized providers keep parts on hand while the model is current and for several years after. Apple also defines “vintage” and “obsolete” stages for service in its public repair policy.
What To Expect From Repairs
Screen, battery, and camera modules are common jobs with predictable pricing. Water damage or logic board faults get pricey fast. If your region supports it, iPhone repair and service can offer genuine parts with calibrated install flows. Get a quote, confirm data backup, and ask about part sourcing.
Battery Health And Replacement Tips
Age matters. A 2020 battery may sit near 80–85% maximum capacity, depending on cycles and storage. That reduces peak performance headroom. A fresh cell resets daily runtime and throttling behavior. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If capacity sits under 80% or the phone shows a service message, plan for a swap.
Price Reality Check
Prices float with demand, color, storage, and box status. Expect the lowest numbers for used units with wear, mid-range pricing for clean used with new battery, and a premium for sealed stock. Value shifts again each fall when the next generation lands and reseller attention moves on. The table below outlines common ranges seen across markets; treat it as a directional guide, not a quote.
| Condition | Typical Price Band | Buyer Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used, Good | Low | Cosmetic wear; check battery and cameras. |
| Refurbished | Mid | Warranty included; fresh battery common. |
| Sealed Stock | High | Rarer; verify region lock and return policy. |
Specs Snapshot That Still Holds Up
The 6.1-inch OLED screen remains sharp, and the A14 chip still handles daily apps. The main camera produces crisp daylight shots, and Night mode lifts dim scenes without manual tweaking. MagSafe accessories add snap-on charging and mounts. If you play graphics-heavy games or shoot a lot of long-range video, newer sensors and chips do better, but this phone still feels quick for messaging, social, maps, and streaming.
Network And Accessory Notes
USB-C took over on newer lines, but the 2020 model stays on Lightning. That detail matters if your cables at home are mixed. MagSafe works across generations, so chargers and wallets built for later models still snap on. Case fit differs between series; check cutouts and button placement before buying.
Who Should Still Buy It
Budget hunters who want Face ID, OLED, and 5G in a durable body will be happy if the price and battery check out. Parents shopping for a teen, businesses buying a fleet phone, and travelers who want an inexpensive spare also make sense. Power users who need ProMotion displays, longer zoom, or top-tier battery life should scan newer lines.
Safe Buying Checklist
Use this quick pass before you pay:
- Run the IMEI or serial on the seller’s page to confirm activation lock status.
- Boot the phone and test Face ID, speakers, microphones, cameras, and haptics.
- Check battery health and cycle count if the tool is available.
- Plug into a MagSafe puck and a cable to test both charge paths.
- Insert your SIM or add an eSIM to confirm carrier compatibility.
- Inspect for third-party screens or cameras if repairs were done.
- Confirm the return window and warranty terms in writing.
Common Myths, Clean Answers
“Sales Resumed In France, So New Phones Must Be Back.”
The French pause related to lab test readings. Apple changed software to meet that test. That change didn’t restart factory runs. It just let retailers move existing inventory in the region again.
“Lack Of Apple Store Sales Means No Parts.”
Store removal is not the same as repair cutoff. Parts and service continue under Apple’s support stages. Supply can tighten later, yet routine repairs remain available through Apple or authorized shops while the model sits in the service window.
“Old Software Makes It Unusable.”
The 2020 chipset still runs modern apps well. You won’t get the latest camera tricks or the longest gaming sessions, but daily tasks feel smooth. Keep storage free, limit background drain, and you’ll be fine for messaging, maps, banking, and media.
Decision Guide
If you find a clean unit at a fair price, a fresh battery, and a real warranty, it’s a solid buy for casual use. If the cost creeps close to newer models that add brighter screens, better cameras, and longer support windows, skip it and step up. Always weigh battery health and storage; those two levers change the experience more than a small chip bump on paper.
Bottom Line
Production for this model ended when Apple reshaped the lineup in late 2023. You can still buy it from resellers or as certified refurbished, and you can still get service. Treat listings with care, verify condition, and compare against current-gen pricing. If the delta is small, newer phones win. If the deal is strong, the 2020 classic still delivers.
Setup And Transfer Pointers
If you buy second-hand, start with a clean slate. Ask the seller to remove the device from their Apple ID before you meet. At pickup, check the Activation Lock screen by erasing and starting setup. If it asks for someone else’s Apple ID, walk away. After you sign in, update iOS, then run a quick camera and speaker test. Move data with Quick Start over cable for speed, or use iCloud if you have space. Finish by turning on Find My and setting a strong passcode.
Accessory Picks That Make Sense
A 20-watt USB-C charger and a USB-C-to-Lightning cable give you fast charge. A MagSafe puck keeps desk charging tidy. If you drive, a MagSafe vent mount is handy for maps. Grab a fresh screen protector after any repair; dust from old glue causes micro-scratches. For travel, carry a power bank with pass-through charging, so one wall plug can feed both the phone and the pack overnight.