Apple is selling a new protective cover for the iPhone 12 generation that has a special feature: it shows the time. However, you will only see the time under one condition, meaning the case doesn't really offers any advantages other than perhaps the hand strap.
The case has a recess where the time can be seen on the lock screen, this means that the time can be read at any time - even with a cover over the screen of the device.
You can now buy this new leather case with MagSafe and time feature. But there is a problem and it's not just the price - £129 for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro (buy one from Apple here). It costs the same for the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The strange part is that in its description of the case Apple doesn't even mention the fact that you can see the time.
Apple says: "Enjoy the look and feel of your iPhone while still getting the protection you want with the iPhone Leather Sleeve with MagSafe. Made from specially tanned and finished French leather, the outside feels soft to the touch and develops a natural patina over time. The sleeve fits snugly round the curves of your iPhone and protects it from scratches and drops, without adding bulk. Inside, there's a pocket for your credit card or driving licence, and it comes with a matching strap so you can keep it close to hand, wherever you go…" and so on.
Not a word about the apparent highlight of this protective cover: the time. There is a good reason for this. There is no always-on function for the time with the iPhone 12 models (it might be a feature in the future, but right now it isn't). So, for now, the time will only be displayed by the new case when you lift the device.
Therefore the following question arises: Who is the case suitable for?
The answer is: It's for owners of an iPhone 12 who do not wear an Apple Watch on their wrist and want to see the time (and don't mind that they need to lift the device in order to do so) and want to protect as much of the surface of their iPhone 12 as possible.
If you have an Apple Watch and can therefore read the time on your wrist at any time, you don't need this case.
We have a round up of the cases that are available for the various iPhone 12 models: iPhone 12 and 12 Pro cases and Best iPhone 12 mini cases.
This article originally appeared on Macwelt. Translation by Karen Haslam.
