Okay, in a weird turn of events, an online retailer is already selling the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro in South Africa. And we have pricing (albeit not necessarily official). The Smartphoneshop — a retailer known for importing and distributing smartphones and wearables from China, is selling iPhone 12s today for R24,000 and iPhone 12 Pros for R33,000.

We contacted the retailer, and they confirmed that they do, indeed, have stock and are selling the handsets. Stock is limited though. But if you place your order today, you’ll receive the device by Monday next week, depending on where it’s shipped to.

Official distributors still silent

It finally looks like there may be hope for us. A recent tweet by popular tech retailer Cellucity sent shockwaves through Twitter. The tweet simply reads: “18 December…” accompanied by five little apple emojis. Cellucity has confirmed that South Africans will, indeed, get Apple’s new lineup of smartphones in the shapes of the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Mini and the iPhone 12 Pro. Even though pricing hasn’t been confirmed at all, we do know that they’re coming.

We’ve had no word from iStore South Africa about local pricing or availability at this point.

Well, there you have it. Although it’s not through the iStore, the Smartphoneshop is a reputable importer and retailer. We trust that orders placed for the new iPhone 12s will get to customers.