While the iPhone 12 family is just out, eyes are already on Apple’s top device of 2021. That’s the iPhone 13 (Pro), and rumors have helped us know what to expect. In this file you can read about the expected innovations, design, price, release date and more.
iPhone 13
This year Apple presented four iPhone 12 models and the iPhone 13 also comes in four variants. The very reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported this in early November. According to him, the screen size of the iPhones will remain the same as this year.
That means that we can expect the following iPhones in 2021.
- iPhone 13 mini (5.4 inch)
- iPhone 13 (6.1 inch)
- iPhone 13 Pro (6.1 ich)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (6.8 inch)
Design
This year, the iPhone received a major design change for the first time in years. With the iPhone 12, Apple said goodbye to the rounded sides and opted for a design with sharp edges and flat sides. It is unlikely that much will change after one year.
Still, there’s a chance Apple might change something interesting: the notch. That is the notch on the front of the iPhone, which includes the camera system and Face ID sensors. According to rumors, Apple wants to make this notch smaller. It is not yet clear whether the notch will be less wide or less high.
Camera
The camera of the current iPhones is already incredibly good, but another nice camera upgrade is coming. Ming-Chi Kuo states that the two flagships – the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max – will get a much-improved ultra-wide-angle lens.
It is a lens with an aperture of f / 1.8, with six elements and autofocus. The current iPhone 12 models are equipped with an aperture of f / 2.5, with five elements and a fixed focus. The two cheaper iPhone 13 models continue to keep the same ultra-wide angle lens.
According to the renowned display analyst Ross Young the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini get the camera sensor of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The sensor size of the new Pro models would also increase. This means that the camera of all four new iPhones is improving considerably.
iPhone 13, or iPhone 12s?
In this article we talk about the iPhone 13, but that name is not yet certain. First of all, because the number is seen as an unlucky number in much of the world. Tech companies are sensitive to this; it is one of the reasons that an iPhone 9 never appeared. The 9 is an unlucky number in Japan, where Apple has a significant market share.
In addition, it is common for Apple to have an “S” series following a major upgrade. This happened for the last time with the iPhone XS from 2018. The iPhone 12 was a big leap forward thanks to the new design and 5G support. So there is a good chance that we will see an iPhone 12s family next year.
Screen with 120Hz
For the more advanced Pro models, there seems to be a nice improvement to the screen. These top devices would be equipped with a 120Hz ProMotion display. This is a screen that refreshes much faster, making everything look smoother.
Current iPhone models use a refresh rate of 60Hz. The speed is therefore doubled and you will notice this especially when swiping and scrolling, which is faster and smoother. The iPad Pro 2017 and newer already have a screen with this technology.
Without a gate?
It looks like Apple is going to do something controversial as rumors indicate that at least one iPhone 13 doesn’t have a Lightning connector. There is nothing in return; the only way to charge the iPhone is wireless.
This is claimed by the reliable Apple leaker, among others Jon Prosser. Chances are MagSafe will take over the role of the gate. This is a new technology for wireless charging (with 15W) and connecting accessories and was introduced with the iPhone 12 series.
A better battery
Every year, the iPhone becomes more powerful and energy efficient. The new iPhones will undoubtedly be enhanced by a new A15 Bionic chip, about which nothing is known yet. We already know a bit more about the battery. Apple analyst Kuo expects the iPhone to have 13 series batteries with a new technology.
It would be the so-called softboard batteries. They consist of fewer layers, making them smaller than current batteries. Apple can then do two things: shrink the battery and make the iPhone slimmer, or use the extra space for more battery capacity. We gamble (and hope) for the latter.
iPhone 13 price
It is not yet clear what the price of the new iPhones will be; they probably haven’t even decided yet at Apple. But if we look at the past years, chances are that they demand the same as with the iPhone 12 series. That would mean the following prizes:
- iPhone 13 mini: € 809
- iPhone 13 € 909
- iPhone 13 Pro € 1159
- iPhone 13 Pro Max € 1259
iPhone 13 release
In 2020, Apple deviated from an important tradition: no new iPhones appeared in September. The iPhone 12 didn’t arrive until October. According to analyst Kuo, that was a one-off and we can expect the unveiling of the iPhone 13 in September. The device would still be for sale in the same month.
Should Apple indeed return to its tradition, the company will unveil the new iPhones in the second week of September, on a Tuesday or Wednesday. This year, those days fall on September 7 and 8. You can usually start pre-ordering the following Friday: this year it would be on September 10th. One week later, the devices will be in the shops or delivered. September 17, 2021 is therefore likely the date of the iPhone 13 (or iPhone 12s) release.