The “iPhone 13”, which is due to be launched in 2021, could experience significant changes that will impact day-to-day usage. From dropping the Lightning port to wireless charging to adding another camera for better optical zoom, Apple could do anything.
The iPhone 12 is still selling like hotcakes, but rumors about the next iPhone are already here. The “iPhone 13” is expected in the fall of 2021 with improved cameras, no ports, and the possible return of Touch ID.
Apple has kept the naming plans for the future iPhone secret, so the 2021 iPhone is called the “iPhone 13”. It could be renamed something else, such as superstition or a total overhaul of Apple’s naming conventions. Apple could also call this device “iPhone 12S.”
“iPhone 13 Features”
The “iPhone 13”, despite a lot of design changes and new features, will likely stay relatively unchanged. iPhone upgrades tend to happen on a tick tick-tock basis, so this year’s upgrade will be minor and focused on stability and specs.
Analysts expect Apple to release four models for its 2020 iPhone lineup. The iPhone 12 miniature is the least popular model. However, an updated version of the iPhone 13 mini will be released in the fall.
Design
The iPhone 12’s flat sides were returned with a new design. This means that the “iPhone 13”, as it is commonly known, will not change much from year to year. Apple’s margins on iPhone sales are more significant the longer a design can last.
Camera bump and notch are the most obvious physical changes to this device. Camera bumps will change from having separate bumps for each lens to one sheet of glass that covers all lenses. This will reduce wobble when the device is laid flat on its back.
It is possible to reduce or eliminate the notch. The VCSEL chip that blasts infrared dots for 3D scanning could be reduced. Apple could reduce this component up to 50%, which would allow for a smaller notch.
Apple is looking into hiding some aspects of its FaceID TrueDepth systems behind the display. While some Android manufacturers have concealed selfie cameras behind their displays, the TrueDepth system can be much more difficult.
Apple might hide the selfie camera and other sensors in the iPhone 13 by either placing them under the display (or raising them into its bezel). Both options would result in a smaller notch. It is unlikely that the notch will disappear anytime soon.
The “iPhone 13” could get new colors. There are currently five colors available: white, black, and blue. Apple will often replace one of these unique colors with another to increase sales for a particular model.
According to rumors, the colors are bronze for pro models and matte black on all models. Apple offered a “jet black” color for iPhone 7, but it was susceptible to scratches and scuffs.
Apple could make design changes to increase durability and water resistance.
The IP68 rating of the iPhone 12 range allows submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Apple does not intend for its devices to be submerged and does not offer any warranty on water damage.
The “iPhone 13”, if Apple can reasonably improve water resistance, may become the first model to receive Apple’s approval for underwater photography. An entirely closed-off device would be possible with capacitive buttons and e-sim.
The fingerprint magnet on the iPhone 12 Pro’s stainless steel rim attracts many fingerprints. Apple might create a new coating that will prevent this from happening.
According to some reports, the thickness of the camera bumps will vary across models. This could lead to the lens protruding less. However, this is contrary to the belief that all rear cameras will be enclosed behind one sheet of glass.
“iPhone 13 Cameras”
Camera changes are usually performed over a more extended period, just like body design changes. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a similar three-camera system to the iPhone 11 Pro but has an additional sensor for LiDAR. The camera design will be carried over to 2021 Pro iPhones.
On Twitter, choco_bit shared a questionable image claiming that the 2021 iPhone will have a 4-camera system and LiDAR. This image is not the only one leaked. Jon Prosser claims it has a 0% chance of accuracy, and L0vetodream says it matches their leaks.
Leaked schematics and dummy models all show a 3-camera array with larger lenses than the current model. Although many case manufacturers receive dimensions early in the production process, these numbers are not always accurate.
According to the same leak, the 2021 iPhone will have a 64MP camera with 1x optical zoom (6x digital Zoom), 40MP telephoto lens (3x to 5x digital Zoom (15-20x), 40MP ultra-wide lens with 0.25x optical reverse zoom (0-15-20x), and a 40MP anamorphic lenses with a 2.1×1 ratio.
Apple would be unusual to make an enormous leap in megapixels, as they have never changed the number of megapixels unless necessary. The most likely changes to the camera system include a better zoom, a larger sensor size, and a more powerful LiDAR.
MingChi Kuo states that the ultra-wide camera will be improved in 2021 iPhones with an f1.8 aperture and 6P lens. Pro models will also get autofocus. Low-light photos will be significantly enhanced by the new ultra-wide lenses, which are f2.4 and 5P.
The latest leaks suggest an f1.5 aperture with a 7P wide lens for the “iPhone 13 Pro Max”. This would allow for more light to be captured in low-light shots. Sources claim that LiDAR could be added to future iPhone models instead of being reserved for Pros. This is in line with Apple’s efforts to improve AR experiences for all users.
Apple may expand ProRAW to all iPhone 13 models due to improvements in the image signal processor. Although it is not known why Apple limited the feature to the iPhone 12 Pro models only, it could have something to do with the different RAM. The pro models have 6GB RAM, while the standard iPhone models have 4GB RAM.
A combination of computational photography and DNG files is an Apple ProRAW file. This file provides the maximum data that the sensor can offer. Live Photos may become disabled because it is challenging to take a ProRAW image so that RAM might be an issue. Apple may improve the ISP on the iPhone 13 or add more RAM to the standard models.
The “iPhone 13” may not make any significant changes to the front-facing camera. The “iPhone 13” will offer similar specs to the current models and a wider angle for selfies. Slow-motion selfies were an original feature on the camera. Expect something similar. There are also new Memoji options and Animojis.
Promotion Display
ProMotion displays could be added to the iPhone in 2021. However, this may require the use of LTPO technology to maintain the battery’s life. Samsung has used similar techniques to increase its display refresh rate to 120Hz.
Apple claims that both Pro models should have 120Hz refresh rates. However, they must be adjustable to avoid battery drain. This could be achieved by using LTPO backplanes. The Apple Watch uses LTPO backplanes to keep the screen always-on, slowing it down to as low as 1Hz.
The iPad Pro uses LTPO but has a 120Hz refresh rate. It is difficult to assess the validity of this rumor. Jon Prosser stated that the iPhone 12 could have received this technology. However, Apple cut it at the very last moment due to battery life concerns.
According to a report, LG was selected to produce the LTPO displays required for the iPhone 13, which will go into production in 2021. Another report claims that Samsung may be the only provider of LTPO displays to Apple because of their track record of producing high-quality displays.
In April, industry watchers reported that Samsung and LG had started converting iPhone display manufacturing to the LTPO screens required for 120Hz. So component preparation at this stage is natural since mass production of devices begins in the summer.
Apple has the potential to bring Apple Pencil functionality onto the iPhone. Although the second-generation Pencil can be used with the iPhone comfortably and is small enough, it needs a capacitive attachment for pairing. Apple could release a third-generation Pencil or a completely new Pencil designed explicitly for the iPhone.
Apple isn’t the first to use multiple magnets in a device to charge, attach accessories, and mount devices. The iPad Pro’s chassis has 102 magnets so that an Apple Pencil mount would not be a problem.
Connectors and cables
The past has seen some controversy over Apple’s cable standards. It seems the “iPhone 13”, which will be released soon, will reignite this controversy. Rumors suggest that the 2021 iPhone will drop the Lightning connector and opt for a portless design.
Many speculate that iPhone will move to USB–C like the iPad Pro in 2018. This is to ensure a compatible connector across all Apple devices. Jon Prosser, choco_bit, and others believe that USB-C will not be available for iPhone. Instead, Apple will discontinue the port in 2021.
Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March 2021 that USB-C is less durable than Lightning and would cause a decline in the MFi business’s profitability. Apple will probably abandon USB-C and go port-less with MagSafe. Kuo states that MagSafe isn’t mature enough to replace Lightning so that Lightning will continue for the foreseeable future.
The mockups were created by the same people who made mockups for the rumored iPhone 12. Prosser, Fudge, and others dismissed the design because it was not consistent with their sources.
Apple added MagSafe to its iPhone 12 line for charging and attaching accessories. MagSafe offers 15W charging but no data transfer. MagSafe will likely take over the port role if Apple wants to be portless in the future.
MagSafe in the iPhone 13 can charge data and charge, so features like CarPlay or syncing with a Mac are still possible. Rumors have also suggested that MagSafe will be returning to MacBooks. Magnetic charging ports that can handle data are great for iPhones and Macs. Although the 24-inch iMac comes with a magnetic power connector with ethernet, it is not considered a “MagSafe connector.”
Users could use wireless recovery modes to retrieve their iPhones from a Mac via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Apple may also offer support teams a pogo-pad connection in the SIM card tray. These methods are required for a portless iPhone.
Pricing and release of “iPhone 13”.
Apple is likely to release four different iPhone 13 that are identically priced to its iPhone 12 counterparts. According to reports, Apple may reduce the emphasis on the iPhone 12 mini due to increased demand. However, an “iPhone 13 miniature” is still possible.
Apple might offer different storage options to its users. There are currently three storage options available in the non-pro line: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The 128GB option costs $50 more than the 64GB option, and the 256GB option costs $100 more. Apple could increase the base storage to 128GB and add 256GB or 512GB options. Pro models could get 1TB options, likely at a $200 premium.
