The iPhone 2021, whether the iPhone 12s or the iPhone 13, is gearing up to be a small update compared to the iPhone 12. Even though we are still months away from launch, rumors of what to expect from the iPhone 2021 update are starting. gaining strength.
Read our full summary of everything we know so far about the iPhone 12s or iPhone 13.
Appointment
Right away, it’s not clear whether this year’s iPhone will be called the iPhone 12s or iPhone 13. A report said that Apple is referring internally to this year as an update to the “S” year, which implies minor changes in comparison with the existing iPhone 12.
This does not mean, however, that Apple will use “iPhone 12s” as a marketing name for the iPhone 2021 line. It is possible that this year’s devices will be called the iPhone 12s or iPhone 13, or that Apple may decide that 2021 is the year when it is totally deviating from the numbers. This would follow in the footsteps of what Apple has done with the iPad line over the years.
Screen, design and size of iPhone 12s / iPhone 13
In terms of design, the iPhone 2021 line is expected to be almost identical to the existing iPhone 12. A report suggested that the iPhone 13 will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 12. The height and width of the devices will remain unchanged. but the thickness will increase by 0.26 mm.
While the iPhone 12 mini was in weaker demand than expected than Apple expected, there are currently no indications that Apple plans to abandon the format this year. ONE Macotakara Supply report said that all four iPhone 13 models will feature the same overall factors as their iPhone 12 predecessors.
This means that we can expect four different devices on three different screen sizes:
- An iPhone 2021 model with a 5.4 inch OLED screen
- Two iPhone 2021 models with 6.1-inch OLED screens
- An iPhone 2021 model with a 6.7-inch OLED screen
But while the screen size is likely to remain the same, Apple is planning to update the iPhone 13 with 120 Hz ProMotion display technology.
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the iPhone 13 is likely to adopt LTPO technology to reduce screen power consumption. This in turn will give Apple the battery capacity to enable 120 Hz functionality next year. Apple first adopted the LTPO technology – or low temperature oxide and polysilicone screen – on the Apple Watch Series 4, so it makes sense to extend the power-saving feature to the iPhone line next year.
Finally, what about the notch? Each year, there is an expectation that the facial ID notch and cutout will become smaller, but so far, there has been no major change in design.
Macotakara reported that this could change in 2021, with the iPhone 13 showing a smaller notch compared to the iPhone 12. Apple reportedly changed the position of the top receiver to reduce the size of the TrueDepth camera, which would allow the notch to decrease in size.
Camera
First, for the rear cameras, we can see some interesting changes in terms of design with the iPhone 13. The relief of the camera will remain, but Apple can add a sapphire glass that will cover all three lenses to make them look like a single camera instead of having three separate lenses.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max offered notable improvements over their predecessors in terms of camera technology. In 2021, Apple is expected to expand some of the new camera improvements to the rest of the iPhone 13 line.
ONE Macotakara report noted that the camera module for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be the same size, suggesting that the smaller Pro model will have the same camera lenses as the 13 Pro Max – which includes the ultra-wide lens with stabilization of sensor displacement. Last year, Apple included better stabilization and 2.5x optical zoom only on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
With the launch of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple added a new LiDAR scanner to the set of rear cameras for depth detection capabilities, which are also seen on the iPad Pro. A supply chain report says that Apple will expand the LiDAR sensor beyond the ‘Pro’ models with this year’s iPhone 13.
It is very likely that Apple will have other camera improvements for the iPhone 12s line, whether it be improvements in computer photography, new hardware features or something else entirely. We will be sure to update this post as we learn more.
Performance
IPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic processor. As Apple continues to improve its internal silicon work, we expect the iPhone 12s / iPhone 13 to be powered by Apple’s newest processor, probably known as the A15 Bionic processor.
It is not yet clear what is reserved for the A15 Bionic processor, but a report from TrendForce said the chip will be built in a 5 nm process similar to the A14 Bionic processor. The change will be that Apple will use a new 5 nm + technology to improve performance.
As we explained in November:
TSMC refers to 5nm + as N5P and describes it as an enhanced performance version that will combine greater power with greater energy efficiency to improve battery life (or, as may be more likely with Apple, allow for smaller capacity batteries) .
What exactly that means in terms of quantifiable performance and efficiency is yet to be seen, but we hope to learn more soon.
Connectivity
5G connectivity was a major feature of the iPhone 12 last year, but only the American models of the iPhone 12 Pro support mmWave 5G, probably because of the additional expense for Apple.
This year, a report has already suggested that Apple has added an additional mmWave 5G antenna provider and is placing a “big order” for them in anticipation of the iPhone 13. This implies that Apple may be planning to expand mmWave 5G beyond the US versions. from the iPhone 12 to the rest of the world.
Without door
The reports also suggested that 2021 could be the year that Apple would present an iPhone without a Lightning port. This would be the first iPhone without a port and, more recently, Bloomberg reported as something being tested internally at Apple.
It is unclear whether it is something that Apple will launch this year, but Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted in 2019 that Apple would launch an iPhone without a Lightning port in 2021.
Best charging accessories for iPhone:
Touch ID
Could 2021 be the year that Touch ID will return to the iPhone and coexist with Face ID? There are several signs that point to “yes”.
Apple’s trusted analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, reported in August 2019 that he will launch an iPhone with Face ID and Touch ID under the screen in 2021. In addition, the trusted L0vetodream leaker also reported that the Touch ID on the screen will soon make its way to the iPhone.
More recently, Bloomberg reported that Apple is testing support for an on-screen fingerprint reader for this year’s iPhone. Ultimately, it is not clear whether this feature will make the cut for the iPhone 12S, but it is something under test.
Offering Touch ID and Face ID would increase the overall convenience and unlock speed of the iPhone. A user would register their fingerprints and facial signature, and the phone can be unlocked once recognition is successful. There is also the common problem that Face ID does not work with masks, which could be solved with Touch ID also available as an option.
Finally, if users wanted their iPhones to be as secure as possible, they could theoretically enable Touch ID and Face ID, and the iPhone would only be unlocked after both forms of biometric authentication were successfully recognized.
IPhone 12s / iPhone 13 release date and prices
The iPhone 12 was released later than usual, probably due to delays caused by the pandemic COVID-19. The launch of the iPhone 12 was also staggered, with Apple launching the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro first, followed by the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro max a month later.
This year, Kuo reported that the mass production schedule for the iPhone 13 will be the same as the previous iPhone models before line 12. This means that we can expect all iPhone 13 models available until September 2021, save for delays.
There is no word on whether Apple has price changes in store for the iPhone 12s line this year. Like marketing names, iPhone pricing information rarely leaks before the announcement.
Wrap up
As you can see, the iPhone 13 / iPhone 12s will not be a radical upgrade compared to the iPhone 12. The design will basically remain the same, we still expect four different models, and the main features, like 5G and camera updates, will continue to be a big reason for iPhone 11 and older users to update.
That said, the rumor certainly indicates that there are a variety of potential changes in store to attract iPhone 12 users to upgrade. This includes things like Touch ID, a smaller notch and continuous performance improvements.
What do you think of the rumors we’ve seen so far about this year’s iPhone lineup? What do you think we can expect in terms of names and prices? Let us know in the comments!
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