Although we are probably at least six months away from Apple to reveal the so-called iPhone 13 line, rumors about the devices are starting to build up, so we have put together this recap of everything that is expected so far.
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The next line of the iPhone 13 will consist of the same four models and the same screen sizes as the iPhone 12 line, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting that there will be a 5.4-inch mini iPhone 13 and 6-inch iPhone 13 , 1-inch, 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max. These names are simply placeholders, as Apple could certainly decide to use the iPhone 12s brand or a totally different nomenclature.
Key features expected on all four iPhone 13 models:
- A15 chip: A faster chip system on the next iPhones is a virtual guarantee, with the iPhone 13 line expected to be equipped with an Apple-designed A15 chip manufactured by TSMC based on its 5 nm + process.
- Smallest notch: The notch that houses the front camera and Face ID components will be reduced in size on the iPhone 13 models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple achieved this feat by integrating multiple Facial ID sensors into a single module, according to the Taiwanese publication DigiTimes.
- Larger batteries: The iPhone 13 models will have greater battery capacity than the iPhone 12 models, thanks to some space-saving design options on upcoming devices, such as a SIM card slot integrated into the logic board, according to Kuo. As a result, the iPhone 13 models are expected to be a little heavier.
- Stabilization of the sensor displacement camera: Apple plans to expand sensor shift image stabilization for all iPhone 13 models, according to Kuo and DigiTimes. This probably means that the iPhone 12 Pro Max wide-angle lens with sensor shift will be expanded to the entire iPhone 13 line. The technology stabilizes the camera sensor instead of the lens for even greater image stabilization and better photo quality .
- 5G improvements: The iPhone 13 models will be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem, according to Kuo and DigiTimes. Built on a 5nm process, the X60 offers greater energy efficiency in a smaller space compared to the 7nm-based Snapdragon X55 modem used in the iPhone 12 models, which can contribute to longer battery life. With the X60 modem, the iPhone 13 models would also be able to aggregate 5G data from the mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands simultaneously for an ideal combination of high speed and low latency network coverage.
- Wi-Fi 6E: The iPhone 13 models will be the first to support Wi-Fi 6E, according to Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Thomas O’Malley. Wi-Fi 6E offers the features and capabilities of Wi-Fi 6, including higher performance, lower latency and faster data rates, extended to the 6 GHz band. The additional spectrum will provide much more air space beyond Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, resulting in higher bandwidth and less interference for devices that support Wi-Fi 6E.
- Lightning Connector: Despite predicting earlier that Apple would launch a high-end iPhone without a Lightning connector in 2021, Kuo said recently that “there will be no design without a port” this year. Kuo expects iPhones to continue using Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector in the “foreseeable future”.
- MmWave expansion: A report focused on the supplier of the Economic Daily News suggested that the iPhone 13 models can support the ultra-fast mmWave 5G in other countries outside the United States.
The new features are expected to be exclusive to both iPhone 13 Pro models:
- 120 Hz display: The iPhone 13 Pro models will be equipped with low-power LTPO monitors with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate, according to Kuo, monitor industry analyst Ross Young, and leakers like Max Weinbach and Jon Prosser. A refresh rate of 120 Hz would result in smoother or more “buttery” content and scrolling. Like the iPad Pro 2017 and newer, iPhone 13 Pro models are likely to have a “ProMotion” power-preserving feature with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
- Ultra Wide lens improvements: The iPhone 13 Pro models will feature an updated Ultra Wide camera lens with a larger aperture of ƒ / 1.8 and auto focus, compared to ƒ / 2.4 and fixed focus on the iPhone 12 models, according to analysts at Barclays and Kuo. Ultra Wide lenses will also gain sensor shift stabilization, DigiTimes.
Apple normally announces its new iPhone line in September, but the iPhone 12 line was unveiled in October, a delay that was attributed to the pandemic. Check our regularly updated summary of the iPhone 13 with the link below to follow the latest rumors.