iPhone 13: release date, specs, design rumors
With summer slowly passing, we are more than ready to see what big tech companies have for us for the fall. From Google’s Pixel 6 to OnePlus’ 9T, we are excited to see what features and design upgrades will be introduced to some of the most popular flagships this year. Among them is also the iPhone 13 for which we have quite high expectations considering iPhones are still one of the market’s favourites. Here is everything we know so far about Apple’s upcoming flagship!
iPhone 13 Specs
We expect the iPhone 13 range to have a standard, Pro, and Pro Max model. Some rumours also mention a 13 Mini model with a smaller display, while others note that it will not be added to the range. Despite the launch being a few months away, we already know some of the features that will be available with iPhone 13, including 5G compatibility across the range as was the case with its predecessor. Of course, on the software end we expect the iOS 15 and A15 chip that was announced last month during the WWDC 2021. Furthermore, the battery capacity that was mentioned in the certification in China mentions 3095mAh for the standard model, just a bit bigger than last years.
When it comes to the camera, there are not that many details rumoured yet besides the fact that the standard model is expected to experience at least a slight improvement in the camera setup, including the addition of the sensor-shift image stabilization. Other models including the Pro and Pro Max are most likely going to have very similar if not the same setup as last year’s. Moreover, there are rumours of an astrophotography mode that is expected to improve the quality of photos in which the moon or stars are detected.
iPhone 13 Design
Talking about the design, we expect very few obvious changes from iPhone 12 as last year Apple implemented a more significant design change with more square edges. Although we are also hoping for a no-notch display, that is very unlikely for iPhone 13 as the issue of Face ID still stands. However, we do expect 120Hz OLED displays across the range, most probably in the same dimensions as last year. Some sources also rumour about an in-display fingerprint sensor but that has not yet been confirmed.
iPhone 13 Release Date & Price
Based on the previous trends pertaining to the release date of new Apple flagships, we would expect the 2021 model to be released approximately in the second week of September. However, last year’s global health crisis postponed the announcement by a full month, pushing the release of iPhone 12 to the middle of October. Although we are still hoping for a September release date, do not be surprised if yet again they experience some delays. After the announcement, the phone should be available for sale within two weeks. When it comes to the price, we expect it to be announced at the event itself but it will most likely be in the same range as iPhone 12 at launch.
Update /15 August 2021/
As with every new iPhone, there aren’t any major leaks or rumors about the upcoming release, but there are always a few details that sneak past and reveal to us more about the device. When it comes to iPhone 13, rumors mostly focus on the camera and video improvements that are to come, rather than design as iPhone 12 just experience a more significant design change which will probably be present in the upcoming model.
According to the rumors, there are three significant camera improvements, the first being the addition of the high capture mode to videos called ProRes. This will provide more control over the final result as the videos can be taken in RAW format and more precisely shot and edited. The following feature is a new filtering process that will use the AI to apply filters only to chosen areas of the screen. The last and probably one of the most important selling points for the new iPhone is the addition of Portrait mode to the video, which will add a DSLR-like feel.
Another rumor that we are definitely hoping will show to be correct is the battery improvement. Although this almost certainly means a thicker or bigger device, this might not be the case as Apple is working on improving the circuitry board which will be thinner and allows for a larger battery within the same device.
Update /24 August 2021/
With the September release in mind, there are a few more details about the upcoming iPhone 13 that we now know. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg revealed that the screen sizes of 13 Series will be the same as iPhone 12 Series, and will all feature an A15 chip while only Pro models will have a 120Hz refresh rate. Some rumors even mention a 1TB internal storage option which is double the current highest option for the Pro model.
Although we don’t expect any significant design changes as the iPhone 12 went through somewhat of a rehaul, some rumors claim that iPhone 13 Pro is going to have a thicker body, a smaller notch, as well as a bigger camera housing. It is important to note that the increase in thickness is very minor and probably worth the tradeoff for a smaller notch.
The latest estimate on the launch date is around the third week of September, which means it will probably fall on Tuesday the 14th based on the previous releases. However, Apple still did not officially announce the event.
Update /30 August 2021/
Although we have heard a lot of rumors about the upcoming iPhone 13, most of them seem to revolve around the common features but with some kind of upgrade. However, the latest rumor seems to be quite surprising as it claims that Apple will be launching a new feature with the new flagship that will allow users to send texts or make phone calls even if they don’t have a cellular signal.
The rumors come from quite a reliable source so they probably should not be dismissed as fast as they may in other cases, especially seeing how useful such a feature can be in emergencies. The way the feature would work is using Low Earth satellites (LEO) that require far less time to orbit the planet than the traditional ones. The feature was originally expected to be brought through the Qualcomm chipset, but it appears that Apple has opted for a custom X60 chipset.
The Emergency Message via Satellite feature allows you to contact your emergency contacts even if you are stuck in the middle of a forest with no cellular signal. The message will be limited in length but will appear as a notification even if the receiver has a Do Not Disturb mode considering the nature of the message. Another feature that would come with the new chipset would also allow you to report different types of emergencies, sending your location and necessary info to the required authority. Unfortunately, based on several sources, it does appear that this feature might not be coming with the 13 but rather iPhone 14 that is expected to be released next year. Nonetheless, we are enthusiastic about the practicality of such a feature.
