- According to some new rumors, the iPhone 13 series (or the iPhone 12S series, we’re not sure) could take over some Android features.
- In particular, the rumors suggest that always-on displays (AOD) and in-display fingerprint sensors could be coming to the next iPhones.
- The rumors also suggest that 120Hz refresh rates could be included in the cards.
We are still months away from the launch of the 2021 iPhone series. However, thanks to the pandemic, Apple cannot have the tight control over information leaks that it normally would. That said, there are more early rumors going on right now than usual.
See also: How to switch from iPhone to Android: step-by-step guide
Some of these rumors come from Max Weinbach, a viellecker. He shared some of his leaks with the Everything Apple Pro YouTube channel, which then posted a video summarizing them all. The video suggests that three notable new features could land on the iPhone 13 series (or possibly the iPhone 12S series; we’ll have to wait and see which one is official).
Interestingly, all three functions are things that Android phones have had for a while. These are constantly switched on displays, fingerprint sensors in the display and refresh rates of 120 Hz.
iPhone 13: catching up?
For years, Apple relied solely on capacitive fingerprint sensors for the biometric security of iPhones. With the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, the company went all-in to Face ID. Only budget-oriented iPhone models stayed with fingerprint sensors. Because of this, Apple has completely skipped the current trend of fingerprint sensors on the display.
However, that could change with the iPhone 13 series. It also makes sense considering that the ongoing pandemic is making facial recognition difficult as we all wear masks frequently. Fingerprint sensors are just more practical. It’s a bit funny, though, that Apple could join the Android party this late in the game.
Connected: The best phones with built-in fingerprint sensors
Similarly, Android phones have had their displays always on for years. According to Weinbach, Apple’s version of an AOD will be very simple; it “basically looks like a toned down lock screen,” he said. In other words, don’t expect anything you haven’t seen before, but iPhone users will likely appreciate it.
Finally, iPhones could get refresh rates of 120 Hz. Interestingly, iPads already have this feature, but even the iPhone 12 series had a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Pretty much every flagship Android phone in the past year or two has at least a 90 Hz display.
Time will tell if these rumors crop up or not. If so, get ready to tell all of your friends who use the iPhone 13 how you got it all on Android first.