What to expect from Apple’s next smartphone

The launch of the iPhone 12 was one of Apple’s biggest smartphone launches to date, with four different models, 5G, and a significant redesign that even included a novel approach to wireless charging. How can the company build on this success with the iPhone 13?

According to the first signs, the answer could be simple: by checking many of the boxes that have been left blank in the past few years. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 13 will be a sizeable upgrade that fixes a few known flaws and could put it ahead of Android competition, or at least catch up, in some areas. Here’s what to expect from Apple’s new flagship phones based on early rumors and leaks, along with a few wishlist items that might be longshots.

Apple iPhone buying guide: Which iPhone is Right for You?

When will the iPhone 13 be announced and released?

Apple has announced that it will hold an online event on Tuesday, September 14th at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Pacific Time). It is very likely that the company will announce the new iPhone 13 models during the event. If tradition holds, the iPhone 13 could hit the market later in September or maybe early October.

The iPhone 13 may be focused on a 120Hz display that is on all the time

Ask a lot of fans what they want most from the iPhone 13 and they will likely point to an improved display. While iPhones are often fast and responsive, they stick with 60Hz screen refresh rates, while their Android counterparts have moved to 90Hz, 120Hz, and more. They also didn’t have always-on displays. Apple may have had good reasons to pass on the technology (high frame rates and often ready-to-use technology.) harms the battery life), but the failures are becoming more glaring every day.

Fortunately, it seems increasingly likely that Apple will address these issues on at least some models. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Leaker Max Weinbach, and others have cited sources claiming that the iPhone 13 Pro models will include 120 Hz displays based on the battery-efficient LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) technology found in Phones like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can be found. The upgrade could also enable an always-on display.

As with some Android devices, the iPhone 13’s always-on display shows the clock, battery, and notifications without having to wake up your device. While Apple doesn’t seem to be trying anything radical, it could still be extremely helpful in identifying an important email or text at a glance.

Goodbye huge notch (and hello ports)

No radical external redesign is expected for the iPhone 13. Kuo and others still believe there will be four models, including a 5.4-inch iPhone 13 Mini, a 6.1-inch standard, a 6.1-inch Pro version, and a 6.7 -Inch Pro Max. They could be a little thicker and heavier than the iPhone 12, possibly due to larger batteries and cameras. However, the flat, machined look of the iPhone 12 series would be preserved.

The design could also be remarkable for what it leaves intact. Despite rumors, Apple is reportedly ready to keep the Lightning port and otherwise pass on the portless concept that some expected. That’s not entirely surprising when wireless charging remains expensive and relatively slow. Even so, it can be a relief to worry about having to lug around a MagSafe pad just to keep your phone alive.

A smaller notch is the most exciting design change we’ll expect. The iPhone 13 series is expected to be slightly thicker than its predecessors and likely to accommodate larger batteries. However, the general design language will be largely the same. Leaks from Dummy units and from housing manufacturers show that we may get a larger camera hump, but with the camera units sunk further. The dual-camera iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini also come with rear cameras placed diagonally, rather than vertically like the previous generation. The look of the camera setup should match that of the larger iPhone 12.

Lots of leaks and rumors point to the availability of a new matte black version that will be darker than the graphite color of previous iPhones. Rumors also suggest the availability of a paler rose gold and a new, bronze-like “sunset gold”. However, there is a possibility that the new colourways will be reserved for the more expensive iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The iPhone 12 series camera upgrades weren’t particularly democratic. You had to buy at least the 12 Pro to get a telephoto lens and LiDAR, and you had to buy the 12 Pro Max to get both the best sensors and the most advanced stabilization.

See also: Things iOS does better than Android

The iPhone 13 may be a different story. Analysts assume that at least the Pro models will receive improved ultra-wide cameras. You could also get an automatic astrophotography mode. Devoted photographers would still have to buy the Pro Max for the best quality (the main lens would have a brighter f / 1.5 aperture), but better image quality should be a common theme across the iPhone 13 lineup.

However, Kuo doesn’t expect 8K video recording and the higher resolution sensor required to reach the iPhone 13. That may have to wait until 2022. Apple is in no hurry when 8K screens and content are still rare, but competitors like Samsung may be in the future.

More performance across the board

It wouldn’t be a big iPhone launch without new chips, and the iPhone 13 will be no exception. Virtually everyone expects Apple to introduce an A15 chip that will improve speed and battery life. It’s not sure how much improvement the A15 would be, but the A14 was already faster overall compared to its Android counterparts.

The upgrades may not be limited to pure computing power either. Apple currently uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modem in the iPhone 12 series, and the iPhone 13 series will likely use this year’s Snapdragon X60. Barclays researchers also predicted support for Wi-Fi 6E, which will bring Wi-Fi 6 technology to the faster, lower-lag 6 GHz band.

A satellite connection in case of emergency?

A rumor from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the Snapdragon X60 modem, which is expected to be included in the iPhone 13, will be modified to support satellite phone connections. A follow-up report from Bloomberg claims that assistance is limited to emergencies only. The phone could connect to a satellite and the user could send text messages to first responders if there was a problem and if there was little or no cellular connection in the area.

The wish list: USB-C, a fingerprint reader and iOS 15

All of these rumored additions mentioned above could make the iPhone 13 a welcome update, but there are a few things that would be desirable – although we’re considering these wildcards that are unlikely to occur.

As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, you may have to go without an iPhone 13 with USB-C. Apple still seems interested in keeping its nine-year-old Lightning connector. We’d love Apple to roll out USB-C to embrace a truly industry-wide standard, and we can’t rule it out, but we don’t expect a port switch anytime soon.

See also: iPhone 12 vs Galaxy S21: Which Should You Buy?

Mumbles Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal also suggested that Apple test an under-display fingerprint reader that would complement Face ID on the iPhone 13, but we wouldn’t raise hopes for that either. Testing doesn’t mean guaranteed usage, and so far, despite the pandemic, Apple has poured its energy into improving Face ID. The current iOS 14.5 update lets Face ID work with a mask if, for example, you have an Apple Watch. It would be wonderful if you had a Touch ID under the screen as a backup, but a safer choice would be an improved Face ID system that works faster or recognizes you at sharper angles.

And then there is iOS. It’s no secret that Android fans often have a mile-long list of things they would change about Apple’s software before considering switching, but we wouldn’t expect iOS 15 and the iPhone 13 to address many of those concerns . Bloomberg Most of the time, sources expect iOS 15 to improve iPhone notifications, iMessage, and the lock screen. Don’t plan on sideloading third-party apps, changing all of your app default settings, or installing custom launchers.

Apple is full of surprises, however, and it pays to be a little optimistic. Keep in mind that iOS 14 brought home screen widgets and limited app standard changes that many thought would never see the light of day. If iOS 15 brings more changes like this, the iPhone 13 could tempt more Android fans, even if the hardware is just a modest upgrade.