NEW I PHONE MODELS

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By MacRumors Staff on March 22, 2021 iPhone 13 At a Glance Rumors suggest Apple will unveil four iPhones in 2021 with camera improvements, faster chips, and perhaps under display Touch ID. Rumored Features Four sizes Similar to iPhone 12 lineup 120Hz ProMotion display Camera improvements A15 Chip 5G Fall 2021 launch Last Updated 11 hours ago Subscribe for regular MacRumors news and future iPhone 13 info. Email Address Rumored 2021 iPhone Lineup Contents Rumored 2021 iPhone Lineup Prospective Name Design Smaller Notch Portless Design Not Expected No USB-C Touch ID? 120Hz ProMotion Display Always-On Display? A15 Processor 5G Chip and WiFi 6E Larger Batteries 1TB Maximum Storage? Camera Improvements LiDAR Scanner Release Date Beyond 2021 iPhone 13 Timeline The 2021 iPhone 13 models are still several months away from launching and are expected this fall, but we've been hearing rumors about what to expect from the new devices since before the 2020 iPhone 12 models even debuted. The 2021 iPhone lineup will look similar to the 2020 iPhone lineup, with four devices in sizes that include 5.4-inches, 6.1-inches, and 6.7-inches, with two of the iPhones being higher-end "Pro" models and two positioned as lower-cost, more affordable devices. Major design changes are not expected, and 2021 iPhones will have the same feature set as the 2020 iPhones, but we can count on camera improvements, a faster A-series processor, a new 5G chip from Qualcomm, increased battery life, and some tweaks to the notch. There were rumors that at least one iPhone in 2021 would feature a portless design that relies entirely on wireless charging, but reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that's not going to happen. Apple is going to continue to rely on Lightning for the foreseeable future with no transition to USB-C and no portless design until MagSafe accessories are more common. We are expecting a smaller notch, with rumors suggesting we could see a shallower notch with a reduced height rather than reduced width. Apple is also expected to introduce 120Hz refresh rates for Pro iPhone models, bringing the iPad Pro's ProMotion technology to the iPhone. Apple is said to be considering adding an in-display fingerprint sensor to the iPhone 13 models, which would be used in addition to Face ID as an alternate biometric authentication method, but it's not clear if this will happen. When it comes to improved camera technology, rumors suggest we could see the larger sensor in the iPhone 12 Pro Max extend to other models, along with the Sensor-Shift Stabilization feature for better auto-focus and stabilization across the lineup. There are rumored to be improvements to the Ultra Wide lenses on the "Pro" iPhone 13 models with lower apertures for better performance in low-light conditions and improved autofocus. play We're expecting the iPhone 13 models to have more battery capacity than the iPhone 12 models, with Apple swapping to space saving components to allow for room for larger batteries. Note: See an error in this roundup or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here. Prospective Name Ever since the iPhone 8 launched alongside the iPhone X in 2017, Apple's naming policy has been somewhat convoluted because we never had an iPhone 9. After the iPhone X we went to the XS, XS Max, and XR, and then the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. Below are the names that Apple has used since the iPhone first launched in 2007. 2007 - iPhone 2008 - iPhone 3G 2009 - iPhone 3GS 2010 - iPhone 4 (new design) 2011 - iPhone 4s 2012 - iPhone 5 (new design) 2013 - iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c 2014 - iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (new design) 2015 - iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus 2016 - iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus 2017 - iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X (new design) 2018 - iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max 2019 - iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max 2020 - iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max Apple's iPhone 12 lineup features the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Based on past naming conventions, the 2021 iPhone lineup could be iPhone 12s or iPhone 13, and we should learn more closer to the launch of the new devices. Design Apple is will continue offering four iPhones in 2021, with no changes to the sizes. So we can expect a 5.4-inch iPhone mini, a 6.1-inch low-cost iPhone, a 6.1-inch Pro model, and a 6.7-inch Pro Max model. Rumors have suggested the iPhone 12 mini has seen lackluster sales, but Apple is still planning for an iPhone 13 mini at this time. iphone 12 vs iphone 12 mini The 2021 iPhone models are not expected to feature major design changes because the 2020 iPhone models marked a significant technology and design overhaul. According to Bloomberg, Apple engineers consider the 2021 iPhones to be an "S" version of the 2020 models. Apple has in the past used the "S" nomenclature in years where iPhone models featured more minor updates. According to Japanese site Mac Otakara, the new iPhones will be the same size as the iPhone 12 models, but thickness could increase by approximately 0.26mm. The iPhone 13 models are also expected to be slightly heavier due to larger batteries. The iPhone 13 models may also feature stronger magnets inside and a different matte finish on the outside, though these rumors come from a source that does not have a solid track record. Smaller Notch Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 13 models will have a smaller notch design, which is in line with other rumors that we've heard about the devices. iPhone 13 Notch Feature2 Japanese site Mac Otakara has said that the TrueDepth camera will be shallower because the receiver at the top of the display is being relocated to the edge of the case. This will allow for a design that's thinner rather than shorter. The thinner notch design has also been echoed by a leaker that believes Apple will introduce a smaller notch in the 2021 iPhone lineup. Rather than being shorter in width, the notch may have a reduced height to make it less noticeable and better able to blend in to the top of the iPhone. DigiTimes believes the notch on the iPhone 13 models will "shrink" in size, becoming smaller. A new camera design is said to integrate the Rx, Tx, and flood illuminator into the same camera module to allow for the smaller size. Barclays analysts have similarly explained that a smaller notch on iPhone 13 models will be the result of a "more tightly integrated version of the current structured light system" for Face ID. The iPhone 13's Face ID transmitter is said to be made from a plastic material instead of glass, made possible thanks to improved coating technologies, but it is not clear if this will have end-user benefits or if it will simply mean a reduction in production cost for Apple. Portless Design Not Expected Apple's longtime goal has been an iPhone with no external ports or buttons for a clean, streamlined device, and there were rumors suggesting that Apple would introduce a portless iPhone in 2021 with no Lightning port, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen after all. Bloomberg said that Apple mulled removing the Lightning port on some iPhone models in favor of wireless charging, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said that Apple will continue to use a Lightning connector for the 2021 iPhone lineup. A portless iPhone would charge using Qi-based wireless charging and MagSafe accessories, and Kuo does not yet believe the MagSafe market is mature enough to support a portless design. No USB-C Apple has no plans to transition the iPhone lineup from Lightning to USB-C, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo recently said that Apple is reluctant to shift to USB-C because it is an open standard and less waterproof than Lightning. Apple Prefer Lightning Over USB C Feature With Lightning, Apple can regulate the quality of Lightning cables and accessories through the Made for iPhone (MFi) program, but that would not be possible with USB-C. The iPhone 13 and future iPhones are expected to continue to use Lightning ports until MagSafe accessories are ubiquitous enough to allow for a portless iPhone design. Touch ID? According to Bloomberg, Apple is is testing an in-screen Touch ID fingerprint reader that would mark a major change to the biometric systems that Apple has used for flagship devices since the launch of the iPhone X. iPhone 12 Touch ID Feature Img The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern has also suggested that Apple is working on an in-display fingerprint sensor that could use optical technology, but other rumors have suggested that Apple will use ultrasonic technology from Qualcomm and other suppliers. Ultrasonic technology, which uses sound waves to map the fingerprint, is more secure than optical technology and it works in more conditions, but Apple could use a more robust optical/capacitive hybrid instead. If Apple does implement in-display Touch ID, The fingerprint sensor would be made available in addition to Face ID, and would be convenient for iPhone users who cannot unlock their iPhones with facial recognition when using masks. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in 2019 that Apple is working on an iPhone with both Face ID and an on-display fingerprint sensor for launch in 2021, but in February 2021, he said that there is "no visibility on timing" of the adoption of Touch ID, specific to a Touch ID power button. He made no mention of under-display Touch ID in the iPhone 13. In March 2021, Barclays analysts claimed that iPhone 13 models are "likely" to feature a fingerprint scanner embedded under the display for authentication, in addition to Face ID, but this has yet to be confirmed. 120Hz ProMotion Display There were multiple rumors ahead of the launch of the iPhone 12 lineup that suggested the high-end iPhone 12 models could feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, but later in the rumor cycle, it became clear that this feature was delayed until 2021 due to battery life concerns. iphone 12 120hz thumbnail feature To implement a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone, Apple needs to adopt LTPO display technology, which is rumored to be happening in 2021. At least two 2021 iPhone models will use OLED displays with low-power LTPO backplane technology, which will pave the way for 120Hz refresh rates. LTPO offers a more power efficient backplane, which turns the individual pixels on and off on the display, and allows for better battery life. The two models with LTPO are expected to be the Pro models, which are the ones that are rumored to adopt ProMotion technology. Samsung will supply the LTPO OLED displays that will allow Apple to implement the 120Hz refresh rate in the 2021 iPhone models, and BOE and LG Display may also provide Apple with some displays set to be used in iPhone 13 models. Samsung will begin producing LTPO OLED displays for Apple in the first half of 2021. Apple will use Y-OCTA display technology, which allows touchscreen circuitry to be patterned on the OLED panel without the need for a separate layer. This results in a thinner display that's also more affordable. Always-On Display? Max Weinbach, a leaker with a mixed track record, claims the iPhone 13 will feature an always-on display that will look like a toned down Lock screen with the clock and battery charge level available. Notifications will be displayed but the screen will not entirely light up. He also says that the iPhone display will feature a 120Hz refresh rate. A15 Processor Apple will use a 5nm+ A15 chip for the 2021 iPhones, with the chip set to be manufactured by TSMC. We haven't heard specific details about the A15 chip at this point, but new chip designs always bring improvements in speed and efficiency. 5G Chip and WiFi 6E Qualcomm in February 2020 debuted a new Snapdragon X60 third-generation 5G modem, which will be used in the 2021 iPhones. Future iPhones will also use the X65 and X70 Qualcomm modem chips. iPhone 12 5G New Teal Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 is built on a 5-nanometer process, offering higher power efficiency in a smaller footprint than the X55 chip used in iPhone 12 models. It also allows for the aggregation of 5G data from mmWave and sub-6GHz bands simultaneously for improved speeds and coverage. Rumors indicate that some 2021 iPhones may feature single 5G band support, working on mmWave or sub-6GHz networks, but not both, allowing Apple to save money in countries where mmWave 5G networks are unavailable. Faster mmWave 5G technology could also expand to additional countries. Apple in 2021 will allegedly continue to cut iPhone costs to better accommodate the expense of 5G chip technology, adopting a soft battery board design that will drop costs 30 to 40 percent compared to the iPhone 12 board price. Barclays analysts believe the iPhone 13 models will support WiFi 6E, which offers the features and capabilities of WiFi 6 extended into the 6GHz band. WiFi 6 provides higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates, while the additional spectrum of WiFi 6E offers increased bandwidth over the existing 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi bands. Larger Batteries The iPhone 13 models will have larger batteries, which could result in longer battery life. Apple is using new space saving designs like integrating the SIM slot with the mainboard and reducing the front optical module thickness to provide more space for the battery. 1TB Maximum Storage? There have been a few sketchy rumors suggesting the iPhone 13 models will feature up to 1TB of storage space, up from the 512GB maximum in the iPhone 12 models. This hasn't yet been confirmed by a reliable source, so we'll need to wait to see if this prediction is accurate. Camera Improvements There are some notable camera improvements coming in 2021. Sensor-shift stabilization will be expanded across the iPhone lineup, introducing improvements in low light performance and stabilization by reducing camera shake, with the feature rumored to be available for the Wide lens and the Ultra Wide lens. iPhone 12 cameras High-end iPhone models will get an upgraded Ultra Wide camera with a six-element lens and an improved f/1.8 aperture that will let in more light than the current f/2.4 aperture lens, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions. Improved autofocus is also expected. Barclays analysts believe that all four iPhone 13 models will feature an upgraded Ultra Wide camera lens with a wider f/1.8 aperture, but Kuo maintains that this Ultra Wide upgrade will be limited to the Pro iPhone models. Barclays also believes that the upgraded telephoto lens used exclusively in the iPhone 12 Pro Max will expand to the standard iPhone 13 Pro model in 2021. The iPhone 13 Pro models are expected to include an improved Ultra Wide lens, with Apple upgrading from a 5-element lens to a 6-element lens, which is said to have been made possible by "design and production advantages." Display analyst Ross Young believes the entire 2021 iPhone lineup will use the same camera sensors as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, bringing overall improvements to the lower-end models. When it comes to camera design, the rear camera unit may increase in size by 0.9mm on all iPhone 13 models. The camera bump is expected to remain, but individual lenses may protrude less with the new design. Max Weinbach claims the iPhone 13 models will have astrophotography camera capabilities for capturing the sky. There's said to be a special mode that activates when the iPhone is pointed at the sky, allowing the device to detect the moon, stars, and other artifacts and adjust exposure. He also says the new iPhone models will be able to take Portrait Mode videos. Weinbach is not a reliable source so this should be viewed with some skepticism until confirmed. LiDAR Scanner There were rumors suggesting the LiDAR Scanner that was added to the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max could expand to the entire iPhone lineup in 2021, included in both Pro and standard models, but Ming-Chi Kuo and Barclays analysts have said that it will continue to be limited to the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models only. The LiDAR Scanner measures light distance and pixel depth of objects in a scene to map out the area up to five meters away. It allows for more realistic AR experiences and improves autofocus in low-light scenes. Release Date Apple's 2021 iPhone lineup will be unveiled in the fall of 2021, with the company likely aiming to return to its traditional September launch timeline. Apple's iPhone 12 lineup did not launch in September as expected due to production delays caused by the global health crisis, but iPhone 13 models will not face the same production delays and should be available by late September. Beyond 2021 2022 No Notch iPhones Starting with the 2022 iPhones, Apple is expected to make some major design changes. iPhones will no longer have a notch, with Apple instead adopting a punch-hole design that's previously been used for some Android devices, including Samsung smartphones. At a minimum, high-end iPhone models will have the punch-hole design, though if yields are good, all iPhone models coming in 2022 could feature the same design. Barclays analysts claim that Apple is aiming to adopt time-of-flight architecture for Face ID that would allow for an "even smaller footprint" in 2022, allowing for substantial changes to the look of the front-facing TrueDepth camera array. At least one new high-end iPhone in 2023 is expected to feature an under-display fingerprint scanner, a periscope telephoto camera, and a full-screen display with no notch or holes. 2022 iPhone Camera Improvements The 2021 Pro models are expected to gain improvements to the Ultra Wide camera, and according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all 2022 iPhone models will get the same upgrade. Future iPhones, such as those coming in 2022, are expected to include a periscope lens for much improved optical zoom, but that's not a feature that's been rumored the 2021 devices. It's not clear which 2022 iPhones will feature the new periscope lens, but Apple is rumored to be seriously pursuing the technology. Apple has allegedly run into trouble developing its own periscope camera system because much of the technology is guarded by other patents, and thus is instead exploring purchasing the components from the patent holders instead. Samsung, for example, owns the "ball-type actuator" technology used in many periscope lenses. A periscope lens could allow for optical zoom up to 10x. Ming-Chi Kuo has said that rear-facing camera improvements coming to high-end iPhones in 2022 will focus on the telephoto lens, with Apple upgrading from a 6-element lens to a 7-element lens. ;iPhone models coming in 2022 are also expected to adopt a new "unibody lens design," which Kuo says Apple will use to reduce the size of the front camera module. New Cooling Technology Starting in 2022, high-end iPhone models are likely to adopt a vapor chamber thermal system, which Apple is "aggressively testing," according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The VC thermal system will be required for the high-end iPhones due to their stronger computing power and faster 5G connection speeds. There are already smartphones from companies like Samsung, Razer, and LG that use vapor chamber cooling technology, which is used to keep a device cooler when it is under heavy stress. It is unclear if the vapor chamber thermal system will meet Apple's high requirements, but Kuo is optimistic about the reliability improvement schedule and expects at least high-end models to adopt it in the near future. Snapdragon X65 Qualcomm in February 2021 introduced the Snapdragon X65, which is the world's first 10 Gigabit 5G modem and antenna system for smartphones. Apple isn't set to use the X65 in its 2021 iPhone lineup, but this modem is slated for use in 2022. Apple-Designed 5G Modem Amid rumors of Apple working on its own 5G modem to move away from Qualcomm, recent reports have indicated that Apple will debut its custom-designed 5G cellular modem in all 2023 iPhone models. Apple reportedly began developing the modem in 2020, after acquiring the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business a year earlier to bolster its efforts. Barclays previously said the modem will support both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands of 5G. 2023 iPhone Camera Improvements Apple's iPhones are expected to adopt a "periscopic telephoto lens" in 2023, according to well-respected TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Foldable iPhone Further in the future, Apple could potentially introduce some kind of foldable iPhone, based on various rumors and patents the company has published, as well as competition from companies like Microsoft and Samsung, which have developed foldable smartphones. foldable iphone A mockup of what a foldable iPhone could look like According to Bloomberg, Apple has started "early work" on an iPhone with a foldable display, but the company has not yet committed to releasing a foldable device. Apple in November 2020 allegedly started sending foldable iPhones to Foxconn for testing purposes, according to sources from the Chinese supply chain. The testing involves evaluating the use of OLED or micro-LED as well as the use of bearings (the foldable component). Foxconn will be stress testing the device with more than 100,000 opening and fold actions. For details on what we know about Apple's work on folding devices, make sure to check out our foldable iPhone guide. iPhone 13 Timeline Roundup Last Updated March 2021 Mar 22 iPhone 13 on Track to Launch in Late September Based on 'Supply Chain Checks' Mar 18 iPhone 13 Notch Isn't Going Away, But Will See a Significant Design Change Mar 12 iPhone 13 Models Will 'Likely' Have Touch ID Under the Display Mar 10 iPhone 13 to Finally Feature Bigger Batteries Mar 9 Kuo: 2023 iPhones to Feature 'Periscopic' Telephoto Lens Mar 5 iPhone 13 Rumor Recap: Smaller Notch, Larger Batteries, 120Hz for Pro Models, Improved 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and More Mar 3 iPhone 13 Pro Models Expected to Feature Improved Ultra Wide Lens With Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Autofocus Mar 2 iPhone Sticking With Lightning Port Over USB-C for 'Foreseeable Future' Mar 1 Kuo: Some 2022 iPhones to Abandon Notch in Favor of 'Punch-Hole' Display Mar 1 Kuo: iPhone 13 Lineup to Feature Smaller Notch and Larger Batteries, 120Hz Display for Pro Models, and More Mar 1 iPhone 13 to Include 1TB Storage Option and LiDAR Across the Board, Says Wedbush Analyst February 2021 Feb 25 Will There Still Be an iPhone 13 Mini? Feb 24 iPhone 13 Lineup Expected to Use Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 Modem With Several 5G Improvements Feb 22 BOE Rumored to Supply iPhone 13 Display Panels After iPhone 12 Failures Feb 15 iPhone 13 Mini Still Expected Despite Lackluster iPhone 12 Mini Sales Feb 15 iPhone 13 Rumored to Include Always-On Display With 120Hz ProMotion, Astrophotography Capabilities, Stronger MagSafe, and More Feb 9 Qualcomm Debuts World's First 10 Gigabit 5G Modem, Destined for 2022 iPhones Feb 4 Kuo: iPhone 13 Now More Likely to Get Upgraded Ultra Wide Camera With Improved Low-Light Performance Feb 2 iPhone 13 Expected to Feature Upgraded Ultra Wide Camera With Significantly Improved Low-Light Performance January 2021 Jan 29 Apple's iPhone 13 Could Feature Optical In-Display Fingerprint Sensor MacRumors attracts a broad audience of both consumers and professionals interested in the latest technologies and products. 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