Apple is set to launch its new iPhone 13 in September, in line with its usual release schedule, which may bring many changes compared to the latest iPhone models. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, we can expect to see four models again this year, including the iPhone 13, a Mini version, a Pro version, and finally the high-end iPhone 13 Pro Max, as reported by CNET.
Rumors shared by CNET from the Chinese social media platform Weibo in early June suggest that the iPhone 13 lineup will feature larger batteries than the iPhone 12 series. The battery capacity for the Mini version is expected to be 2406 mAh, up to 3095 mAh for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, and 4325 mAh for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Battery capacities are an upgrade over those of the iPhone 12, although Apple does not disclose official battery specifications. However, battery life varies from battery capacity, so the increase in battery size in the iPhone 13 may not lead to longer battery life, as this depends on other upgrades to the phone and how well its software optimizes battery life. Compared to high-end phones from other brands, Apple's batteries are relatively weak. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup features batteries ranging from 4000 to 5000 mAh.
Based on historical announcements from Apple regarding the iPhone models, the phone is expected to be released on September 17. Additionally, the name used for the model might change, as the number 13 is often skipped in these instances.
**Lower Pricing**
The iPhone 12 lineup included four phones at four different price points, with more variation across carriers and storage configurations. At launch, the base model of the iPhone 12 was priced at around $799, an increase of $100 over the 2019 iPhone 11, attributed to the addition of 5G support. Since no significant technical updates are expected for the iPhone 13, analysts anticipate a similar pricing structure to 2021.
There is also speculation that Apple may consider lowering prices for its next phone lineup, as many competitors have responded to the economic downturn by launching more affordable models in 2020, such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Google Pixel 5, both priced similarly to the iPhone 12 Mini but about $100 less than the iPhone 12.
**Expected Sizes**
The iPhone 13 models are rumored to feature sizes ranging from 5.4 inches for the smaller iPhone 13 Mini, through 6.1 inches for the standard and Pro models, and up to 6.7 inches for the Pro Max version. A revolutionary change in the display may occur where it could be completely hole-free, eliminating the charging port.
Apple first introduced the notched display to the world with the iPhone X in 2017. While competitors have addressed selfie camera challenges using hole-punched and under-display cameras, Apple has not yet removed the notch. In a leaked mock-up, Macotakara estimated that the notch on the iPhone 13 could shrink to 26.8 mm (compared to 34.83 mm on the iPhone 12). As Apple eliminated the headphone jack, industry analysts suggest the charging port may also be on its way out. It is expected that the 2021 iPhone will be entirely port-free, likely the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
**Better Zoom Capabilities**
Despite the iPhone 12 Pro Max offering significantly improved lidar cameras even when compared to Google's best computational photography phones, zoom capabilities were not at the same level, with iPhone 12 models featuring around 2.5x zoom compared to Samsung's 100x zoom capabilities.
According to ETNews, the iPhone 13 is likely to include a periscope camera, a technology that allows greater zoom capabilities without needing a larger camera bump. Analysts also predict that the new phone will, for the first time, offer a display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
