Reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is really on a roll today when it comes to more details for the upcoming iPhone models up to 2023. Based on his expectations, this year’s iPhone 13 lineup is expected to have the same three display sizes and four models as those from the iPhone 12 series announced last October, including most notably the 5.4-inch ‘mini’ model.
Even though, several customers prefer larger screens for their smartphones, there’s still a demographic for compact phones, and they even have been asking for a smaller flagship iPhone. That’s where the iPhone 12 mini comes into play; however, the smallest ‘flagship’ model has not been that successful as Apple hoped. Consequently, Apple has been shifting production to the higher-end 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro models. In spite of the staggering sales, it looks like that Apple is not giving up on its most compact full-featured smartphone yet.
Apple has something up its sleeves for the higher-end Pro models as Kuo expects those models to feature a Super Retina XDR display with LTPO technology that’s also found on the modern Apple Watch’s display. This energy-efficient technology would allow for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz similar to that on the iPad Pro’s ProMotion display. We may see Apple’s take on the always-on display mode for iPhone, a feature that some Android phones had been doing for a while. However, Apple usually does a feature the best in some way even when the company is not the first to implement it.
The cameras on the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro models are expected to have major improvements, including an ultra-wide camera with f/1.8 aperture and autofocus. The LiDAR scanner will remain exclusive for the Pro models for at least another year. All models are expected to implement a largest battery to accommodate the latest features such as 120Hz support on the Pro models and possibly for longer battery life.
Speaking of battery usage, while most smartphones today made the switch to USB-C, it looks like this year’s iPhones to retain the Lightning port for charging for at least another year, instead of a port-less design that relies only on MagSafe. Kuo also does not see Touch ID coming to the iPhone 13 lineup, so users will have to rely in FaceID or passcode as unlocking methods for the time being. However, in an era where everyone wear masks in public, Apple will release iOS 14.5 that will enable iPhone users to unlock with their Apple Watches if they have one.
Given the pandemic/production issues that pushed the iPhone 12’s release date to October 2020, Apple has learned a lot when it comes to dealing with the pandemic and is still expected to release the iPhone 13 lineup this September.
What do you think about the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup, leave us a comment below or tweet me on Twitter @TheNickSoong.
