Ever since the iPad Pro introduced a 120Hz display, many were wondering if and when Apple would be bringing that feature over to its iPhone lineup. In fact, many of Apple’s competitors have since released phones with 90Hz or 120Hz displays, with some even going as high as 144Hz.
That being said, this year could be the year we finally see the feature arrive for the iPhone. We have been hearing those rumors for a while now, but the latest issue of Power On by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reiterated those claims, in which he states that this year’s iPhones will most likely come with a 120Hz display.
However, as per the previous rumors and also given Apple’s history of doing things, the 120Hz display won’t be available across the entire lineup. Instead, it seems that only the iPhone 13 Pro and the Pro Max models will have the 120Hz display, but we imagine that over time, Apple will eventually bring the feature to all of its iPhones.
This is similar to the dual camera setup when it first debuted, as well as OLED screens for the iPhones, in which it was limited to the more expensive models at first. The iPhone 13 is currently scheduled for a launch in September so check back with us next month for the details.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 Rumors Continue
Popular YouTuber EverythingApplePro recently compiled a running list of new leaks featuring not only the fall 2020 iPhone 12 devices, but also the 2021 iPhone 13 devices. The detail and quantity of rumors is shockingly higher than previous years, despite Tim Cook’s claim for increased security. iPhone 12 details are all but confirmed on-stage by Tim Cook and team.
iPhone 12 Rumors
Via @jon_prosser, the upcoming iPhone 12 devices are anticipated at a later fall released due to supply chain constraints caused by the coronavirus pandemic. None-the-less, rumors have all but pegged major device details. In the detailed video above, information is rumored and leaked about the upcoming, overhauled design of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 devices.
iPhone 12 display brightness is potentially going to double from the iPhone 11 Pro.
The upcoming base models are expected to come with the 18w fast charger, previously reserved for the iPhone 11 Pro in-box items.
A leaked logic board seems to confirm the SIM tray will be relocated lower on the chassis.
120Hz refresh rates that are currently offered on the iPad Pro models are no going to be onboard. This technology would increase the scrolling smoothness, but sacrifice battery in return.
DigiTimes via MacRumors, indicates the 6.1″ iPhone 12 devices will start production as early as July. These devices are expected to be available for order much sooner than the higher end Pro models, which might not come until November. This delay launch would be similar to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X models in 2018.
iPhone 13 Rumors
Previously unknown Apple leaker “Fudge” via Twitter claims the iPhone 13 will include a four camera array, in addition to the iPad 2020 LiDAR sensor. Recently, Prosser nullifies that expectation.
So yeah, um, this is not real.
Layout for 13 (12S) will be the same as iPhone 12. https://t.co/1yIfP2QyzT
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) May 29, 2020
Fudge also supports the leak with megapixel upgrades to iPhone 13, with advancements to the wide angle and telephoto lens, meaning iPhone 12 may not receive a major camera upgrade. Alleged iPhone 13 camera specs include:
Wide 1x optical zoom, 64mp
Telephoto 3x – 5x optical zoom, 40mp
64mp anamorphic lens
.25x minimal ultra wide, 40mp
Fudge also anticipates a mini-LED display technology, moving away from the OLED in current generation models. Finally, reverse wireless charging will allow users to power other devices like AirPods and possibly Apple Watch.
Other Apple News
iOS 13.5.5 includes assets that indicate Apple News+ services may offer audio articles in iOS 14, to be determined at WWDC this month.
All devices with iOS 13 capability should also be iOS 14 compatible. iOS 14 may also include multiuser support for iPadOS.
An ambient light sensor may come to future AirPods generations with the ability to track heart rate.
macOS iMessages app is expected to be re-built using Apple’s new Catalyst technology, which allows for app porting from iOS to macOS. This will bring iOS style iMessages experience to the desktop.
iPhone 13: Everything you need to know about Apple’s next flagship
It’s August now, meaning we’re just a month away from the time Apple typically unveils its flagship smartphone. Read on to discover everything we know about the iPhone 13 so far.
Traditionally, Apple has held its iPhone launch event in September of each year, making 2020 an anomaly. Last year, the iPhone release was delayed until October but that doesn’t mean there was a shortage of devices at the event.
Last years line up consisted of four models: the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the very first iPhone Mini, offering a pocket-sized option for those looking for a smaller option.
All four handsets earned four and a half stars from us, with the iPhone 12 in particular offering substantial, Pro-like improvements over Apple’s previous base models.
Nearly a year on, and we’re steadily approaching the launch of the iPhone 12’s successor, the iPhone 13. The latest rumours include a much-improved battery life, new always-on display tech, a portrait mode for video capturing and possibly even the return of Touch ID.
Here’s everything we think we know about the iPhone 13 so far, including when it’s coming out, how much it’ll cost, what specs it has and what the camera looks like. Make sure to bookmark this guide too as we update it in the lead up to the launch event.
Release date – when will the phone launch?
The iPhone 13 is expected to launch toward the end of 2021, in either September or October.
Traditionally, we’d expect Apple to unveil its flagship in September. However, after the pandemic delayed last year’s iPhone 12 to October 13, it’s unclear whether Apple will return to its usual schedule for 2021.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives (via Barrons) predicts we’ll see an announcement take place on the third week of September. While Ives didn’t give an exact date, Tech Radar did the maths and calculated that, based on Apple’s trend of holding launch events on Tuesdays, we could see the launch take place on September 14, followed by pre-orders opening on September 17 and the device officially shipping out on September 24.
However, during Apple’s Q3 earnings call, chief financial officer Luca Maestri warned investors that the iPhone 13 and the iPad could be impacted by supply constraints in September.
To further complicate things, Apple’s human resources and retail chief Deirdre O’Brien recently announced that the company would push back its deadline for staff to return to the office from early September until at least October (via Bloomberg). The delay, which has been implemented due to the new strains of Covid-19 across the world, might force Apple to delay any in-person events (such as the iPhone launch) until October.
Specs and features – a 120Hz display, the return of TouchID and an always-on display
120Hz could be on the cards
TouchID to make a comeback
Up to 1TB of storage
As far as the display goes, Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech believes the iPhone 13 will be getting an LTPO display, allowing Apple to include a 120Hz refresh rate on its ProMotion screen.
Apple currently uses LTPO tech to allow its Apple Watch 6 to show an always-on display and we’ve seen it used on some newer best Android phones, like the OnePlus 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
This rumour has been backed up by the influential analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who asserts both technologies will be coming to some versions of the iPhone 13.
Further evidence for the switch to LTPO comes from a DigiTimes report, which reports both Samsung and LG Display are converting parts of their production into making LTPO displays for Apple. The report (via MacRumors) also states these displays are more efficient, with 15-20% less power required.
Leaker Max Weinbach (via YouTube channel EverythingApplePro) also believes we could see an always-on display this year. Weinbach says the clock and battery icons will be visible on the display even when it’s off. You could also see your incoming notifications this way, with the whole display no longer needing to light up.
Apple could also be revamping its sign in features, with rumours of a return to Touch ID alongside the iPhone’s existing Face ID capabilities. On March 12 Barclays analyst Andrew Gardiner added his voice to the choir expecting this to arrive on the iPhone 13.
In a note to investors (via MacRumors), he wrote: “We also view the adoption of fingerprint-under-glass, that likely is added in the 2H21 iPhones, as a structural headwind for additional 3D sensing content at Apple and could be the security feature of the future.”
The under-display fingerprint tech, which has also been reported by the Wall Street Journal, would be especially handy right now as it would give users wearing masks an alternative fast option to sign into their phones and use features like Apple Pay in shops.
Apple is already testing a feature to combat this common issue – and you can try it out right now – but you’ll also need an Apple Watch to use it, so we’re looking forward to the company possibly providing an option that doesn’t require an extra piece of tech.
Don’t get your hopes too high, though. Ming-Chi Kuo has since suggested we may not see under-display Touch ID make an appearance on the iPhone until 2022 (via MacRumors). Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Debby Wu (via Forbes) have also since reported that Apple has gone back on plans to add an in-display fingerprint reader to the iPhone 13.
Kuo (via Apple Insider) has also suggested that Apple is “aggressively” testing a vapor chamber thermal system to be used in the iPhone, allowing Apple to handle higher thermal loads caused by the adoption of 5G and increased CPU performance. However, as of March 1 2021, Kuo somewhat backed away from those predictions.
Meanwhile, analysts at Wedbush (via 9to5Mac) think that the iPhone 13 line-up could feature a model with 1TB of storage – that’s nearly double the 512GB found in the highest-specced Pro model right now.
However, Trendforce has previously reported that Apple will be sticking with a max capacity of 512GB, going against Wedush’s prediction.
Design – we might finally get a smaller notch
The notch could finally be getting smaller
Both Digitimes (via Forbes) and MacOtakara have suggested that the next iPhone will work to reduce the size of its somewhat dated notch, with the latter also reporting that the phone will be 0.26mm thicker.
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