iPhone 13 release date, specs, expected price, and rumors

The iPhone 13’s release is just around the corner, and as per usual, rumors are popping up in forums and social media discussions.

From an alleged power-button Touch ID to a bigger camera bump, here’s everything you know about the iPhone 13 so far.

iPhone 13 release date

‘When is the iPhone 13 coming out?’ If you’re wondering the same as thousands of others, we might have an answer!

It is expected that the 2021 iPhones will follow the company’s traditional September launch timeline. And going by Apple’s pattern, the tentative iPhone 13 release dates are:

• Announcement: September 7th or 14th, 2021 (First or second Tuesday)
• Pre-order: September 10th or 17th, 2021 (following Friday)
• Release: September 24, 2021 (Fourth Friday)

Further, a report by Wedbush analyst Dan Ives suggests that the iPhone 13 will launch in the third week of September. The pre-order will start that Friday, and they’ll hit the shelf the following Friday.

So while the Apple event dates could vary, one thing is certain—after the 2020 delay due to the Pandemic, Apple is back on its fall schedule.

iPhone 13 rumors: Specs, design, colors, and leaks for all models

• Hardware
• A15 Bionic Chip: Faster than ever
• Storage
• Design
• Notch: A long-running rumor
• Display: Finally 120Hz refresh rate!
• Touch ID: Will it make a comeback?
• Camera improvements: Better low-light photography
• Colors: Pink iPhone?
• iPhone 13 completely wireless or USB-C?

Hardware

It’s speculated that Apple will repeat the four sizes and suffixes it employed for iPhone 12 series. So, we’ll get:

• 5.4″ iPhone 13 mini
• 6.1 ” iPhone 13
• 6.1″ iPhone 13 Pro
• 6.7″ iPhone 13 Pro Max

However, Apple might drop the iPhone 13 mini since the 12 mini didn’t bring the tech giant its expected sales. But we won’t believe it until we hear it from the horse’s mouth. So, let’s assume that we’re getting four models in the fall.

Wi-Fi framework

Moreover, a report by DigiTimes, a Taiwanese-based tech analyst with a 63.5% accuracy rating, suggests that Apple could introduce the new industry-standard Wi-Fi 6E framework in this year’s flagship iPhone, i.e., the iPhone 13.

Apple launched Wi-Fi 6 in 2019 with the iPhone 11, which delivered amazing improvements in speed and security. Although no significant changes compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6E boasts a 6GHz band, which will help increase bandwidth and offer less interference.

25W fast charging

iPhone 12 supports up to 20W charging, and according to rumors, iPhone 13 may jump to 25W fast charging support. However, Apple will not provide charging brick in the box. So, it will probably release a 25W power adapter alongside iPhone 13 lineup to facilitate that.

A15 Bionic Chip: Faster than ever

Apple brought the M1 chip to the iPad this year, so people are, let’s say, daydreaming about an M1-powered iPhone 13. However, that’s highly unlikely in 2021.

Don’t worry; the 5nm+ A15 chip will boast improvements in speed and efficiency. Reportedly, TSMC has already kicked off production of the A15 chip.

Storage

Apple might be planning to double up iPhone’s top storage capacity, as shared by a renowned leaker Jon Prosser and other, less reputable sources. So, the iPhone 13 Pro and Max models might boast a 1TB storage option.

That would likely come with a higher price tag than what we’re used to. And while I’m not too sold on the idea, a 1TB iPhone would be a great companion for many professionals.

Design

Overall, it’s speculated that the iPhone 13 will be twinning with the iPhone 12, from size variants to square edges.

However, an alleged iPhone 13 dummy unit leaked by Sonny Dickson highlights some exciting changes in the back. All devices have a larger camera unit, and the entry-level models flaunt a diagonal camera arrangement.

This is in line with the alleged case design leaked by the Weibo account UnclePanPan.

Plus, leaked dimensions and alleged CADs also suggest a bigger camera cutout and an increased body thickness. And we might even see a larger battery!

Additionally, iPhone 13 models may improve the built-in magnets and external matte finish.

Notch: A long-running rumor

I’ll call this one wishful thinking. It’s been making rounds on the internet since the iPhone 11, and here we are again.

However, this time around, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Barclays analyst Andrew Gardiner, Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes, and Japanese site Mac Otakara suggest that a thinner notch is on its way.

They assert that the TrueDepth camera will be shallower, all thanks to a relocated receiver. Plus, a more tightly integrated Face ID light system will result in a smaller notch.

Display: Finally 120Hz refresh rate!

A highly anticipated feature for the iPhone 12; however, Apple pushed it back due to various concerns. For one, it needs to make use of low-power LTPO backplane technology to achieve the feature, which might finally happen this year.

Reportedly, Samsung will take the lead on the LTPO OLED displays, with BOE and LG following suit. Notably, it looks like the LTPO and the resulting 120Hz refresh rate will be limited to the Pro iPhone models as of now.

Moreover, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that the iPhone 13 series may feature an always-on display like Apple Watch. LTPO and OLED display together will keep the phone’s screen on without consuming much battery.

If this happens, it would be easier to view time, weather, and notifications on the iPhone with considerably less battery usage.

Touch ID: Will it make a comeback?

As per Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is experimenting with an in-display fingerprint sensor. The feature will be in addition to Face ID as an alternative. However, Mark Gurman and Debby Wu confirm that the Touch ID won’t be making a comeback on this iPhone. It may be a part of the 2022 generation iPhones.

Considering the problems associated with the Face ID due to the Pandemic, this can be a little disappointing. Do you think Touch ID will make a comeback with the iPhone 13? We hope so!

Camera improvement: Better low-light photography

It’s rumored that the iPhone 13 will sport features like Sensor-shift Stabilization and LiDAR across the lineup. So not just the pro models, but you’ll also be able to grab amazing low-light shots with iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini.

Notably, the bigger camera bump and new diagonal camera lens setup discussed earlier could accommodate these changes. The iPhone 13 Pro models will bring improvements to the Ultra Wide lenses, facilitating better autofocus.

Overall, the base models will feature some significant changes, while Pro models will boast minor spec bumps.

Colors: Pink iPhone?

There are multiple rumors in circulation on iPhone 13 colors. Here are a few interesting ones.

According to Apple Tomorrow, Apple might bring four new iPhone 13 Pro series color options including matte black, sunset gold, pearl, and rosé.

Another source claims that this time around, Apple might bring three new color options. A coveted matte black, a bronze/orange color, and pink.

While these are just rumors that may or may not pan out for iPhone 13 series colors, after the new purple, I’d bet that a pink iPhone is in the making. Moreover, these sources square with other sources for Apple’s plan.

What colors do you think we’ll see with the iPhone 13? Hoping for the best!

iPhone 13: Completely wireless or USB-C?

The inclusion of MagSafe last year in iPhone 12 hinted at Apple’s plan to become completely wireless. And while there are rumors that at least one iPhone in 2021 will not sport a port, that’s highly unlikely.

Before that can happen, I believe the MagSafe and wireless charging market needs to grow a bit more. And since a portless design is in the cards, switching to USB-C isn’t a viable option.

So, Apple might bring better magnets and some new charging accessories, but I don’t think it will be moving away from Lightning ports anytime soon.

iPhone 13 software: iOS 15 updates and improvements

Apple showed off iOS 15 at June’s Worldwide Developer Conference, and fans marveled at some fantastic features. The 2021 iPhones will happily carry them aboard.

The remarkable bit? Some features that are restricted for older devices like Live Text, Visual Look Up, Facetime Spatial audio, etc., will work flawlessly with the new ones.

iPhone 13 Price: What you want to know

Reportedly, the 2021 iPhone price point will stay relatively close to its predecessor, the iPhone 12, i.e., $699, $799, $999, $1099.

However, expect a slight hike in these numbers, especially outside the US, as all devices will also get the mmWave 5G tech.

While rumors can be great for insights, they may also lead to confusion and false hopes. So my team and I have put our brains and experience together to cross out the implausible ideas and paint as accurate a picture of the iPhone 13 as we can.

But, should you get an iPhone 13 or iPhone 12?

The number 13 is considered unlucky by several countries and 1-in-5 Apple consumers. Further, experts anticipate only minor spec bumps in the 2021 devices.

So, it’s speculated that Apple may jump to a whole new number or character, quite like what it did with the X series iPhone.

The tech giant didn’t hesitate to release iOS 13. So, does this rumor fall in the superstitious section? Plus, will Apple disrupt its naming scheme by skipping 13 while it already has a missing 9 on its hand? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Note: The supply chain report for July alleges that Apple will go with “iPhone 13”. This is also the popular opinion of the iGeeks team.

What we want to see in the iPhone 13 (User expectations)

Considering the rumors, patents, competitor devices, and features, I have a small wish list for the new iPhone 13. I’ll keep my fingers crossed ’till September, hoping some of them can come true.

• Better zoom: No, I’m not expecting Apple to bring in 100x zoom like Samsung, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s 2.5x optical power simply isn’t enough. We appreciate Apple for improving the ultrawide lens; However, it needs to pull up its socks for the telephoto lens as well.
• Smarter unlock: I don’t expect touch ID to make a return this year. However, Apple could do something to resolve the mask vs. the Face ID issue. Yes, an Apple Watch can unlock your phone, but what about those without watches? We need more.

  Perhaps the sensor could read eye movement, and you could create a signal/pattern to unlock the phone. To avoid privacy breach, there could be a two level-lock, so when you unlock using eye gestures, only limited functions like calling are available.

• Higher refresh rate: I know that a 120Hz refresh rate is rumored, and this is me just manifesting it.

What is new in the iPhone 13, and when is it going to be released? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Want to know more about iOS 15? Check these links out:

• How to use SharePlay in FaceTime in iOS 15 on iPhone
• iOS 15: How to use Siri offline on iPhone and iPad (without internet)
• How to use iOS 15 built-in password authenticator on iPhone