Ever since the iPhone 12 series is unveiled, the leaks and rumors around this year’s iPhone lineup quickly started gathering steam. We already know that Apple is working on its in-display fingerprint technology and the iPhone 13 series might get this feature. Recently, the camera specifications and design details are also revealed. Now, we’ve got some exciting information around the upcoming iPhones from an Apple insider and YouTuber EverythingApplePro who cited a very reliable leaker, revealing several details including the design changes and display features.
According to the latest video from EverythingApplePro, the iPhone 13 will boast an always-on display. Well, Apple is very late to the party and it is worth noting that this feature is only limited to the Pro-variants. As mentioned earlier, the information comes from a very reliable leaker Max Weinbach. The new additions do not end there, as it is also suggested that the Pro models will get that juicy 120 Hz ProMotion display tech found on the iPad Pro. Now, an always-on display coupled with a 120 Hz display refresh rate could be too much for an iPhone battery to handle, right? Hence, rumors suggest that Apple will use LTPO tech on the Pro models. For those unaware, this is the same tech that the company is using on its smartwatch lineup. Regardless, we can understand that Apple had to choose between 5G support and 120 Hz refresh rates as they do not want to put a lot of strain on the battery.
Not just that, iPhone 13 series will feature a refined matte back panel. The device will have a textured back for a better grip. EverythingApplePro says “The matte back is getting refined. So in the 2021 iPhones, I’m sure Max is referring to the Pro models, they’ll have a slightly more grippy and texturized back. He says they’ll be slightly more comfortable and he assumes it’ll like a soft matte, like on the Pixel series.” Taking back the story to the Always-on display, the implementation could be more or less what we have seen with Android. Meaning, you can see the time, date, and all that stuff including battery percentage and lock screen message, maybe? Nonetheless, the notifications will also appear on the always-on display and the entire screen will not light up.
Will older iPhones get an Always-on display?
We are not certain whether or not Apple will bring this feature to older iPhones. Yes, Always-on display is a software feature and could work on any display. I mean, Apple could push an update to all the iPhones with OLED displays (iPhone X/XS, iPhone 11 Pro/Max, iPhone 12 Pro/Max) but that might take on the batteries of the devices. Batteries on the older iPhones are considerably small and the addition of an always-on display is definitely not a feature you would want, trust me!
That said, let us talk optics. The iPhone 13 series will come with improved ultrawide cameras. The device will come with a 5P lens instead of the 6P lens. Do note that, the lens will reportedly still be “lower quality” than the other two lenses. For all the video enthusiasts, Apple is also working on Portrait video support. We have seen a few smartphones done this in the past, but they were not really good with edge-detection and stuff. Apple’s implementation could be much better and the users will also be provided with options such as editing the intensity or depth of the background blur or bokeh in post-processing. EverythingApplePro also claims that these phones will also support astrophotography features, which Google Pixels are nailing at the moment. For those unaware, pointing the iPhone towards the sky in the camera app will automatically switch on this mode and detects stars or the moon.
As mentioned earlier, we could also expect an in-display fingerprint sensor with the upcoming iPhones. This goes without saying that Face ID is not working given the COVID-19 pandemic and wearing the masks has become a new normal. So, the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor very obvious on the upcoming iPhones. This could also be the end of the Face ID system which the company is relying upon since the launch of the iPhone X or maybe Apple will continue the Face ID system alongside the in-display fingerprint sensor. Just like every year, rumors also suggest that the iPhone will finally ditch the lightning port in the favour of USB Type-C which is the current standard for most of the devices including company’s own iPads and MacBooks.
