Technology
iPhone 13 release date, specs & features – ultimate guide to Apple’s new mobile
APPLE’S new iPhone isn’t official just yet, but a next-gen mobile is certainly on the way.
We’ve calculated the most likely iPhone 13 release date, and reveal all the latest news and rumours.
The iPhone 12 could soon be replaced by an even better model[/caption]
What is the iPhone 13?
Like clockwork, Apple launches a new iPhone (or four) every year.
Last year Apple introduced the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
And this year we’re expecting the iPhone 13 – along with various spin-offs.
Apple hosts a special event every September[/caption]
Apple hasn’t publicly confirmed the iPhone 13 yet, but it would be a total shock if the firm didn’t unveil it this September.
iPhone 13 release date – when is it out?
Apple is a creature of habit, sticking to an obvious pattern for iPhone releases each year.
The big launch event always takes place in September, and generally falls early on in the month – on a Tuesday or Wednesday, typically.
This year, we’d expect Apple to unveil the iPhone 13 on Tuesday, September 14 or Wednesday, September 15.
Pre-orders will probably become available on Friday, September 17.
And the actual release date will most likely fall on Friday, September 24.
What new features will be introduced with the iPhone 13?[/caption]
iPhone 13 specs and features – news and rumours
Little is known about the iPhone 13 so far.
What’s an absolute given is that it will support ultra-fast 5G mobile internet.
Apple introduced 5G support for all four iPhone 12 models last year, so there’s no reason why the same wouldn’t be true in 2021.
We’d also expect to see a brand new Apple-made chip – likely named the A15 – powering the device.
The biggest rumour right now is the return of Touch ID.
The firm abandoned Touch ID in favour of the mug-scanning Face ID with the iPhone X back in 2017.
It meant that Apple could fit bigger screens to the iPhone – by removing the Home button.
But now the wearing of face masks is so widespread, Face ID is less useful than it used to be.
Apple chief Tim Cook will likely be centre-stage for the iPhone 13 reveal[/caption]
Apple still hasn’t entirely scrapped Touch ID, with Macs and some cheaper iPhone models retaining the feature.
But more expensive versions of the iPhone could get a souped-up fingerprint scanner later this year.
Importantly, this new version of Touch ID wouldn’t require a Home button.
Instead it would be built into the screen, hidden below the display.
This means Apple could still fit a giant screen to the iPhone – just like all iPhone X-style handsets to date.
Apple wouldn’t be the first to do this of course: rival firms Samsung and Huawei have both offered in-screen fingerprint scanners for a while now.
The other point to note is that Face ID is unlikely to go away.
When an iPhone owner isn’t wearing a mask, Face ID tends to be quicker for unlocking phones.
The sensors are also useful for various augmented reality and photography features.
It’s unclear what other changes Apple will make.
Improvements to the camera system seem likely, and we could see new casing colours added.
We’ll likely see many more significant leaks in the days and weeks leading up to the event.
Until then, it’s anyone’s guess.
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