6 New Features (Supposedly) Coming to Apple’s iPhone 13
Credit: iDrop News / Wilson Nicklaus
The iPhone 13 lineup is just months away, and we're counting down the days before Apple unveils its most powerful iPhones yet. And although that's something Apple says about every new iPhone it makes, this phrase might have a new meaning this year. There are a lot of rumors and speculations about what the next iPhone might bring. From a smaller notch to a thicker body and even going portless, there's a lot on the table – but if the rumors we'll discuss today are true, then Apple will truly make the most powerful smartphone yet. Continue reading to browse six new features and changes that may be coming to the iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 Could Have a Bigger and Better Camera
The iPhone's camera is something Apple's constantly upgrading to make it one of, if not the best in the market. And this year is no exception. Last year Apple made it so the camera on the iPhone 12 Pro was similar to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini's cameras (with the exception of the Telephoto lens), making it an even better choice to buy the regular iPhone 12 instead of the Pro model. The iPhone 13 Pro, however, might be different.
According to rumors, Apple will make the iPhone 13's camera bump larger and thicker, and the Pro models will feature an even bigger camera bump. But there's a reason for that. There's a possibility that a bigger sensor means Apple could add a sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) to the iPhone 13 Pro, which is something only the 12 Max model currently has. Or it may be another entirely different sensor. The Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone 13 Pro might also see a physical size upgrade, allowing it to take even better shots in low-light.
We Could See a Bigger Battery, Too
Along with a bigger camera bump, many rumors suggest that all iPhone 13 models will be slightly thicker this year, but not by that much. Although regular users wouldn't be able to tell the difference, a thicker iPhone could mean a bigger battery. The iPhone 12 already has a fantastic battery, but it could always be better.
The iPhone 12 features a ~2,815 mAh battery, which is pretty small for today's standards, especially when comparing it with some Samsung phones with 5,000 mAh batteries. But a thicker body might mean that Apple's getting ready to bring a physically larger battery to the table. Even though there aren't many rumors about the battery size since Apple itself doesn't specify the battery size, when it comes to power, a bigger battery is always better.
Will We See a Portless iPhone?
We've heard about an iPhone with no Lightning port—or USB-C—since before the iPhone 12 was released. But thanks to the iPhone 12 and the MagSafe feature, that speculation became even more significant.
MagSafe lets you charge your iPhone 12 without plugging it in. Although it's not perfect, Apple will surely keep improving it until it becomes the go-to option for charging the iPhone. Don't worry, though; Apple won't completely get rid of the port on all iPhone 13 models. Some rumors suggest that Apple will feature just one iPhone model with no ports this year, but we don't know exactly which model will that be.
Of course, you should take this with a grain of salt until Apple confirms it, but rest assured that Apple will eventually feature a completely portless iPhone, whether it's this year or the next.
The iPhone 13 May Feature Touch ID Again
It's been almost four years since Apple ditched Touch ID on its newer iPhones—excluding the new iPhone SE. And ever since, people have asked for a way to integrate both Face ID and Touch ID into the iPhone. Especially back in 2020 when all of us needed to wear face masks. And while that's been just a dream, the iPhone 13 might turn that into a reality. Some rumors suggest that Apple might bring Touch ID back, but it would be under the display this time.
Like many Android phones, Apple would add a fingerprint sensor beneath the iPhone's display. Although that's a possibility, Apple likes to take its time when implementing new technology to its devices. And since in-display fingerprint sensors have been around for just a couple of years, it's possible that Apple's still working on this feature to make it perfect.
Another possibility is that Apple adds Touch ID to the Power button on the iPhone 13. Similar to what the company did with the 2020 iPad Air, you'd need to place your finger on the power button, and your iPhone would immediately unlock.
Apple Might Bring Pro Motion to the iPhone 13 (Finally)
Pro Motion has been a feature we've all wanted on the iPhone ever since Apple released it for the iPad Pro back in 2017. Rumor has it that Apple was going to add Pro Motion to the iPhone 12, but it couldn't source the necessary parts in time. But this might be the year, and rumors say the iPhone 13 will feature Pro Motion.
In case you don't know, Pro Motion is a feature that makes a display reach an ultra-high refresh rate of up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and more, but can be lowered to preserve battery life. Although we don't know if Apple will add Pro Motion to the iPhone 13, it would surely be nice.
Currently, many Android devices, both expensive and affordable, can reach high refresh rates, and the iPhone's display is falling behind because of this. Sure, you don't really need a 120Hz refresh rate, but once you try it, you absolutely can see the difference. Let's just hope Apple manages to make it work this time around.
Apple Might Even Bring Portrait Mode to Videos
Portrait mode is a feature that lets you focus on an object while blurring the background. You've probably used this feature on your iPhone. And if you have, you probably already know that only works with pictures. Rumors say that Apple might implement this feature on videos, which other Android phones can already do. Not only that, but you might also be able to change the depth of field, which will let you control how blurred the background is.