Rumors are beginning to rise about the Apple iPhone 13. Meanwhile, only two out of four iPhone 12 models recently began shipping, and the other two are not yet ready for pre-order. This is how the tech world works, though, with a large amount of lead time required to research, design, test, and manufacture the latest devices. It makes sense for Apple to start as early as possible, but means rumors and leaks start soon after the current generation launches.
Apple’s iPhone 12 brought the biggest changes ever, including a metallic flat-edged design, the largest screen yet with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and the smallest Apple phone in years with the iPhone 12 mini. Of course, the newest model iPhone came with full 5G capability. Each year Apple upgrades the processor and the newest and fastest A14 is found in the iPhone 12. The main camera saw significant updates, particularly with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which received a larger image sensor as well as the new larger aperture camera.
But the next model may already be in the early stages of development. Apple releases new flagship phones every year and, undoubtedly, 2021 will see an updated iPhone. Unless Apple does a walkabout, as sometimes happens, this new model will be called the iPhone 13. Rumors and leaks have already appeared suggesting work has begun and at least some components are in development. According to China Times, an A15 processor will be used. It is said to be based on an enhanced version of the 5-nanometer process that the A14 used. The N5P node is under development by TSMC, the same foundry that manufactured the A14. N5P is expected to give either 7-percent higher performance over N5 or 15-percent lower power consumption. Apple makes improvements to its processors that will likely push the speed increase higher. Year after year, the A-series typically gets 20-percent faster, while using less battery. Camera and display details have also leaked.
iPhone 13 Camera & Display Rumors
Apple is expected to continue next year with the four phone pattern that was introduced with the iPhone 12. Something odd about the current line up is that the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger image sensor than any other models. This may change with the iPhone 13. The two standard models are said to have a main camera sensor that matches the size of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, while the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro max may get 10-percent larger sensors. This comes from a tweet by Ross Young, a display industry insider.
Apple may also include a new type of TouchID with a future iPhone, according to top-rated leaker L0vetodream. The post is cryptic, as usual, but can be deciphered. Mesa is Apple’s internal code name for TouchID and that eases decoding of the second part of the message as ‘Under The Screen.’ Given the global pandemic and face mask requirements, some expected TouchID with the iPhone 12, but perhaps Apple didn’t have enough time to implement this with all of the other big changes. More leaks and rumors about next year’s iPhone 13 are certain to follow in the coming months.
Sources: China Times, Ross Young/Twitter, L0vetodream/Twitter