Despite being months away from launch, we’ve already seen several rumors about the 2021 iPhone. As we get closer to release, new rumors point to some design changes, new colors and new features that we can expect.
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According to leaker Max Weinbach (via YouTube channel EverythingApplePro), the iPhone 13 will come with a matte black option for the Pro and Pro Max models, a new stainless steel coating that reduces smudges and fingerprints, a new rear camera design and improved noise cancellation. with beamforming for phone calls.
Last month, Weinbach reported that Apple plans to include an always-on display for this year’s new alwaysiPhone as part of the design. He now builds on that rumor, saying that in addition to an always-on 120Hz display, Apple will likely add a matte black option for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Weinbach says the color is a ‘redesigned graphite’ but ‘border black’. According to Weinbach, Apple is also experimenting with an orange, almost bronze-like color for the new iPhones, but he says it is unlikely to launch.
The iPhone 12 series brought back the much-loved flat-bezel design, as well as stainless-steel bezels for the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. Since the models ‘launch, users have complained about the bezels’ ability to attract smudges and fingerprints, especially for lighter options like gold. According to Weinbach, Apple wants to address the problem with the iPhone 13 by applying a new anti-smudge and fingerprint coating.
Weinbach goes back and says the new camera module won’t be completely flat, but that each lens will stick out less from the housing. In addition, the direct run-up to the camera module will be smaller, completely reducing the thickness of the camera system.
In addition to a range of previously rumored features, the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max camera system will include a new process for capturing portrait photos. Weinbach reports that the portrait mode on the new Pro iPhones will rely heavily on LiDAR. LiDAR, currently on the iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max, and iPad Pro, is used for enhanced low-light photography. However, Weinbach says Apple is taking it a step further with portrait mode this year.
Portrait mode on the new iPhones will be significantly overhauled. It will now rely heavily on a new process that combines data from the lenses as well as LiDAR. LiDAR will be used specifically for much better edge detection. Things like smaller holes in street signs should now be detected by the new process. This goes along with portrait video as a portrait mode revision that Apple is working on for the 2021 iPhones.
Weinbach says Apple will also add a new iOS “image stabilization correction” mode within iOS itself that automatically detects a subject and keeps it in focus during a video. As this is software-related, it is not known whether special hardware in the 2021 iPhones enables this mode or if it could tacitly debut in older iPhone models.
As for the lineup itself, Weinbach says Apple plans to keep the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini form factor in its lineup, despite widespread reporting of the iPhone 12 mini’s mediocre sales performance. With the iPhone 13 mini, Apple wants to improve battery life, a major concern for customers who enjoy the smaller form factor. Weinbach says the battery itself will be larger and longer battery life will be further improved thanks to the efficiency of the A15 chip.
Weinbach previously stated that the new iPhones would have stronger MagSafe, astrophotography capabilities, and the ability to shoot videos in portrait mode.
Earlier this week, images were sent to MacRumors show alleged photos of the front glass panels for the iPhone 13 models, showing that the earbuds have been moved to the top bezel. If true, this would be the most significant change to the notch’s design since it debuted in the iPhone X. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple plans to switch to a hole punch design for some iPhone from 2022 models.