The 2021 iPhone launch event is approaching and rumour has it this year Apple are aiming for a traditional mid September unveiling. Several details about the upcoming iPhone 13 range have emerged over the past months and we have a somewhat clear understanding of what the latest iPhone lineup will be like.
IS THE NEXT IPHONE GOING TO BE CALLED IPHONE 13?
Apple’s iPhone naming strategy is conventional to some extent, and follows a numerical sequence, so it is logical to assume that the 2021 iPhones will be called iPhone 13. However, it has been recently reported that within Apple Park the next iPhone is referred to as an ‘S’ series and Jon Prosser shared the details from his sources that it is indeed the case for the 2021 iPhone lineup. Additionally, number 13 is associated with negativity for many of us, so it is wise to skip ‘iPhone 13’ altogether. We will find out soon enough from Apple itself about the official name, but it is safe to assume for now that it will be an ‘iPhone 12S’ upgrade.
WHAT THE 2021 IPHONE WILL LOOK LIKE?
Size:
Despite poor iPhone 12 Mini sales, Apple is expected to unveil another iPhone Mini. In total there will be four models of the iPhone 12S:
- 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini
- 6.1-inch iPhone 12
- 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro
- 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max
Design
There’s no indication that Apple will move away from the iPhone 12 look, at least for the 2021 lineup, but a few changes are expected.
The camera setup on non-Pro models will be rearranged and the dual camera will be positioned diagonally rather than vertically. Reportedly, the Pro models will have an even larger elevation of the triple-lens camera module than that of the iPhone 12 Pro. There are talks that the notch housing the Face ID technology will shrink. Overall, the iPhone 12S range will have the same square edges as on the iPhone 12 series and it won’t feature an in-display Touch ID, so Face ID is here to stay for a little longer.
We’ve heard that Apple is working on a portless iPhone, and the recent release of Apple Battery Pack just before the September event suggests Apple is sticking to its plans, so we might be treated with at least one iPhone model this year featuring no ports, but this hasn’t been confirmed by a reputable source yet. Moreover, we think that MagSafe accessories need refinement to fully support Apple’s idea of a portless future, so 2021 might be too early for a no-ports iPhone.
Display
Reports indicate that there will be slight differences in display tech between iPhone 12S models. Apple is set to adopt LTPO displays for iPhone 12S Pro models to be able to feature 120Hz Pro Motion screens and Always-On-Display like Apple Watch does. This display upgrade was rumoured for the iPhone 12 lineup last year, but got delayed over battery life concerns. The regular iPhone 12S devices won’t have ProMotion displays on their list of specifications in 2021, however it is likely that this feature for the entire lineup has been reserved for 2022.
HOW MUCH WILL THE 2021 IPHONE COST?
Given that a minor ‘S’ upgrade is planned for 2021 iPhones, we’d expect retail prices of upcoming iPhones to be similar to iPhone 12 series, especially when you factor in the savings from not shipping in-the-box accessories.
If you’re planning to upgrade, the price is to be in the known on launch and learn a few tips on what models and capacities to choose if you’re keen on keeping the phone for longer.