Apple is functioning on four different models of the iPhone 13 which it plans to release within the last half of the year. The 2021 line-up will succeed the highly successful iPhone 12 series, which could feature a smaller notch as well as 120Hz displays for all its “Pro” models. The iPhone 13 series will come up with larger batteries and an improved 5G modem and better cameras.
Kuo believes that the next-generation iPhone 13 series will come with improved versions of existing devices, as Apple plans to bring minor changes to the new line-up. The 2021 iPhones will likely retain an equivalent design because of the iPhone 12 series, and even include a 5.4-inch iPhone “Mini”. There have been rumors that Apple might stop the production of smaller-sized iPhones due to poor sales but that’s not the case — at least for now.
All new iPhones will still include a proprietary lightning connection for power and data, Kuo said. The analyst doesn’t expect that Apple will move far away from its Lightning on its iPhones and switch to a USB-C connector. Apple already offers a USB-C connector on its high-end iPads but has thus far avoided ditching the Lightning connector on its popular iPhones.
The iPhone 13 line-up is going to be heavy than the iPhone 12 devices. That’s because of their larger battery capacities than the iPhone 12. Kuo’s latest investor note also suggests that a minimum of two high-end iPhone 13 models will have 120Hz displays, meaning it can refresh at a rate of 120 times every second, resulting in a smoother experience. Apple’s rivals Samsung have been offering flagship phones with 120Hz displays.
Apple didn’t decide to launch a new iPhone SE model in the year 2021. Instead of that, the tech giant is planned to introduce an updated iPhone SE with an improved processor variant with better 5G connectivity. The new iPhone SE model might include Face ID and edge-to-edge display, just like the iPhone XR. It will include a 4.7-inch screen and an old-fashioned iPhone 8 -like design.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple has plans to launch a foldable iPhone by 2023, and the phone could feature a screen of around 7.5-inch to 8 inches. The foldable iPhone might resemble that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, though Apple has not officially locked the planning. The foldable smartphone is trending these days, and Smartphone companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have already launched foldable devices in the market. That being said, the foldable form factor remains unproven thanks to the sturdiness of displays and therefore the high cost of producing.
