In most “normal” years, we’d already know the official word on the iPhone 12. But this isn’t a normal year and we’re still waiting for this year’s iPhone unveiling. But how about some rumors for next year’s iPhone lineup while we wait?
Ross Young, an experienced display analyst, has come forward to lay out what he expects to see from next year’s “iPhone 13” lineup (via MacRumors). The research note comes from Mizuho Securities, and it also talks about the “iPhone SE 3” for good measure, the handset that will probably, some day, replace the current iPhone SE model you can buy right now.
But, first, the flagships.
What to (maybe) expect in the iPhone 13
First and foremost, we’ll apparently be getting four new iPhones in 2021, too, just like this year. Young says we can expect to see the 5.4-and 6.1-inch iPhone 13 models, as well as the 6.1- and 6.7-inch iPhone 13 pro models. Each of them will be OLED panels, so Apple will be keeping that around for another year, it seems. Young also notes Samsung, LG Display, and BOE will all be handling display orders, so here’s how that breaks down:
- iPhone 13 (5.4 inches): Samsung and LG Display
- iPhone 13 (6.1 inches): LG Display and BOE
- iPhone 13 Pro (6.1 inches): LG Display and BOE
- iPhone 13 Pro Max (6.7 inches): Samsung
These stats aren’t surprising. While Apple isn’t going to reinvent the wheel with the iPhone 12’s design this year, it is rumored it will have a style similar to the iPad Pro or iPhone 4. Those flat edges are more than enough to warrant no big changes to design or the overall lineup in 2021.
The iPhone 13 lineup will also keep the triple camera setup for the Pro models (so not going to four cameras just yet!), and dual camera setups for the non-Pro models. The Pro models will feature Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras, and will keep Face ID. There’s no mention in this report if Apple plans on adopting (re-adopting?) Touch ID for the Pro models, unfortunately.
And with 5G connectivity being introduced this year, Apple may make some changes (or not) next year. According to Young, the iPhone 13 (in 5.4- and 6.1-inch sizes) will only have support for sub-6Ghz 5G, while the Pro models will support both sub-6 and the faster mmWave technology.
Like DSCC, Mizuho Securities also says no new iPhone SE model in 2021, have to wait till 2022. They do say all iPhone 13 models will have integrated touch, BOE will join LGD on both 6.1" models, mini and 13 will adopt 12 Pro Max camera sensors, & sensor size will increase on Pro. pic.twitter.com/G9f6cz8dm0
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 2, 2020
But wait, there’s more. According to Young, the “most important” addition to the iPhone 13 lineup will be the adoption of 120Hz ProMotion display technology. This is something that has helped the iPad Pro lineup standout, and it’s a feature that’s been rumored off-and-on for the iPhone 12 for months now. However, as it stands right now, the rumor mill appears to be in agreement that 120Hz refresh rates won’t be a feature for this year’s iPhone lineup.
Now, about that iPhone SE 3
Young’s research indicates that Apple isn’t planning on launching a successor to the current iPhone SE next year. According to the documentation, Apple will launch the iPhone SE 3 sometime in 2022. When it arrives, it will continue to boast a 6.1-inch LCD display (manufactured by Sharp or JDI), and it will have two cameras on the back. No ToF camera, and it will not have Face ID, but rather rely on Touch ID.
According to the documents, the iPhone SE 3 will support only sub-6 5G connectivity.
So, there we have it. A nice taste of what’s probably going to launch in 2021.
Are you planning on upgrading to an iPhone 12 this year?