Don’t expect the 2021 iPhone to be able to charge AirPods or Apple Watch. A reliable tipster says Apple doesn’t intend to build reverse wireless charging into future handsets. Not anytime soon, at least.
iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an always-on display
The iPhone 13 series will borrow the always-on screen from the Apple Watch, according to an unconfirmed report. And the upcoming iPhone supposedly will support some new camera tricks, including Portrait Mode for video.
It’s shaping up to perhaps be more than a speed-bumped version of Apple’s 2020 models.
Qualcomm’s 10 gigabit 5G modem likely to show up in future iPhones
Qualcomm unveiled a 5G modem that potentially could increase the network speed of future iPhones. The new Snapdragon X65 promises 10 gigabit per second connections, as well as reduced battery drain.
In its announcement Tuesday, the chip maker didn’t specifically say the modem is headed for Apple products, but the iPhone 12 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modem for 5G. And the two companies have a multiyear chipset supply agreement.
iPhone 13 might offer double the storage capacity
The iPhone 13 is in the prototype phase, and some of those prototypes include 1TB of storage capacity, according to a reliable tipster. That’s twice as much as is available in the current model.
The same source says Apple is still working to decease the size of the iPhone notch.
2021 looks Mac-tastic! [Cult of Mac Magazine 385]
It looks like the MacBook Pro isn’t the only Apple laptop that’s going back to the future. The next-gen MacBook Air supposedly will get MagSafe, just like the MacBook Pro we learned about last week. Plus it should come in thinner and lighter than ever.
Add in the upcoming iMac and Mac Pro redesigns, and this year is looking pretty fantastic for Mac fans.
Meanwhile, this year’s iPhone might be a bit of a welcome throwback as well. You can luxuriate in all the latest Apple news and rumors in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Grab it now to read on your iOS device. Or scroll down for the links to this week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos.
Next iPhone lineup may bring smaller notch, better sensor-shift cameras
Apple will finally shrink iPhone’s notch for its next-generation devices, according to a new report citing sources in the company’s supply chain. Plus, all of the devices will pack even greater sensor-shift stabilization cameras.
It is believed design changes and upgrades to the iPhone’s front-facing Face ID camera and sensors will make the notch shrink possible.
Why a portless iPhone would be a nightmare
A reliable source says Apple is considering stripping the Lightning port from future iPhone models and replacing it with … nothing. Hopefully, it’s not too late to stop this terrible, terrible idea.
A portless iPhone is possible. And there are even a few advantages. But the significant drawbacks make the idea something that should be dropped like a burning bag of poo.
Superstition might keep an ‘iPhone 13’ from happening
The followup to the iPhone 12 might not be called the iPhone 13. Instead, a reliable source says it will such a minor update it’ll be dubbed iPhone 12s.
And triskaidekaphobia could cause Apple to skip straight to the iPhone 14.
Touch ID could return in 2021 iPhone 13
A fingerprint scanner might once again be part of Apple’s iPhone line, according to a reliable source. Touch ID might appear in 2021 alongside Face ID, not in place of it.
Also, Apple reportedly has a folding screen in the prototype stage.
Apple might shrink iPhone 13 screen notch
iPhone 13 will will still have a screen notch but it’ll be a bit thinner, according to information leaking out of Apple’s Asian supply chain.
Plus, the same source says Apple will cover the camera lenses of its upcoming handset with sapphire glass.
iPhone 13 could usher in smoother 120 Hz displays
A much-requested feature could make its debut in the iPhone 13. The refresh rate for the phone’s display reportedly will make the jump from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, leading to a smoother appearance.
iPhone 13 concept dumps square edges for wraparound screen
A concept artist imagines Apple taking the 2021 handset in a very different direction, with a screen that wraps around the sides, top and bottom.
Watch their iPhone 13 concept video now to see how it would look.
iPhone batteries could shrink again in 2021, but without battery life cuts
Apple will reportedly shrink iPhone batteries again in 2021 to make room for new technologies. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll have to get used to charging more frequently.
Reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to adopt new “soft board” battery technology for iPhone 13. It could allow more power to be squeezed into a smaller space.
iPhone SE fans could miss out on early 2021 refresh
iPhone SE fans hoping for an annual refresh could face disappointment in early 2021. One reliable analyst today reports that Apple has no plans to refresh its budget device during the first half of next year.
Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities indicates that plans for an upgraded iPhone SE have been pushed back while Apple suppliers battle it out to secure orders for next fall’s iPhone 13 instead.
The notch might finally start to slim down in iPhone 13
The notch in next year’s iPhone 13 allegedly is getting slimmed down a bit. It’ll be just as wide but not as tall, according to a tipster with history of inside information on upcoming devices.