iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an always-on display

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A signature feature of the iPhone 13 might be an always-on display.
The iPhone 13 could stand out from its predecessors thanks to an always-on display.
Artist’s concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

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.

These tidbits come from Max Weinbach, who has a moderately reliable reputation for correctly predicting details of future Apple products. The tipster shared the info with the YouTube channel EverythingApplePro.

iPhone could get glanceable, always-on display

A standout feature of the 2021 iPhone could be a screen that never completely turns off. The clock and battery icon will always been shown, according to Weinbach. Notifications will light up temporarily.

Apple put its first always-on screen in the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019. And while the iPhone 13 would be the initial iOS handset with an always-on display, it’s fairly common in Android smartphones.

New camera tricks and better MagSafe

Rumors that the next iPhone Pro models will sport better cameras than their predecessors have circulated for some time. And now Weinbach asserts that they’ll also include a special mode just for taking high-quality pictures of the moon and stars, something that’s nearly impossible for anyone but an expert now.

Plus, the iPhone 13 will supposedly have portrait video, extending the bokeh effect beyond images. Apple users have asked for this for years so they can put the subject of videos in focus but leave the background blurry.

Weinbach also claims that the 2021 iPhone will include stronger magnets for MagSafe. Apparently, the first version of the wireless charging system isn’t as sturdy as Apple would like.

This tipster has a 67.1% accuracy rating on AppleTrack, putting him in 13th place among top sources of insider info.

Watch Sunday’s episode of EverythingApplePro for more details on Weinbach’s predictions.

Other 2021 iPhone rumors

The iPhone 13 series is about half a year away from launch, but it’s already been the subject of quite a few leaks. Most of these agree the four models will come in the same general shape and size as their predecessors, though perhaps a smidge thicker.

But there are expected to be some changes beyond the new ones from Weinbach. A faster Apple A15 processor is an easy assumption. In addition, the notch at the top of the display might be shorter, for example, and the Pro versions could offer more storage. And Apple is allegedly testing an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

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