(CNN) – A larger iPhone battery that lasts longer. A diagonal camera system. And a terabyte of storage.
These are some of the latest rumors about what Apple may announce during a highly anticipated media event this Tuesday, where the company is expected to unveil the latest line of iPhone.
At a virtual event held from its headquarters in Cupertino, California, the company is likely to present four new iPhones: the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The company may also introduce new AirPods, a new Apple Watch and something related to augmented reality.
IPhone 13 devices are unlikely to have revolutionary design changes. In fact, they will probably look very similar to last year’s models, with a few exceptions. But there’s a long list of possible feature changes under the sleeve, including permanent updates like a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and better battery life.
There is a lot at stake for Apple. The iPhone remains a major revenue driver and is critical to its product ecosystem. In April, Apple reported quarterly iPhone sales of nearly $ 48 billion, a massive 65% increase over the previous year, driven by demand for its 5G-capable iPhone 12 (Apple already does not disclose the number of iPhone units sold). You should now encourage customers to spend more than $ 1,000 on some next-generation models.
“Clearly, Apple doesn’t have to do much,” said David McQueen, director of market research firm ABI Research. “Despite relatively high prices, consumers will continue to buy and purchase Apple products, in part because of the brand’s solidity and product quality, and in part because they have already invested heavily in Apple’s ecosystem.”
This is what you can expect from Apple’s big event, which starts at 1 pm ET on its website.
No more slots on the screen
There may be at least one notable fit in the design of the phone: Apple could finally remove this slot at the top of the screen, which contains its TrueDepth camera, speakers, microphone and other sensors, to provide a less obstructed view of the touch screen.
When Apple debuted with the iPhone X in 2017, it appeared in the headlines to remove the Home button and include smaller bezels around the frame to free up screen space. But there was this unattractive notch near the top. Now Apple can remove everything together, possibly repositioning the components in the bevels.
The device could also have a screen always on and a Touch ID under the screen.
Diagonal cameras, more storage and better and bigger batteries
It is rumored that the cheaper iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have two rear camera lenses placed diagonally for the first time, potentially to make room for a larger sensor.
Meanwhile, the three rear camera lenses on the iPhone 13 Pro models could come in different sizes and fit within a thicker bulge, according to reports with stabilization. New camera features could include video portrait mode and astrophotography support for taking pictures of the night sky.
Other upgrades may include support for satellite technology to send messages in emergencies, a faster refresh rate for better gaming, an improved 5G chip, and a larger battery that promises to last all day. (Larger and better batteries may also arrive on the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini, which will help address one of the common complaints of Apple’s smaller, thinner, lighter 5G phone and potentially boost its mediocre sales).
In a recent investor note, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said the iPhone 13 could come with a 1-terabyte storage option, twice the current maximum storage capacity of the Pro. 512 GB.
Beyond that, there is a possibility that augmented reality is also an approach. The image included in this year’s press invitation featured an Apple logo on a lake. When users tapped the same image on Apple’s website, an augmented reality tool opened up.
New AirPods and Apple Watches
The company could introduce the new Apple Watch Series 7 model with updated health features and better battery life. While some of the most important features, such as glucose monitoring and body temperature readings, are not expected to arrive until next year, Apple may announce a slightly larger screen, thinner edges and a more processor. fast.
Apple can also show off its next-generation AirPods, with a more in-line design with its high-end AirPods Pro with spatial audio support and touch controls. The headphones are rumored to come with a redesigned charging case that includes a 20% larger battery so people can use more with a single charge.
Approaching a wireless future
For months, there have been rumors that Apple is about to remove the Lightning port from their iPhones. The move in this direction began years ago with the removal of the cable and plug from the box and continued with the introduction of MagSafe, a magnetically connected wireless charger that is placed and disconnected on the back of the iPhone case.
Port reduction is unlikely to happen yet; for starters, its MagSafe partners need to be prepared with more wireless chargers, but the company is said to be working to expand and improve compatible accessories so that their iPhones are better prepared for a wireless future.
A price increase?
There could also be at least one unwanted update this year: higher prices.
Apple tends to keep the cost of its new iPhones relatively close to its newer previous models, but iPhone 13 prices could be a little higher this year due to current chip supply issues.
“Despite the high profit margins on its iPhones, it wouldn’t be surprising for Apple to pass this increase on to the consumer, which could take the prices of their iPhones to their highest level,” McQueen said.
A slight price change may not deter people from upgrading to an iPhone 13. But considering the iPhone 12 Pro models start in the four-digit range, it’s unclear how many more people will be willing to pay for a few incremental improvements.