Kuo: iPhone 13 Lineup to Feature Smaller Notch and Larger Batteries, 120Hz Display for Pro Models, and More

iPhone 13 models will all feature a smaller notch, while the two Pro models will be equipped with low-power LTPO display technology for a 120Hz refresh rate, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a research note obtained by MacRumors.


Several other sources have previously claimed that some iPhone 13 models will support a 120Hz refresh rate, including display industry analyst Ross Young, leakers Jon Prosser and Max Weinbach, and others. 2017 and newer iPad Pro models have a "ProMotion" display with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz.

iphone 12 120hz thumbnail feature
Kuo said the iPhone 13 lineup will consist of the same four models as the iPhone 12 lineup, all with a Lightning connector and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 modem, which offers several 5G networking improvements.

As previously rumored, Kuo said the iPhone 12 Pro Max's sensor-shift image stabilization will expand to the entire iPhone 13 lineup. He also expects iPhone 13 Pro models to feature an upgraded Ultra Wide camera lens with a wider ƒ/1.8 aperture and autofocus, compared to ƒ/2.4 on iPhone 12 models, as Barclays analysts said last month.

Kuo has previously predicted that at least one high-end iPhone model would feature a portless design in 2021, but his research note today claims that there will be "no portless design" this year after all, with the Lightning connector sticking around.

"If the iPhone abandons Lightning in the future, it may directly adopt the portless design with MagSafe support instead of using a USB-C port," wrote Kuo, noting that USB-C is less waterproof than Lightning. "At present, the MagSafe ecosystem is not mature enough, so the iPhone will continue to use the Lightning port in the foreseeable future."

All four iPhone 13 models will feature larger battery capacities compared to iPhone 12 models, according to Kuo, thanks to space-saving design choices such as integrating the SIM card slot with the logic board and reducing the thickness of some Face ID components. The larger batteries will make all iPhone 13 models slightly heavier, Kuo said.

Kuo said the rear LiDAR Scanner will remain limited to iPhone 13 Pro models, dismissing a rumor that it would be expanded to more models.

Kuo added that Apple does not plan to release a new iPhone SE until the first half of 2022. He said the new model will have a similar design as the existing 4.7-inch iPhone SE, with key new features including a faster chip and 5G support.

Related Roundup: iPhone 13
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

vikingjunior Avatar
40 months ago
How about a fingerprint sensor. This mask and Face ID is a PITA.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
satchmo Avatar
40 months ago
A smaller notch is welcomed especially on the iPhone mini.

Also the larger battery too.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrat93 Avatar
40 months ago
iphone 13 pro mini pls
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
40 months ago
120hz is all I want, best upgrade in years having a smooth display can't wait
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Internet Enzyme Avatar
40 months ago
This is going to be a dilemma for me: get the mini, the phone with the form factor I love for the best price, or get the 120hz LTPO display that I want but don't need for like $300 more. 13 mini pro is the tech nerd's device, but I don't expect that to ever be a thing
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Antes Avatar
40 months ago
im hoping the notch height is reduced, not the width.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Camera Lozenge 2 Perspective Gray

Five Key Upgrades Coming to iPhone 16

Friday March 15, 2024 1:45 pm PDT by
The iPhone is Apple's top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we're expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Capture Button All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Expected to Depreciate Heavily

Tuesday March 12, 2024 9:04 am PDT by
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple's flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple's iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company's more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%...
apple wallet drivers license feature

Apple Said iPhone Driver's Licenses Would Expand to These 8 U.S. States… Two Years Ago

Thursday March 14, 2024 7:33 am PDT by
In just four U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues. Adoption of the feature has been slow since Apple first announced it in September 2021, with IDs in the Wallet app only available in Arizona,...
airpods 3 orange

Two New AirPods 4 Models Expected to Launch in September or October

Sunday March 17, 2024 7:56 am PDT by
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C...
When To Expect New iPads Feature 1

Apple to Announce New iPads on March 26, Rumors Claim

Monday March 18, 2024 4:02 am PDT by
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23">claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an...
OLED iPad Air

iPad Air Next on Apple's OLED Tablet Roadmap Following iPad Pro

Friday March 15, 2024 3:30 am PDT by
The iPad Air will be the next Apple tablet to adopt OLED display panel technology following its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, according to an updated forecast from research firm Omdia (via The Elec). "In 2028, we expect the iPad Air to go OLED as well, with the iPad Air using single-stack and the iPad Pro using two-stack tandem OLEDs," said Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo, speaking on...
Walmart MacBook Air M1

Walmart Begins Selling MacBook Air With M1 Chip for $699 in U.S.

Friday March 15, 2024 6:57 am PDT by
Walmart today announced that it has started selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip in the U.S., with pricing set at a very reasonable $699. The laptop can be ordered now on Walmart.com, and it will be available soon at select Walmart stores. This is the first time that customers can purchase a Mac that is sold directly by Walmart, the company said in a press release. Some other retailers...