Article Summary

Editor's note: The iPhone 13 was released in 2021. You can take a look at what people were talking about before the phone ever released. 

There’s speculation every year about the features that Apple will include in its annually refreshed iPhone line-up. Rumoured upgrades this year include a 120Hz display with a smaller “notch,” camera upgrades, USB-C, and high-band 5G for the Canadian market.

WhistleOut Canada watches the wireless industry to find you the best deals and track the innovative changes coming up soon. Not all of these rumoured features will come to pass, but we are confident that Apple will announce up to four new iPhone 13 models in September 2021.

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Apple iPhone 13 Series Rumours

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We’re still weeks away from the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup launch event, but industry experts一including WhistleOut writers一are tracking the leaks, rumours, and projections about the newest Apple iPhone models. Last year’s iPhone 12 set a high bar for Canadian consumers with 5G and OLED displays on all models. Some experts are speculating a better display and camera improvements this year.

How many iPhone 13 models are there?

The models listed above are purely speculation. Details may change for launch.

We expect Apple to fully upgrade its flagship iPhone moniker to “iPhone 13” instead of “iPhone 12s” (see below for more of our thoughts on this). Expect your new favourite flagship device to carry the lucky number 13. 

Lacklustre sales for the iPhone 12 mini gave rise to early rumours that the smaller profile would be removed from this year’s lineup. However, most iPhone 13 leaks indicate that Apple will release four models including an iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone Pro model has proven to be popular, so we expect to see current-gen upgrades for both the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is likely since it gives Apple the opportunity to add exclusive hardware to truly max out what an iPhone can do.

What iPhone 13 colours will come to Canada?

Following the pattern from previous years, Apple will likely release the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini in five colours: black, white, blue, pink and (PRODUCT)RED. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max should appear on store shelves this autumn with matte black and orange-bronze colour options. It's unclear if the silver and gold will be available, but expect the stylish iPhone 12's Pacific Blue to sail off into the sunset. Historically, all colour options available in Apple's primary U.S. market are also available in Canada. We expect the iPhone 13 to follow that same pattern and release with all colour choices in stock for Canadians.

As the most fashionable smartphone on the market, the Apple iPhone needs to keep up with—or set—the style in the year ahead. Some years, Apple has chosen to release just basic black and white models, while other years the company produces a half-dozen colour options. For the last few years, Apple retires one or two colours while introducing something new to the palette. 

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini were released with white, black, green, (PRODUCT)RED, and a brilliant blue colour backing. Apple reintroduced an electric purple earlier this year, but it's likely only a limited-time colour and won't appear on the iPhone 13. The green is a couple of years old, so Apple will likely retire it in favour of something fresh. The industry experts predict black, white, blue, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new pink hue.

Fashion is less important than productivity for iPhone Pro owners, and the colour choices reflect that in the last three premium iPhone generations. Since the iPhone XS, Apple offers different colour options between its mainstream flagship and its premium model. While the iPhone 13 will sell with bright, stylish colours, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will come in more subdued yet sophisticated tones. Last year, Graphite replaced Space Gray, but this year it may be replaced as well by a matte black finish not seen since in five years. Right now, the rumours for a new colour sit with an orangey-bronze that add an air of style without the boldness of gold. That said, gold and silver continue to be popular choices and could return for the iPhone 13 Pro models.

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12S

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Some of the iPhone’s most heavily promoted upgrades in the last few years include 5G service, better camera technology, and full-screen displays starting with the iPhone X. However, it’s not clear what the big banner upgrade will be in 2022. 

In years like this, Apple often adds an “S” moniker to the previous model reflecting a “speedier” version of last year’s iPhone一meaning this year’s smartphone family could be named “iPhone 12S.” However, most industry rumours indicate Apple’s iPhone series released this year will be titled “iPhone 13.”

When will the iPhone 13 come out in Canada?

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No delays are expected this year, so we could see at least some of the new iPhone 13 models delivered and on store shelves as early as Friday, September 17, 2021, but the following Friday, September 24 is more likely as it gives more time for preorders. We may not see some of Apple’s iPhone 13 models一including the iPhone 13 Pro Max一available until October. A refresh of the iPhone SE with 5G could arrive sometime in 2022. 

Recent industry insiders cite evidence that Apple will have more than one product release event in September, including a new iPad mini, a MacBook Pro, and more. We’ll update this page as we get more information.

Rumoured iPhone 13 Specs

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iPhone 13 display rumours

• 120Hz refresh rate (confirmed): There’s a high probability that at least some iPhone 13 models will include a 120Hz refresh rate. Since the base model iPhone 12 last year received the same OLED display as found on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple could restrict 120Hz refresh rates to just the “Pro” models using low-temperature Polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) that helps reduce battery drain. However, even the base model iPhone 13 could see an upgrade, as OnePlus did by putting a 90Hz display on the OnePlus 8 and a 120Hz display on the OnePlus 8 Pro. 

• Smaller notch (confirmed): Another rumoured change to the display is a smaller “notch” at the top of iPhone 13 displays. Front-facing cameras and sensors have shrunk enough that Apple may finally reduce the size of this unloved display feature it helped create. This update would be a welcome change for long-time iPhone owners.

iPhone 13 camera rumours

• Layout (confirmed): Early renders of the new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini indicate a new diagonal layout for the devices’ camera lenses. Offsetting the lenses in this way enables photo processing software to better recognize subject depth no matter if the device is in landscape or portrait mode. Understanding depth helps the iPhone’s camera software with features like bokeh, which artificially blurs the background to give your photos and videos a more professional look.

• Larger lenses: Leaked product renders also show larger lenses for the rear cameras. This would allow for the sensors to absorb more light and would further improve features like Apple’s industry-leading Night Mode. This might increase the size of the rear camera bump.

• Ultra-wide autofocus (confirmed): Although we predict the sensors will remain at 12MP for yet another year, Apple may upgrade the ultra-wide camera with autofocus and/or reduce the aperture to f/1.8, down from f/2.4. 

• LiDAR: Apple added a LiDAR scanner to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max for incredibly accurate 3D scanning. There may be some improvements made to LiDAR this year, but it’s not likely that the feature will move to the base model iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini.

• ProRes video (confirmed): This is a big deal for content creators. Last year, Apple added ProRAW photo support as an exclusive feature on its iPhone 12 Pro models. This year, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max may get ProRES video codec support too. The format is an industry standard for film and television, so iPhone footage could be brought straight from the device into the editing suite

iPhone 13 communications rumours

• 5G mmWave in Canada: One small difference between the U.S. and international iPhone 12 models released last year was mmWave connectivity, which enables high-band 5G access. With access to super-fast download speeds and low-latency connections, mmWave unlocks the true potential of 5G. However, only the U.S. iPhone 12 models included this tech. Since mmWave is at least another couple of years away from rolling out in Canada, it’s not a big problem. However, there’s a small chance we could see the tech added this year in order to future-proof Canadian iPhone 13 models.

• Satellite in your pocket: This was a bit of a surprise. A couple of weeks before the new models are set to release, a reliable industry analyst claimed that the new Qualcomm X60 modem chip used in the iPhone 13 is capable of satellite communications. Such an innovation would bring connectivity to much of the approximately 70% of Canada uncovered by cell service. Satellite communications services aren't cheap, but with Low Earth Orbit (LEO ) satellites like those used by Starlink, this could be the next major innovation for wireless communications. However, the conclusions appear to be premature as the technology described can also be used for wireless connections here on the ground. While it's likely that the iPhone 13 will be the most universally connectable smartphone on the most wireless networks around the world, we're still a few years away from streaming YouTube on our phones over satellite.

• Lightning port/USB-C: Rumours persist every year that Apple will swap out its proprietary Lightning data port for a USB Type-C port. However, all signs point to all iPhone 13 models continuing to use a Lightning port for digital connectivity. A switch to USB-C may never come, as Apple is likely waiting for MagSafe to become more popular before releasing a completely portless iPhone.

• Improved MagSafe: Apple took wireless charging to the next level last year, releasing MagSafe charging and accessories for the iPhone 12. This year, improved MagSafe features could include faster charging, reduced overheating, and reverse charging capabilities.

• TouchID in-screen fingerprint scanner: Fingerprint scanners are popular on smartphones by Samsung, Motorola, and TCL to name a few. That’s mostly because no Android smartphone has replicated the ease and reliability of Apple’s Face ID unlock as an alternative to fingerprint security. Apple is reportedly testing in-screen TouchID for future iPhone models, but it’s unlikely to arrive this year.

• Wi-Fi 6E: Apple is often at the forefront of new wireless technologies. There are only a few smartphone models in the market with Wi-Fi 6E support, but the silicon inside the iPhone 13 includes the potential for Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. As of this year, Wi-Fi 6E frequencies are available for home wireless networks in Canada. Read more about Wi-Fi 6E and how it can improve wireless performance in your home.

Other iPhone Models and Rumours

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There are few gadgets that warrant more speculation than new iPhone models. Let’s break down all of the current models available and how likely it is for each design to continue into 2022.

iPhone 12

For several years, Apple continues to sell the previous generation's flagship model at a reduced price. Leading up to this year's event, the iPhone 12 is typically selling for around $30/month with Back to School deals. Two years ago, the iPhone XR was repackaged at $799 CAD, and last year the iPhone 11 price was lowered to $849 CAD. It’s reasonable to assume that the base model iPhone 12 with 64GB could cost as much as $899 CAD. 

However, consumers may find it confusing to choose between an iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13. It's possible that Apple could retain the older iPhone 11 as the only discount option and drop the iPhone 12 lineup altogether.

iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max to be discontinued

The future isn’t so bright for the rest of the iPhone 12 series smartphones. Apple reportedly stopped manufacturing the iPhone 12 mini last spring, citing a lack of consumer interest. If a new iPhone 13 mini is coming, then there is virtually no chance Apple will continue selling this diminutive model.

In the past, Apple has terminated the production of all earlier premium iPhones一specifically, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS一once the new generation hit the shelves. We expect the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max to follow that same pattern and ride off into the sunset.

iPhone 11

Even with the iPhone 12 sticking around, there’s a big demand for an affordable iPhone with a full-screen display. The iPhone 11 is still a great phone and is already priced around $25/month on two-year carrier plans during Back to School promotions. There’s a chance that the iPhone 11 will be discontinued since the iPhone SE features comparable performance and a lower price tag. Apple supports its iPhone family with many years of security updates. Even the old iPhone 6s (released in 2015) will run Apple’s newest iOS 15, so whether or not it's discontinued, expect the iPhone 11 to continue being a great value deal in 2022.

iPhone SE (2020)

The iPhone SE is all about legendary Apple performance in a pocket-sized device for a wallet-friendly price. Last year, the upgraded iPhone SE (2020) packed iPhone 11 hardware inside that classic retro layout complete with a Home button starting at $599 CAD. Many long-time Apple fans jumped on the chance to upgrade their beloved old, cracked iPhone devices with a new model that had a familiar feel. 

We expect Apple to continue selling the iPhone SE released last year. However, look to 2022 for a next-generation refresh of this pocket-friendly model. It could be the first iPhone nano to hit the market.

iPhone XR to be discontinued

Apple kept the iPhone XR around last year to bridge the price gap between the classically styled iPhone SE and the powerful iPhone 11. We predict it will finally be retired this year. If the iPhone 11 sticks around, it would better suit the middle-ground between the cheap iPhone SE and expensive, full-screen devices.

Best Carriers for the iPhone 13

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To get the most out of your new iPhone 13, you’ll need a fast 5G network. In Canada, that means subscribing to a plan at Rogers, Bell, Telus, or Videotron. Currently, Rogers 5G covers 50% of Canadians with next-generation speeds. By the end of 2021, all three national carriers (including Bell 5G and Telus 5G) expect to offer 5G coverage to 70% of all Canadians from east to west. Residents of Quebec can also enjoy 5G service on affordable “All-Inclusive” plans from Videotron. For more answers to your most common questions about 5G, check out our full 5G in Canada guide. 

Every major wireless provider in Canada supports current iPhone models on nationwide 4G LTE networks, too. If you plan to stick with a 4G LTE iPhone for a while, then we recommend you save some money by sticking with a midrange carrier like Koodo, Virgin Plus, Fido, or Freedom Mobile.  Read our full guide covering the best deals on every model of iPhone available across Canada.

Still in development: Come back as we'll update prices as they are published by Canadian wireless carriers.