According to a leaked snapshot posted on the Chinese website, IT Home, Apple plans to launch the iPhone 13 lineup on September 17th, when it will be available for pre-order with the official launch on September 24th. This is the schedule for China which should be among the first wave.
Along with the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro max, there’s also mention of an AirPods 3 launch. This date lines up with Apple’s traditional pre-pandemic schedule of a September launch date timeframe.
Last year the pandemic caused several unexpected delays, which threw off the timing. Apple and its partners have learned to navigate the situation, so things should be back to the usual September launch schedule.
Read More: iPhone 13 rumors: Everything we know so far!
Bloomberg’s Apple insider Mark Gurman confirmed that Apple scrapped its plans to reintroduce Touch ID on the iPhone 13 range. He said, “While Apple had tested in-screen Touch ID for the next flagship iPhones, it won’t make the cut this year.”
Yep! iPhone 13 Pre-Orders Starting September 17th, Launch on September 24th
For what it’s worth, we are corroborating these dates. ☝️https://t.co/aevz5K57Qs
— jon prosser (@jon_prosser) August 25, 2021
“I believe Apple is all-in on Face ID for its higher-end iPhones and its long-term goal is to implement Face ID in the display itself,” he explained. Apple is also understood to be freezing iPhone 13 prices, which is tipped to deliver another sales supercycle following the runaway success of the iPhone 12.
Read More: Features for the upcoming iPhone 13
The expected difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro will be that the regular one will be made of aluminum and glass, with the back glass having a glossy finish.
In comparison, the iPhone 13 pro will have a more premium finish with stainless steel instead of aluminum, and the black glass will have a matte finish.
The rumors circulating suggest that both the pro models might also feature upgraded ultra-wide-angle cameras with f 1.8 aperture and autofocus. A six-element lens is also expected as opposed to a five-element one.