Improved Ultrawide Camera Potentially Coming with iPhone 13 Seems Imminent

Improved Ultrawide Lens Appears Increasingly Likely for iPhone 13 Model

In a recent research note, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared his predictions about the upcoming iPhone 13. According to Kuo, the new device is expected to feature incremental upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 12.

One of the most significant changes could be in the camera department. Kuo suggests that the iPhone 13 will feature an upgraded ultrawide camera, potentially with an f/1.8 aperture and a six-element lens. This improvement is expected to result in significantly enhanced low-light performance.

Interestingly, Kuo also speculates that the telephoto lens from the iPhone 12 Pro Max could be incorporated into the regular iPhone 13 Pro. This would be a first for Apple, as the telephoto lens has traditionally been exclusive to the Pro models.

Sunny Optical, a China-based lens maker, has reportedly completed Apple's validation process for a five-element (5P) camera lens. This could be a sign that Sunny Optical might become a supplier for the iPhone 13's camera lenses. Kuo even goes a step further, predicting that Sunny Optical could potentially replace Largan as Apple's lens supplier for the iPhone 13.

The ultrawide camera upgrade is not limited to the iPhone 13 Pro models. According to Kuo, both higher-end iPhone 13 models might receive the f/1.8 6P upgraded ultrawide camera, while the other two models might stick with the current f/2.4 ultrawide camera.

Another anticipated change is in the display. All iPhone 13 models might feature OLED screens, with the possibility of the Pro models having 120Hz refresh rates. This could be a welcome change for users who found the absence of 120Hz refresh rates on the iPhone 12 lineup to be disappointing.

The first quarter of 2021 is when Sunny Optical's lens is expected to be shipped on an unspecified iPad model, and the upgraded ultrawide lens for the iPhone 13 is expected to be available on the rest of the flagship iPhones by the second half of 2022.

As we await the official unveiling of the iPhone 13, these predictions and speculations provide an exciting glimpse into what we might expect from Apple's next flagship device. Whether it's the upgraded camera or the potential 120Hz refresh rate on the Pro models, the iPhone 13 could be a potential consideration for those on the fence about upgrading.