Are the new iPhone phones coming?
Here we tell you 1:02
(CNN) -
A bigger 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 on Tuesday, where the company is expected to unveil the latest iPhone line.
At a virtual event held from its headquarters in Cupertino, California, the company is likely to introduce four new iPhones: the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The company may also introduce new AirPods, a new Apple Watch, and something related to augmented reality.
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The iPhone 13 devices are not likely 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 potential feature changes up its sleeve, including permanent updates like a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and better battery life.
The stakes are high for Apple.
The iPhone continues to be a major revenue driver and critical to its product ecosystem.
In April, Apple reported quarterly iPhone sales of nearly $ 48 billion, a massive 65% increase from the previous year, driven by demand for its 5G-capable iPhone 12 (Apple no longer discloses the number of iPhone units sold).
Now it must entice customers to spend more than $ 1,000 on some next-generation models.
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"Clearly, Apple doesn't have much to do," said David McQueen, director of market research firm ABI Research.
"Despite the relatively high prices, consumers will continue to buy and purchase Apple products, in part because of the strength of the brand and the quality of the products, and in part because they have already invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem."
Here's what to expect from Apple's big event, which kicks off at 1pm ET on its website.
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No more slot in the screen
There may be at least one notable tweak to the phone's design: Apple could finally remove that slot at the top of its screen, which contains its TrueDepth camera, speakers, microphone, and other sensors, to offer a less obstructed view of the touchscreen. .
When Apple debuted the iPhone X in 2017, it made headlines for removing the Home button and including smaller bezels around the frame to free up screen space.
But there was that unappealing notch near the top.
Now Apple can remove it all together, possibly repositioning the components on the bezels.
The device could also have an always-on display and an under-display Touch ID.
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Diagonal cameras, more storage, and bigger, better batteries
The cheaper iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are rumored to have two rear camera lenses positioned diagonally for the first time, potentially to make room for a larger sensor.
Meanwhile, the three rear camera lenses on iPhone 13 Pro models could come in different sizes and sit inside a thicker bulge, reportedly for teasers with stabilization.
New camera features could include portrait mode for videos and astrophotography support for taking pictures of the night sky.
Other updates may include satellite technology support for sending messages in emergency situations, a faster refresh rate for better gaming, an improved 5G chip, and a larger battery that promises to last all day.
(Bigger and better batteries may also be coming to the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini, which will help address one of the common complaints about Apple's smaller, thinner, and lightest 5G phone and potentially boost its lackluster sales.)
In a recent investor note, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said the iPhone 13 could come with a 1 terabyte storage option, double the Pro's current maximum storage capacity of 512GB.
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 was opened.
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 biggest features, like glucose monitoring and body temperature readings, aren't expected to arrive until next year, Apple may announce a slightly larger screen, slimmer edges, and a faster processor.
Apple may also showcase its next-gen AirPods, with a design more in line with its higher-end AirPods Pro with spatial audio support and touch controls.
The earbuds are rumored to come with a redesigned charging case that includes a 20% larger battery so people can use more on a single charge.
Approaching a wireless future
For months, there have been rumors that Apple is about to remove the Lightning port from its iPhones.
The move in that direction began years ago with the removal of the cord and plug from the box and continued with the introduction of MagSafe, a magnetically attached wireless charger that is attached and detached on the back of an iPhone case.
The port downsizing probably won't happen yet;
For starters, its MagSafe partners should be ready with more wireless chargers, but the company is said to be working to expand and improve compatible accessories to make its iPhones more ready 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 older models, but iPhone 13 prices could be a bit higher this year due to current chip supply issues.
"Despite the high profit margins on its iPhones, it would not be surprising if Apple passed on this increase to the consumer, which could drive the prices of its iPhones to their highest level," McQueen said.
A slight price change might not deter people from upgrading to an iPhone 13. But considering that iPhone 12 Pro models start in the four-figure range, it's unclear how many more people will be willing to pay for a few. incremental improvements.
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