iPhone 13 dummy models offer an early look at the rumored design of this year’s new iPhone
Tom Sykes
Posted On 18/07/2021 
As we near the launch of this year’s new iPhone models, The Apple Post has gone hands-on with dummies of the rumored new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, which have been based on leaked schematics and components, offering an early preview of what to expect from the new devices when they launch this fall.
Unlike last year when Apple gave the iPhone a full refresh with an iPhone 4-style squared-edged design, this year’s four new iPhone 13 models are expected to have relatively minor visual changes compared to the current iPhone 12 lineup, with more significant changes rumored for next year’s iteration.
Starting with the camera, Apple is rumored to be giving the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini a new diagonal camera layout, with the LiDAR sensor on the iPhone 12 Pro expected to remain exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
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Comparing the models to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, it looks like Apple may increase the thickness of this year’s new models slightly, likely for the rumored “greatly increased battery capacity” which is said to give up to an 18% increase for the largest iPhone.
The dummies suggest Apple will stick to the smooth glass back and aluminum design for the iPhone 13, keeping the textured matt glass back and stainless steel design of the iPhone 12 Pro exclusive to the high-end iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
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Apple offers the current-generation iPhone 12 in six colorful finishes including Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple. We haven’t yet seen any rumors suggesting these colors will be changed with the iPhone 13, but we very well could be given new finishes to freshen up the line in fall.
It appears that Apple is repositioning the volume buttons and SIM tray on the iPhone 13, with the dummy model showing the buttons moved slightly lower down compared to the iPhone 12. The SIM tray on the other hand has been moved upwards by a fraction, bringing it closer to the volume button and mute switch.
One of the big talking points all rumors and reports have been pointing to is the iPhone 13 featuring a smaller notch. It’s hard to see the notch on the dummy, but you can see the earpiece has been moved upwards and is now integrated into the device’s top bezel as previously leaked glass panels had suggested it would.
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The front-facing camera also appears to have been repositioned on the model, further suggesting the TrueDepth camera and sensor system will be reduced in size this year.
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How accurate are these iPhone 13 dummies? Well, we got our hands on a model of the iPhone 12 Pro Max last year, showing what at the time was our first hands-on look at 2020’s new flat-edged iPhone. Our last dummy proved to be fairly accurate, and what we’re seeing from this year’s dummies are matching closely with previously leaked schematics and information for the upcoming iPhone 13.
At this moment in time, it does look like these dummies are reliable representations of what Apple will likely announce this September, but there’s always a chance a couple of changes to the design could be made to surprise us all when the iPhone is officially shown off.
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Dummy models such as these are often created by accessory makers based on leaked schematics so they can be amongst the first to offer third-party cases for the new devices when they go on sale. These are not official iPhone models, so anything could change between now and the device’s launch, but it’s safe to say we’re confident in what we’re showing you here today.
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