Today, we saw the launch of Apple’s next-generation iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, the brand’s new high-end smartphones meant to succeed the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. As is typically the case with Apple’s Pro-level iPhones, the camera is one of the main differentiators between the iPhone 13 Pro and the standard model. But the phones are also getting a boost in performance, gains in battery life, a new 1-terabyte storage option, and a new display that can bump its refresh rate up to 120Hz.
A new triple-lens camera system with a larger 77-millimeter telephoto lens that provides a 3x optical zoom is being offered in the new models for the first time on an iPhone. This represents an improvement on the iPhone 12 Pro’s 2x optical zoom and the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s 2.5x optical zoom. One of the most intriguing features is the Cinematic Mode, which automatically does focus tracking based on the subject in the display. If the main subject looks back at someone else, the phone will detect this and focus on that element or person instead. The focus can be changed after recording. Apple also says the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max should be better at capturing macro photography shots since their cameras can magnify subjects with a minimum focus distance of less than an inch.
Just like last year, the iPhone 13 Pro has a 6.1-inch screen, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display. Both smartphones are also getting a boost in battery life, making them the longest-lasting iPhones ever made, according to Apple. The iPhone 13 Pro should last 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max gets a 2.5-hour bump in battery life over its predecessor. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models include the new A15 Bionic processor, which Apple says is 50 percent faster than chips in competing smartphones. The phones are made of 100 percent recycled rare elements and have ceramic shield fronts. The panel will be a Super Retina XDR OLED display. Color finishes include graphite, gold, silver, and sierra blue. The phones can be preordered starting on September 17th and will be available on September 24th.