New Apple Exclusive Details Massive iPhone 13 Upgrade

Apple’s iPhone 13 production is ahead of schedule with the range set to launch several months earlier than its predecessor. And now we know that Apple’s biggest iPhone 13 upgrade is going to be even better than we expected.

Apple's massive new rear cameras on iPhone 13 Pro, pink is also a tipped new color finish - render based on leaks Peng Phone

In a new exclusive, DigiTimes reports that Apple will not only fit massive new rear camera modules into every one of its iPhone 13 models, it is also going to equip them all with Voice Coil Motors (VCM), part of what Apple calls “game changing” technology which was previously reserved for its flagship iPhone 12 Pro Max.

“All new iPhones will feature [the VCM] function,” explains DigiTimes’ sources, “adding that the makers have been told to raise capacity by 30-40% to meet strong demand for iPhones.” But why should you be excited? VCMs are behind what Apple calls ‘sensor-shift’ optical image stabilization (OIS) in the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

“Until now, sensor‑shift stabilisation was only on DSLR cameras,” explains Apple. “This is the first time it’s been adapted for iPhone. Whether you’re shooting video of your kids as you chase them round the park or holding your iPhone out the window on a bumpy road, you’ll get more precise stabilization than ever.”

Apple iPhone 13 range has supersized new rear cameras - renders based on multiple leaks EverythingApplePro

How precise? Apple states that sensor-shift OIS can react 5000 times per second, that’s 5x faster than the OIS systems seen in the other iPhone 12 models. And the benefits are not only limited to stabilization, eliminating movement from shots improves low light photography and reduces noise. “It’s a game changer,” claims Apple.

You can see the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s sensor-shift hardware broken down (quite literally) by popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything in the video below:

Interestingly, for all Apple’s marketing, the benefits of sensor-shift on the iPhone 12 Pro Max (while visible in tests), were not as dramatic as expected compared to other iPhone 12 models. That said, Apple’s decision to supersize all the cameras across the iPhone 13 range makes it look like sensor-shift in the iPhone 12 Pro Max was more of a deployment test before its potential is fully realized by its successors.

Moreover, sensor-shift looks like just the cherry on top of some serious iPhone upgrades this year. Previous iPhone 13 leaks have revealed that, alongside their massive new cameras, Apple will add next-gen 5G modems, ’disruptive’ WiFi, MagSafe upgrades, enlarged beamforming mics, increased power efficiency (expect a battery life bump), 120Hz ProMotion displays (limited to Pro Models only) and - at long last - a smaller notch.

The combination of all these upgrades (plus a potentially surprising pink color option) with a much earlier release date strongly suggests Apple has another runaway hit on its hands.