Apple shows off the iPhone 13 and two updated iPad models

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For those who don’t need all of the fancy features of the new iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models, Apple also announced its iPhone 13, the base-level device for those wanting solid performance without breaking the bank. Apple also shared the details of two new iPad models, including a significantly redesigned iPad Mini.

iPhone 13

The new iPhone 13 brings a slew of new improvements over its predecessor, including plenty of features and hardware that’s trickled down from Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max models revealed last year.

At the heart of the iPhone 13 is Apple’s A15 Bionic chipset, with 50% CPU performance and 30% GPU performance. The 6.1-inch edge-to-edge screen on the iPhone 13 is a Super Retina XDR OLED Display with 800 nits of peak brightness.

The dual-camera array on the back features a pair of 12MP sensors, which were first seen in Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max: one 26mm (full-frame equiv.) F1.6 wide camera and one 13mm (full-frame equiv.) F2.4 ultrawide angle camera. Both camera modules now support Night Mode and are capable of recording 4K60p video, as well as Dolby VIsion HDR video.

The wide camera module features sensor-shift image stabilization technology while the ultrawide lacks any stabilization. Cinematic Mode (1080p at 30 fps) will also be available on the iPhone 13, including the ability to adjust the depth of field effect after recording.

Other features of the iPhone 13 include 5G connectivity, which supports more than 200 carriers in over 60 countries by the end of the year, as well as IP68 water resistance rating, improved battery life and Apple’s MagSafe connection technology.

The iPhone 13 starts at $829 for the iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage. There are also 256GB and 512GB configurations available. Pre-orders will start this Friday, September 17, in advance of a September 24 release date.

iPads

In addition to its latest iPhones, Apple also introduced its new entry-level iPad and a new iPad Mini that brings the biggest update since its initial release.

The new iPad

The new iPad has Apple’s A13 Bionic chipset at its core, which offers a 20% performance improvement across the board. It also has new rear and front-facing cameras, including a 12MP ultrawide camera on the front, which supports Apple’s Center Stage technology for keeping subjects centered in the frame via digital zooming/panning.

The new iPad is available today starting at $329 for the Wi-Fi model.

iPad Mini

Apple has also given the iPad Mini its most significant update since its initial release. The updated iPad Mini features an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with True Tone, Wide Color and 500 nits of brightness. For performance, Apple says the CPU is 40% more powerful while the GPU doubles that with an 80% performance improvement over the previous generation.

Apple has also moved the touch ID to the power button and moved the volume buttons to make room for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which the iPad Mini now supports. The new iPad Mini starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi model.