APPLE 13 LAUNCH EVENT 2021

After months of rumours, Apple has finally announced the iPhone13, succeeding the iPhone 12 series released last year.

A light update from last year’s iPhone 12, the new devices feature upgraded cameras and the company’s latest A15 chip, which it says is up to 50% faster than the competition.

The iPhone 13 family includes four models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max – all feature the new processor, which Apple said would help users “absolutely fly through demanding workloads smoothly and efficiently”.

As far as battery life goes, all four phones also feature larger batteries, which the company says combined with the more power-efficient chip offers between 1.5 and 2.5 hours more use each day.

“iPhone 13 has a faster chip, faster 5G speeds, a brighter OLED display and the most advanced dual camera system ever in an iPhone, and with all these upgrades the iPhone 13 has a better battery life,” Apple’s vice-president Kaiann Drance said.

The upgraded cameras have enabled a reduction in the “notch” on the front of the devices, shrinking the black bar by 20%, and as for video, Apple is making a big deal out of its Cinematic mode that lets you selectively adjust focus and depth of field when post-processing, like Portrait mode for photos. The 13 Pro, meanwhile, lets you record and edit video in Apple’s ProRes codec on the phone itself, or you can export the ProRes file to Final Cut Pro on a Mac.

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max contain three cameras and what Apple calls "its most advanced camera system yet".

Its premium models include a Super Retina XDR display and ProMotion - which delivers adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This allows for smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay.

The iPhone 13 mini starts at £679, with the iPhone 13 starting at £779. The iPhone 13 Pro starts at £949, and the larger Pro Max £1,049.

The iPhone 13 was one of many reveals as part of Apple's "California Streaming" event.

FAQs

Q: Do the Apple iPhone 13 devices have fingerprint sensors? A: No. This was rumoured for a few months but it didn’t come to be. The lone biometric security system of these phones is Face ID.

Q: Are the iPhone 13 phones water-resistant? A: Yes, all four models are IP68-rated against water and dust.

Q: Will cases for the iPhone 12 series fit the iPhone 13 series? A: No. Although the phones are about the same size as last year, the rear camera modules have been slightly redesigned. Therefore, cases from last year’s models won’t fit correctly.

10 BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN

We have picked the ultimate top 10 Christmas gifts for men that caters for all tastes and predilections. Proving it’s a myth that finding Christmas gifts for him is an impossible task, which is perfect if you’re buying for someone else or simply drawing up your own list for Santa Claus. Running the gamut from gentlemanly essentials to down-to-earth delights, we hope you find something you like......

1. Masterclass annual subscription

Ever wanted to learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay? How to make films from Martin Scorsese? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to write with Malcolm Gladwell or Margaret Atwood? If you or anyone you know ever felt in need of advice from industry titans to get better at a side hustle or hobby, Masterclass is an ideal gift. From £14.17 per month. masterclass.com

2. Aesop Post-Poo Drops

You can unwrap all the face cream, body wash and aftershave you like, but none will stand up to the challenge of Boxing Day morning quite as efficiently as Aesop's Post-Poo Drops. Instilling your bathroom with a delicate and neutralising smell in no time, like the Australian label's hand soap and hand cream duo, it comes with the added bonus of sitting very pretty on your sink-side, too. £20 for 100ml. At mankind.co.uk

3. Lelo Hugo prostate massager

You can't argue with the figures. Sales of men's sex toys are up exponentially this year, which likely means that Santa is getting some decidedly more X-rated wishlists. Lelo produces some of the best on the market, both in terms of their tech and their luxurious feel. The Hugo is its bestselling prostate massager, with two powerful motors and a remote control for its user or a partner to adjust myriad vibration and intensity settings. Perhaps best to omit this one from under-the-tree fare, lest a great aunt mistake the name on the card. £135. lelo.com

4. Beerwulf The Sub

Get ahead of pub curfews by bringing the beer tap home this Christmas. The Sub holds two litres of your favourite beer at an optimal 2C, for up to 15 days, ensuring that when you're booted out of the bars, the party will go on at home. £99. beerwulf.com

5. Therabody Theragun Mini

It's been a long year of working from home with a severely compromised posture, making the humble home massage device all the more appealing this year. Therabody's Theragun is the market leader, and the miniature version isn't just a more affordable alternative to the better-known drill-like device, but is easily stowed in a gym bag (to aid recovery post-session) or a weekend bag (to untie knots post-journey). £175. theragun.com

5. Stromberg Razor shoes

Now Donald Trump’s been decisively booted out of the Oval Office, it’s time to make golf cool again – and there’s no better place to start than with the very best gear. Whack on a pair of Stromberg’s spike-less golf shoes and you’ll get excellent traction during your drive – spike-less soles are practically on a par with spikes, these days – without angering the club management by tearing great gashes into their greens with your feet. £74.99. At americangolf.co.uk

6. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment For Men

You don't have to delve too deep into the specific skin type of your recipient at hand in order to count on Kiehl's Facial Fuel range do a great job. The invigorating formula is a bestseller for the grooming brand for good reason, uplifting tired-looking skin while controlling shine with a mix of caffeine, vitamin C and chestnut extract. £22 for 75ml. kiehls.co.uk

7. Lego Creator 10262 James Bond Aston Martin DB5

If, like us, you're buying for a man who has bemoaned the delayed release of the next Bond film ever since its first bump, this ought to keep him happy until the latest April 2021 release date. Lego has immortalised Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5 in brick form, complete with rotating licence plate, raisable bulletproof shield, pop-out front machine guns and tire-slashing scythes. £129.99. At John Lewis. johnlewis.com

8. Ballantine’s Finest Blended Whisky Joshua Vides Edition

A collaborator of brands from Nike to Fendi, renowned black and white artist Joshua Vides has lent his iconic comic book-style design to a bottle of Ballantine’s this Christmas, for a spirit that'll look particularly striking on his bar cart. The partnership is all about breaking with whisky's traditional codes, with Vides also creating striking speakeasy drinking experiences in secret locations around the world. £26.12. At amazon.co.uk

9. Gingerlily Man Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

If you're buying for a man who takes his skin and haircare particularly seriously, you won't find the missing product to his comprehensive nighttime routine in a bottle. Gingerlily's mulberry silk pillowcases don't just make for a softer place to rest your head when you go to bed, the silk contains the same naturally occurring proteins as hair, which helps reduce friction and moisture loss while you sleep, thus ensuring he's not waking up with a brittle barnet. £60. gingerlilylondon.com

10. Modern Gentleman Winter Hoodie Sweatshirt

When it comes to men's hoodies and sweatshirts, we obsess over these casual, comfy styles. Our range of mens hoodies offers a style for every occasion, especially during those chilled winter weekends. £59 Modern-Gentleman.com