Apple iPhone 13
Apple Bringing Qi2 Support to iPhone 13, 14
iOS 17.2 adds support for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard to the previous two generations of iPhones. Qi2 is based on Apple's proprietary MagSafe, which itself is based on the older Qi standard. MagSafe and Qi2 both feature magnets to ensure proper alignment, as well as faster charging speeds compared to Qi. The iPhone 15 series already supports Qi2. iOS 17.2 also includes a fix for wireless charging issues that some iPhone 15 owners have experienced in certain models of cars.
Apple Self Service Repair Launches Today
Apple customers can now directly purchase iPhone repair kits and genuine Apple replacement parts for iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and the newest iPhone SE. Apple announced Self Service Repair in November 2021 and Google and Samsung have since announced similar programs.
Apple Launches Self Service Repair for iPhones
Apple has announced a new program that will allow consumers to repair their own iPhones using Apple genuine parts and tools. Initially, Self Service Repair will support display, battery, and camera repairs for the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups. A new Apple Self Service Repair Online Store will be available early next year in the US, offering "more than 200 individual parts and tools" to enable such repairs. Later in 2022, the company will expand the program to include additional types of iPhone repairs, as well as Macs with M1 chips. Detailed repair manuals are provided as part of the program. After a repair, "customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase." Apple stresses that "Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional ... is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair." Professional iPhone repairs are available at over 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers. This new move by Apple comes as the US Federal Trade Commission takes a more aggressive stance on "right to repair" laws and regulations.
Anker's New MagSafe Chargers Offer New Form Factors
Anker has launched MagGo, a new line of wireless chargers compatible with Apple's MagSafe magnetic wireless charging system, introduced with the iPhone 12 series. The MagGo lineup includes several unique new designs.
- The 623 Magnetic Wireless Charger is a dual charger with a simple, stylish design, ideal for a nightstand. The compact cylinder shape has a top pad that tilts up to 60º and can hold an iPhone 12 or 13 vertically or horizontally while charging it at 7.5 watts. When the top part is tilted, a second charging pad is exposed that can charge a wireless earbuds case at 5 watts. The 623 is available in dark gray, white, Misty Blue, or Lilac Purple. It's available now for $80.
- The 637 Magnetic Charging Station is a multi-function wireless and wired charging hub designed to live on your desk. Like the 623, it can charge an iPhone wirelessly at 7.5 watts while holding it up an angle. On the back are two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and three AC outlets. The USB-C ports support USB-PD up to 65 watts, for quickly charging devices as large as laptops. It's available now for $100, in dark gray, white, or Misty Blue.
- The 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger is a 2-in-1 charging stand with removable magnetic battery. Like the other models, it can wirelessly charge an iPhone at 7.5 watts while holding it at an angle, in either vertical or horizontal orientation. A second pad in the base can charge an earbuds case at 5 watts. The main charger can be removed from the stand and used as a portable 5,000 mAh power bank. On the go, it provides magnetic wireless charging as well as USB-C charging at up to 12 watts. It will run $120 when it goes on sale in early December. It will also come in dark gray, white, or Misty Blue.
iPhone 13 Upgrades Cameras, Displays
Apple today announced the iPhone 13 series. All models feature improved battery life, display, cameras, and processor. Although the model options and designs are similar to the iPhone 12 series, the notch for the TrueDepth camera system that powers Face ID is now 20% smaller, allowing more usable display area. The OLED displays on all models are now more efficient and offer greater peak brightness outdoors, while supporting HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The Pro models gain adaptive refresh of 10–120 Hz. The cameras have been updated to let in much more light for better performance, especially in low light. The main camera features a f/1.6 aperture on the standard models and f/1.5 on the Pro models. Apple has also brought sensor-shift OIS to the standard models, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro Max. On the Pro models, the telephoto camera has been bumped from 2x to 3x, for 6x total optical zoom range. The Pro models also feature an all-new ultra-wide camera with an unprecedented f/1.8 aperture as well as true auto-focus, enabling a new macro mode. All three cameras now support night mode. A new Cinematic Mode in the camera app can automatically change focus based on who is looking where in the scene, and lets the user adjust focus in videos after they have been shot. A new Photographic Styles feature offers greater control over Apple's advanced multi-frame image processing. The Pro models can also now shoot and edit Apple ProRes video at 4K (30 fps). The new A15 Bionic chip powers all four models. Apple claims it's 50% faster than the best competing chip. The A15 variant in the Pro models is slightly more powerful with five GPU cores instead of four. Improved efficiency and larger batteries give the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13 Pro 1.5 hours more of battery life, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max gain 2.5 hours of battery life. iPhone 13 and 13 mini will be available in pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED in a new entry-level capacity of 128 GB (double last year's starting option), as well as 256 or 512 GB. The standard-size iPhone 13 starts at $799 while the mini starts at $699. iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max will be available in graphite, gold, silver, and sierra blue in 128, 256, or 512 GB, plus a new 1 TB option. The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999 while the Pro Max starts at $1,099. Customers will be able to pre-order all four iPhone 13 models this Friday, with full availability September 24th.
