Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

'iPhone 13' said to be minutely thicker overall, with noticeably larger camera bump

The 'iPhone 13' will be thicker with new camera bump design

New technologies used in the "iPhone 13" lineup may lead to a slightly thicker enclosusre, along with a redesigned and noticeably larger camera bump.

The "iPhone 13" lineup is expected to launch in late 2021 with a few small changes to the overall design. The iPhone 12 had significant design revisions, so Apple will likely change very little about the next iPhone's external casing.

According to schematics seen by MacRumors, the case enclosure will be thicker by 0.17 mm. The publication also says that the designs revealed by the schematics line up with dummy models shown off by Unbox Therapy.

The camera bump will also have an increased thickness across the "iPhone 13" lineup. The "iPhone 13" will have a 2.51 mm camera bump, up from 1.5 mm to 1.7 mm on the iPhone 12. The "iPhone 13 Pro" will have a much thicker 3.65 mm camera bump.

Renders shared by MacRumors showcasing the camera bump thickness Renders shared by MacRumors showcasing the camera bump thickness

MacRumors speculates that the camera bumps are getting thicker to reduce the lens protrusions on the back of the device. Apple made a similar design change with the iPad Pro cameras.

As seen in the Unbox Therapy video, the camera bump will increase in size as well. The measurements given for the "iPhone 13 Pro" will be around 36 mm by 37 mm, similar in size to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. That means that the pro iPhone models may have similar camera capabilities in the next generation.

Leaks of this nature normally source from accessory makers who get Apple's iPhone measurements early in order to design cases. Since the source of the schematics and dummy model are unknown, it is difficult to determine the accuracy of the leaks.

Expect the "iPhone 13" lineup to be announced at an Apple event in September. Rumored improvements include a better camera system, 120Hz ProMotion display, and Touch ID in the side button.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get the latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.



10 Comments

Beats 3073 comments · 4 Years

Stupid millimeter differences so cases become obsolete.

I’m starting to think Apple is doing this on purpose.

For a company that believes in simplicity they sure fragment iPhone sizes.

bageljoey 1997 comments · 18 Years

Beats said:
Stupid millimeter differences so cases become obsolete.

I’m starting to think Apple is doing this on purpose.

Honestly, I have NEVER used an old case when I got a new phone. Never occurred to me to stick anything old on my shiny new kit…

(I can understand with the $300 keyboard cases, but not the $20 phone case…)

the1maximus 90 comments · 7 Years

I highly doubt that camera array considering there’s no LiDAR sensor. 

As for the thickness, as mentioned before, who sticks an old case on a new phone? Who cares if the phone is fractionally thicker, it means they have more room for a bigger battery to fill the space. 

igorsky 775 comments · 9 Years

Beats said:
Stupid millimeter differences so cases become obsolete.

I’m starting to think Apple is doing this on purpose.

For a company that believes in simplicity they sure fragment iPhone sizes.

These types of complaints never cease to amuse me.

$1,000 phone = no problem
$20 accessory = travesty!

cpsro 3239 comments · 14 Years

If it’s heavier, yet another year I refuse to upgrade. Weight has gotten out of hand. No pun intended.