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Fresh off Apple’s official announcement of the new iPhone 13, tech accessory brands aren’t wasting time in rolling out their gear for the device. At its highly-anticipated keynote livestream today, the tech giant revealed its latest lineup of iPads, Watch Series 7 and iPhones, all of which will feature new hardware for faster, smoother and more responsive performance when it comes to taking photos, watching videos and playing games. (Contrary to rumors, there was no mention of the AirPods 3.)
Available for pre-order starting at 5 p.m. PST this Friday, Sept. 17 and landing in stores Sept. 24, the iPhone 13 will come in 5.4-inch Mini and 6.1-inch sizes as well as Pro and Pro Max options in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes. All models will be equipped with Apple’s newest lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip, a more durable Ceramic Shield screen, a larger battery (which gets you 1.5 to 2.5 more hours than iPhone 12), more advanced front and rear cameras, 5G compatibility, an increased starting capacity of 128GB and expanded storage of up to 1TB for the Pro and Pro Max.
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Photographers will find the most robust equipment and displays yet in the iPhone 13, which are built with a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, which makes for brighter outdoor viewing, more precise colors, better power efficiency, faster frame rates and a more fluid and responsive user experience.
The cameras (a dual system for iPhone 13, and a three-lens system for iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max) feature Apple’s largest sensors ever, resulting in faster shutter speeds and less noise when taking photos and videos. In the Pro and Pro Max models, shutterbugs will enjoy 77-millimeter focal length (ideal for stunning portraits), 3x telephoto zoom, an ultra-wide lens, autofocus and four new photographic styles that let users have more creative control over images.
Budding and pro filmmakers alike will be well-equipped with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max devices, too. Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and Oscar-winning cinematographer Greig Frasier (Dune) gave the new phones a test run, and shared their thoughts at today’s keynote.
The smartphone’s new cinematic mode with machine learning “might even birth a new genre” of filmmaking, said Bigelow. The cameras allow users to adjust bokeh effects and more after recording HDR video with Dolby Vision, and the ProRes video format optimizes content for Final Cut Pro and other editing platforms. Added Frasier, “it will change the language of cinema in a very positive way.”
The new iPhone 13 devices are also designed with the environment in mind, as all use a fully recycled aluminum frame, plastic-free packaging, 100 percent recycled gold and tungsten hardware. The phones also come in five new finishes for the iPhone 13 and four new colorways for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max.
How to Pre-Order the iPhone 13 Online and In Stores
iPhone 13 pricing starts at $699 for the Mini, $799 for the standard model, $999 for the Pro and $1,099 for the Pro Max. Best Buy, Target and Walmart are among the retailers that are taking pre-orders and trade-ins, and you can also pre-order the iPhone 13 or trade in at mobile carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Depending on the condition and model of your existing device, you can trade it in for the iPhone 13 and save up to $1,000.
Shoppers will be able to start their iPhone 13 pre-orders online at Apple’s website in advance, and then complete the process Sept. 17. (The new iPads are already available to buy online and in stores.) The brand will also offer in-store pickup and next- and same-day delivery for online orders of iPads and iPhones in select cities.
The Best iPhone 13 Cases to Shop Online
For Apple aficionados who are already planning to preorder a shiny new device and want to protect their precious investment before it’s even in their hands, we’ve rounded up some of the best Apple iPhone 13 cases to shop online right now. From MagSafe-compatible cases to slim options that keep your screen scratch-free, check out all of our top picks for iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max devices below. (If you can’t part with your iPhone 12 yet, we’ve got cases for those too.)
1. Case-Mate iPhone 13 Pelican Protector MagSafe-Compatible Case
Case-Mate’s Pelican Protector case for iPhone 13 is compatible with MagSafe chargers, and features an impact-resistant shell and shock-absorbing rubber lining that deliver military-grade protection from multiple drops.
2. Speck Presidio2 Grip iPhone 13 Pro Max Case
Speck’s best-selling Presidio2 Grip case has 13-foot drop protection, one of the best we’ve seen. The slim, soft-touch case also has no-slip side grips and an antimicrobial coating, and it’s also thin enough for wireless charging.
3. Smartish iPhone 13 Gripzilla MagSafe-Compatible Case
This slim iPhone 13 case by Smartish has grooved sides and air pocket corners so that your device is protected from even the most slippery hands. The case is compatible with MagSafe chargers.
4. Totallee Thin iPhone 13 Case
At just .02 inches thick, Totallee makes some of the thinnest iPhone 13 cases that protect screens and prevent damage from drops. The brand’s ultra-slim cases are available for all of Apple’s latest smartphone models (including the Pro and Pro Max) in a variety of colors.
5. Coach iPhone 13 Pro Leather Folio Case
Designer logo lovers can profess their devotion for Coach with this leather folio case for the iPhone 13 Pro (also available for other models). This bifold wallet and phone case has three credit card and ID slots and a magnetic snap sclosure.
6. Pela Case Wild Terrazzo iPhone 13 Case
Pela Case’s best-selling eco-friendly case is also available for iPhone 13. The slim phone cover is made of compostable Flaxstic, and it’s also MagSafe compatible.
7. Casely iPhone 13 Classic Black Marble Case
This MagSafe-compatible case by Casely offers eight-foot drop protection, side grips for slip resistance and air pockets for shock absorption. It comes in a sleek black marble design, and has a three-millimeter raised lip for screen protection.
8. Casetify iPhone 13 Ultra Impact Crush Case
Available for all of the new iPhone 13 models, Casetify’s eco-conscious Ultra Impact Crush phone case is made of 65 percent recycled and plant-based materials, and protects your device from drops of up to 9.8 feet. The device protector features an antimicrobial coating and is compatible with wireless charging, and you can customize it with personalized text in a variety of layouts, fonts and colors.
9. Case-Mate MagSafe-Compatible iPhone 13 Pro Case
Case-Mate’s best-selling iridescent Soap Bubble case is also now available for iPhone 13 Pro (as well as other sizes and models), and it’s also compatible with MagSafe chargers.
10. Coach iPhone 13 Mini Case
This lightweight hardshell case by Coach protects phones from drops of up to six feet. The shock-resistant design is also compatible with wireless charging, and it’s finished with playful checkerboard graphics.
11. Smartish iPhone 13 Pro Max Wallet Case
Smartish’s Wallet Slayer case offers heavy-duty protection for iPhone 13 phones while letting users store their cash and credit cards. The case has textured sides to help you keep a firm grip and air-pocket corners for cushioning the phone if it falls.
12. Case-Mate Pelican Voyager Series iPhone 13 Case
Case-Mate’s Pelican Voyager case is one of the thinnest iPhone 13 cases that offer rugged protection, thanks to four layers of polycarbonate material that absorbs shock and impact from multiple drops. It can be paired with the brand’s swiveling belt lick and kickstand for on-the-go video viewing.
13. Totallee iPhone 13 Bundle
Known for its super-thin and minimalist cases, Totallee’s iPhone 13 bundle (available for all models from iPhone 11 and up) includes its best-selling soft clear case, a tempered glass screen protector and a wireless charger.
14. Case-Mate iPhone 13 Mini Tough Clear Plus MagSafe-Compatible Case
Made from plant-based materials, this MagSafe-compatible case for the iPhone 13 Mini offers 15-foot drop protection and a MicroPel antimicrobial coating.
15. Smartish Gripmunk MagSafe-Compatible iPhone 13 Case
This slim MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 case is lightweight while still keeping your device protected from scratches and drops. It has a microfiber lining and tactile “click” buttons on the sides.
16. Case-Mate iPhone 13 Pro Wallet Folio with MagSafe
Stow away your ID and credit cards without preventing your iPhone 13 Pro from charging with this MagSafe-compatible wallet folio case. (Note that you’ll want to remove any cards with magnetic strips before you do so.) It’s made from recycled plastic and genuine pebbled leather and features antimicrobial protection.
17. Case-Mate x Rifle Paper Co. iPhone 13 Pro Max MagSafe-Compatible Case
Floral lovers can get Rifle Paper Co.’s charming illustrations on their new iPhone 13 Pro Max with Case-Mate’s MagSafe-compatible case.
